Author: Jeffrey

Low Cost Divorce in Ohio.  When preparing for a divorce, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the emotions and cost associated with most divorce proceedings. However, it is important to know that paying exuberant costs  for a divorce attorney is not necessary. Affordable, quality representation is available if you look in the right place. Why not start with the team at Jeffrey Buskirk & Associates; the best source for family attorneys in Columbus! We pride ourselves in helping couples come to an agreement about their separation to ensure a dissolution or uncontested divorce. If you and your spouse can come to such an agreement, it will save you tons of time, money, and frustration within the court system. We work quickly at Jeffrey Buskirk & Associates.  We often help our clients reach an agreement within just 50 days!  Add this to our low fees, and you get affordable, quality service that ensures your divorce is handled fantastically. We understand that some clients prefer to keep their affairs private. Our team respects this, and offers private traveling judge services that help keep your privacy intact. Allow us to complete your divorce arrangements completely inside of our law office. Property, asset, and custody division is the biggest concern of any couple going through a divorce. Allow us to offer our experience in successfully arranging agreements in divorce cases to ensure  you  receive a settlement with which you are  satisfied. How Can I Expect Things to Happen? When working with our team, there is a set plan to successfully help you and your spouse reach a mutually beneficial agreement: We prepare all of your initial petitions for dissolution of marriage or complaints for divorce. We help you develop and document all details of your divorce, including child custody, child support, property division, spousal support agreements, and more. We prepare your final divorce or dissolution paperwork. We arrange a private judge to finalize the divorce or dissolution inside of our attorney offices. Let Us Assist You Feeling more confident about your ability to reach a mutually beneficial and quick dissolution or uncontested divorce? If so, please get in contact with the Jeffrey Buskirk and Associates law firm today. With our quick, affordable and private services we can help you begin the next step in your life. Contact my Grove City Law office.   We will provide a free consultation.

Family law in Ohio can be complex.  Before you making any significant decisions about your marriage, you should know  your rights and obligations.  Ohio Family law can be complicated.  Therefore,  you should consult an attorney to resolve any questions that you may have.   Generally, family law in Ohio applies equally to couples, so it is wise that you speak to a lawyer about your particular circumstances. An Ohio lawyer can provide you with accurate information regarding the law and will let you know how it may affect you. Your attorney can help you with information regarding: Getting married. When you marry, the law will treat your marriage as an equal economic partnership. If you dissolve your marriage, the value of the acquired property throughout the course of the marriage and the increased value of the property you purchased into your marriage will be divided. Topics relevant to families that are separating Referrals for services in your community Inform you about court procedures and all court forms Advise you on the various ways to resolve family law disputes such as arbitration, mediation, collaborative family law, legal information, and the court process. When you separate. There are regulations that can provide you with details of who has the right to stay in the home. In addition, Ohio family laws can provide you with the entitled financial support for you and your children upon the dissolution of the marriage. If you and your spouse had a will in place. It is possible that the will be revoked unless it is stated within that it was made in anticipation of the union. In such cases, a new will can be drawn up but learning the laws about when that will happen and what may happen after a spouse’s death are processes that should be guided by your lawyer. Prenuptial Agreement. There are couples who may feel like the law is not suitable for their type of relationship.  A prenuptial agreement can dictate another arrangement. A prenuptial agreement can provide details what is expected from one another during the course of the marriage and list any property that is being brought into the marriage. The value and proper ownership of the property can be stated in the contract in addition to how it will be divided if the marriage ends. Child custody. Deciding where your child or children will reside, is one of the arrangements that cannot be detailed in a prenuptial agreement but will be decided in court during the process of your divorce.

Basics of Social Security Disability.  If you have worked hard all your life and find yourself in a situation where you have become hurt and disabled and are no longer able to work, you deserve help. Social Security disability benefits were designed to help people who are unable to work and earn wages because of an injury or illness. Unfortunately, these people are often denied the benefits they deserve. If you are in need of Social Security Disability but have been denied, it’s time to contact an attorney. When Should I File For Social Security Disability? Knowing when to file for Social Security Disability can be difficult.  You actually have a couple of options. You can file before you quit your job; Your work hours must be limited.  Your income must be under the SSA limit which is approximately $1000.00 or less per month.  The SSA limit changes periodically.    If your health prevents you from working even part time, then file for disability the day you stop working. How Do I Apply For Social Security Disability? You have options for applying.  You can apply for Social Security Disability online, in person or by mail.  Before you fill out your paperwork, you need to make sure that you qualify for benefits. To qualify, you must have an injury, illness or disability that is considered severe, has or will last for 12 months or more and prevents you from being able to work. A doctor can provide you with a health report or physical that offers proof that such an illness or disability exists. You may need to turn in this proof with your application. What Can I Do If My Application Is Denied? If you have applied for Social Security Disability benefits and have been denied, ,you need to contact an attorney in your state. You have a lot of options.  if you are living in Ohio, call Jeff Buskirk, a qualified and experienced Disability. Your attorney will help fight for your rights and get you the benefits you deserve. You can file an appeal and go before a judge.  The judge will carefully review your case.   Don’t take no for an answer. Get help today.

