Comprehensive Legal Services to Guide You
Hoyt Law Offices offers a diverse range of legal services designed to guide you through life's most challenging moments. Whether you need assistance with family law, criminal defense, or estate planning, our experienced team is here to provide the support you need.
Auto Injury
Dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming, and representing yourself can jeopardize your settlement. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you receive the maximum compensation. While most cases settle before trial, significant recoveries often result from thorough trial preparation. Insurance companies know which attorneys are ready for trial, and we are prepared to fight for you.
We offer flexible meetings, including hospital visits or evening and Saturday appointments, to accommodate your needs. Most cases are handled on a contingency basis—if there’s no recovery, there’s no fee. Any costs incurred, like filing fees, are typically paid from your recovery.
If you or your family has been in an accident, here are critical steps to take:
Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a complete description of your legal rights, but as a checklist of some of the important issues you should consider.
Business and Tax Law
Hoyt Law Offices provides comprehensive legal services in business and tax matters, including contracts, workers' compensation, tax audits, collection enforcement, and dispute settlements. We also handle business, contract, tort, probate, divorce, and family law cases, and partner with a top strategic financial consulting provider.
Contracts are vital to business. For an agreement to be enforceable, it must involve an offer, acceptance, a bargained-for exchange, and clear terms. Even valid contracts may face challenges, such as defenses against unfairness, and in some cases, may be voided entirely.
Fewer than 20% of Offers in Compromise (OICs) are approved due to improper applications and financial miscalculations. At Hoyt Law Office, we provide expert guidance and thorough documentation to improve your chances with the IRS. We offer licensed tax professionals who ensure your case is handled properly, unlike unqualified TV tax relief ads.
The IRS Fresh Start program makes it easier for taxpayers to resolve their tax debt:
Child Custody & Shared Parenting
Since January 1, 1998, unmarried mothers automatically have legal custody of their child unless the court orders otherwise. If the father seeks custody, both parents must prove they are the better caregiver, considering factors like daily care, mental health, and domestic violence history.
It’s advisable to allow reasonable visitation with the father, even before a court order. This can show you’re willing to cooperate with future visitation rights.
Unmarried fathers must establish paternity to seek custody or visitation.
Shared parenting is encouraged by Ohio courts and involves both parents sharing responsibilities, including decision-making and care. The court will assess factors like cooperation, proximity, and the child’s best interests when deciding if shared parenting is appropriate.
Co-parenting is when separated parents work together to raise their child, ensuring the child maintains strong relationships with both parents. The goal is to put the child’s needs first, promoting love and stability from both parents.
Child Support
Ohio law sets strict guidelines for child support based on factors like the number of children, parent's income, and more. After determining the amount, consult with an attorney to see if any statutory deviations could affect the order. Challenges to a child support order can be made by either parent in situations such as delays, errors in processing, or failure to act on requests. The custodial parent may challenge the order for issues like improper collection or distribution, while the noncustodial parent may contest paternity issues or modification refusals.
Spousal Support
Spousal support, or alimony, may be awarded if one spouse earns significantly more than the other. Courts can grant temporary or permanent spousal support based on various factors, including income, earning ability, duration of the marriage, and the needs of the spouse. The court considers both parties' assets, liabilities, and contributions to the marriage when determining support.
Criminal Law Representation
We represent clients in various criminal matters, including theft, white-collar crimes, robbery, drug offenses, DUI, domestic violence, and more. We defend against felony and misdemeanor charges in municipal, common pleas, district courts, and federal courts.
We often file motions to suppress improperly obtained evidence, as police must follow specific rules before presenting evidence in court.
Most criminal and traffic matters are charged on a flat fee basis, depending on the court and case complexity. Fees are typically required before we enter your case.
We believe in a proactive defense, which includes acting quickly to prevent arrests and ensuring all evidence is preserved. Early representation can help avoid long-term consequences, such as a criminal record or jail time.
Divorce
In Ohio, an uncontested divorce differs from a dissolution (often called an amicable or no-fault divorce). A divorce involves one spouse filing a lawsuit against the other to seek termination of the marriage, while a dissolution is an agreement between both parties to end the marriage without court intervention. A significant difference is that a divorce may end with just one spouse present at the final hearing, which is helpful when a spouse is absent, such as in the case of military deployment.
Most cases settle, as mediation and negotiation can resolve issues without trial. As a certified mediator, I strive to settle even difficult cases. However, if a settlement cannot be reached, a trial will determine the outcome, which may create additional costs and uncertainty.
Dissolution Overview
We offer representation in various family law matters, including divorce, custody, child support, and spousal support. These issues can be complex, but we work with you to develop agreements while protecting your rights.
Dissolution is a non-adversarial legal process to end a marriage. Both parties must agree on property division, parental rights, and spousal support. The process involves filing a Petition for Dissolution and a Separation Agreement. A hearing is scheduled 30-90 days after filing, and the process typically takes less than three months, much faster than a contested divorce.
Note: Dissolution isn't right for every situation. Contact us at (513) 218-5621 to discuss your options.
Family Law
We provide expert representation in family law, including divorce, custody, spousal support, and juvenile law. Our goal is to help you navigate disputes and reach agreements on difficult issues while protecting your rights.
Juvenile Law
Juvenile violations should never be taken lightly, as they can have lasting consequences. If your child is involved in a juvenile matter, it's critical to understand the legal process:
Contact Us Today
If you’re facing legal challenges, we’re here to help. Contact Hoyt Law Offices today to schedule a consultation and explore how we can protect your interests.