Appealing a social security denial.  If you  have been denied social security disability benefits in Columbus, Ohio you should appeal!  Most applicants get rejected  when they apply on their own. Thankfully, you have options.   You can start a new claim.  You can appeal the decision. An attorney can help you decide which is best. The Social Security Administration will deny a claim if they determine that an applicant’s disability should not prevent work.  They may mention an applicant’s residual functional ability as a reason for denial. The administration may also decide that there are insufficient medical records.  The consultative checkup may give social security evidence to disprove a disability claim. The DDS (Disability Determination Services) evaluation may discover that your disability is not classified as long term.   If you get a denial of your disability claim, you should  appeal the decision. There are four phases in the appeal process for a disability claim. The four phases include: 1. Reconsideration 2. Administrative Hearing 3. Appeals Council Review 4. Federal Court If DDS denies an initial claim, you can file a “Request for Reconsideration” . You have  sixty days after the date of your denial to request a hearing. This phase is led internally by DDS. An inspector for DDS that didn’t work on your particular claim will assess the entry file and conclude if your denial was made in error. Statistics show that claims are seldom overturned at the reconsideration stage. If you get denied at reconsideration,  you have sixty days to  request a hearing. At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to present your disability claim to an Administrative Law Judge. YOur chances of getting approved in Columbus, Ohio  are better if you have a lawyer.   Since the Social Security Administration is a widespread administration, the people that represent this system are remarkably familiar with the procedures and practices involved in distributing denials of claims. It is exceptionally tough to form evidence of a disability qualified for benefits without familiarity or experience that can equal that of the SSA. Claims that are entering the third stage of consideration (this is the phase of appeal at the Administrative Hearing) can be handled by attorneys representing the interests of the claimant. Statistics show that represented claimants are approved at higher rates at the hearing stage.

SSI and how do I apply?  Benefits programs are available that can help disabled adults and children who may have limited resources and income. Supplemental Security Income Benefits (SSI) is an available program funded by general tax revenues (not to be mixed up with Social Security taxes). The program is intended to support people who are above 65 years of age, people who are disabled or blind.  You must have restricted financial resources or no income at all. The funds received by the program can assist people meet their basic needs for shelter, food, and clothing. There is a screening process that decides whether or not a person is eligible to receive benefits. You can use the online tool available on the Social Security Administration’s website where you can answer a sequence of questions to determine your eligibility. The Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST) is designed to assist you in learning how to qualify and walks you through the application process. All of the benefits that SSI administers are listed on the website but the actual application for benefits is not. The online tool also doesn’t have the ability to estimate what your possible benefits amounts might be. Once you have determined if you are eligible using BEST, you can begin the application process. You can complete an application by contacting an attorney or by calling SSA’s toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 and making an appointment to apply. For individuals who have difficulty hearing or who are deaf, the TYY line is 1-800-325-0778. You have the ability to ask for a phone appointment to apply, or you can apply in person at your nearby Social Security office. At the time of your appointment, a representative will assist you with the completion of the application for benefits. There is no availability to complete the application process online because most of the forms for SSI are not constructed for self-completion. If you are seeking benefits, you should not wait to apply in order to prevent losing benefits that you are eligible to receive immediately. SSI does not have the ability to pay for retroactive pay periods so amounts will be paid as of your effective application date. Bear in mind that missing your appointment does not require you to reschedule. If you’ve missed your appointment, a representative will touch base with you or you will receive a letter stating that you have 60 days from the printed date on the letter to file your application. For more facts on how to apply for Supplemental Security benefits  (SSI), you can visit the social security website.

Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI)  is not something you plan.   Disability is more common than you might suspect. Studies show that more than 25 % of 20-year-olds will become disabled before they reach 67. Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI) can offer you a safety net in the event that you become disabled and can no longer work. Who Qualifies for Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI)? Before you are able to qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you must have held jobs that were covered by Social Security.  You must have a disability that has lasted or is expected to last a year or more. You must not be able to do your past work.  You must not be able to transition into new work. Besides meeting the definition of disability, a person must have earned enough credits  to qualify. You obtain credits by working.   Credits are earned based on how much total yearly income a person makes and a person can earn four credits a year. The amount needed to earn a credit changes each year.  In 2015, you earn one credit for each $1,220 earned. After you’ve earned $4,880, you’ve acquired your four credits for the year. Generally, someone needs 40 credits to qualify with at least 20 of them earned in the last 10 years. Younger workers may get benefits with fewer credits. How to Apply for Social Security Benefits and Get Approved As soon as you become disabled, you should apply for benefits. You can file on your own. Also a lawyer can help you apply.  If you choose to file on your own, you can complete your application online or call 1-800-772-1213. The hearing impaired are invited to call TTY1-800-325-0778. Before you apply for social security disability benefits, you will need to prepare. You will need your Social Security number and proof of age.  You will need all medical information pertinent to your disability, a summary of where you worked, a summary of what you did at each job, and and your recent W2 or tax return if self-employed. If approved, you will receive your first disability payment a full six months after the day your disability started. The amount of money you receive depends on the lifetime average earnings that has been covered by social security. When you apply for Social Security disability benefits, you can increase your chances of approval.  Chances are improved if you have a lawyer who knows the process.   A lawyer knows the judges.  Please contact us today if you or your family member has become disabled.

Family Law Attorneys In Grove City, Ohio.  Your family is one of your top priorities. So when legal situations arise in our families, they can be some of the most trying situations in life. For more than 25-years, we’ve provided our clients personalized legal counsel to help them navigate all aspects of family law from marriage and divorce to child custody. Marriage Law in Ohio Besides being a personal and spiritual relationship, marriage is also a legal partnership. In Ohio, when you marry, you and your partner enter into a legal contract. Each marriage in Ohio has three parties including you, your spouse, and the state Ohio. Each party has obligations to each other, their potential children, and the state. For those not seeking marriage, civil unions are an alternative form of legal partnership which has different laws. Separation and Divorce Separation and divorce are challenging situations to deal with. Whether it is a mutual or if one spouse wants to file against the other, our attorneys can represent you to make sure your rights are fully protected under the law. We specialize in helping spouses resolve as many issues outside of court as possible creating significant savings for you. Stress and emotions can run high during divorce. Because of our 25-years of experience, we can make the process as smooth and peaceful for your family as possible. Spousal Support Spousal Support is a legal obligation in which one partner needs to provide financial support to his or her spouse before or after separation or divorce. Becoming less common over the past decade, Spousal Support has been revised because of the changing spousal roles in the country. Spousal Support laws vary in each state and you are encouraged to contact us if you have any questions. Child Custody and Support When a married couple files for divorce, their children’s best interests come first and foremost. The state must make sure children are cared for and are provided with appropriate parenting. Most divorce cases that involve children do need to go to court. A judge will offer the final decision on parenting time, custody, and support. Having an attorney on your team during a child custody hearing is vital to fair representation and to achieving your goals. If you have any questions about family law, our Grove City lawyers are ready to help. Please call our law office at 1(855) 879-2002 or 1(855) 879-2002 FREE or send us a message online for your free initial consultation.

The process of filing for divorce.  When a marriage is unstable, the unfortunate possibility of divorce may seem imminent. Knowing the process for filing for divorce can help make this stressful and emotional time less draining. Understanding how to fill out forms, file them properly, and what information you will need before any hearing will expedite this trying processes. Make Sure You Understand the Legal Requirements of Your Area Although many states will have similar requirements and standards required to file for divorce, some states differ in their procedures. Consulting your divorce attorney or going to domestic court to inquire about local requirements will save you a lot of trouble. File the Most Thorough Divorce Petition Possible Ohio is a “no-fault” divorce state. Even in cases of abuse/adultery, you can allege adultery or extreme cruelty as grounds, but they are considered as no-fault grounds. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code section. 3105.01 Divorce causes. The court of common pleas may grant divorces for the following causes:

• Either party had a husband or wife living at the time of the marriage from which the divorce is sought;
• Willful absence of the adverse party for one year;
• Adultery;
• Extreme cruelty;
• Fraudulent contract;
• Any gross neglect of duty;
• Habitual drunkenness;
• Imprisonment of the adverse party in a state or federal correctional institution at the time of filing the complaint;
• Procurement of a divorce outside this state, by a husband or wife, by virtue of which the party who procured it is released from the obligations of the marriage, while those obligations remain binding upon the other party;
• On the application of either party, when husband and wife have, without interruption for one year, lived separate and apart without cohabitation;
• Incompatibility, unless denied by either party.

If you have children, there are various child support and child custody papers you will need to complete. Consulting your attorney about these papers is necessary, as they will help ensure you have included every needed detail. Serve the Divorce Papers For a divorce to officially begin, you must find a way to “serve” the divorce papers to your spouse. Unfortunately, you will not be able to serve these papers to your spouse yourself. Find an adult friend who can do so for you, or hire a professional service that specializes in serving divorce papers. If you are involved in a “fault” divorce that came about because of domestic violence, you should seek police assistance. Undergo Mediation and Settlement before the Trial If both parties are willing, mediation can be useful in reaching an agreement both parties will find ideal. In some states, it is required that divorcing couples undergo mediation before the trial in order to reach an agreement on sensitive assets such as property, as well as the visitation rights for their children. Professionals such as “alternative dispute resolution” specialists can help make this process go smoothly. Attend the Trial and Appeals Not every divorce case will have this step, but if you are required to attend a trial or appeal, you need to be prepared. Preparing evidence, witness testimony, and other useful resources can help you convince the Judge to decide on the settlement that is best for you. If any modifications are needed or wanted to a “divorce judgement,” you will need to enter the appeal process.