Dividing property during divorce is rarely simple, and when it involves stocks, retirement accounts, or other investments, the process can quickly become even more complex . At Hoover Kacyon, we understand how stressful it can be to untangle financial assets during an emotionally challenging time. Our goal is to guide clients through these challenges with clarity, precision, and compassion. Marital vs. Separate Property in Ohio Ohio follows equitable distribution laws, which means marital assets are divided fairly, though not always equally. Stocks, mutual funds, and other investments acquired during the marriage are typically considered marital property, regardless of which spouse’s name is on the account. However, assets owned before the marriage or acquired via inheritance or gift are generally treated as separate property and may not be subject to division. Correctly identifying what qualifies as marital versus separate is the first step to a fair outcome. Valuing and Dividing Investment Accounts Once marital assets are identified, the next step is determining their value. This process can be especially tricky for fluctuating assets like stocks or stock options. In many cases, financial professionals are brought in to assess the value of these accounts at the time of divorce. From there, investments may be split directly or offset with other assets, such as cash, retirement funds, or real estate. If it’s impractical to divide certain accounts, one spouse may retain the investment while the other receives a comparable asset. Handling Retirement Accounts and Stock Options Retirement accounts such as 401(k)s, IRAs, and pensions are often among the most significant marital assets. In Ohio, these are commonly divided using a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), which allows for tax-free transfer of funds to the non-owning spouse. Stock options can be even more complex due to vesting schedules and potential future value. In such cases, timing, valuation methods, and division strategies require experienced legal and financial insight. Why Legal Guidance Matters If you’re divorcing in Ohio and dealing with significant investments, having skilled legal representation is critical. At Hoover Kacyon, we’re here to protect your financial future and ensure a fair division of all assets, no matter how complex. We deliver the highest quality legal representation from a team of professionals while also providing excellent customer service. Call us at 330-922-4491 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.

Since the 2015 Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, same-sex couples in Ohio have gained full marriage equality, granting them the same legal recognition and protections as opposite-sex couples. While this was a historic win, navigating the nuances of family law can still be complex, especially as it relates to parenting, property, and legal planning. Marriage and Family Law Protections Married same-sex couples in Ohio enjoy key rights, including joint tax filing, inheritance without a will, and medical decision-making authority for a spouse. These protections also extend to family law matters, such as child custody and spousal support. In custody cases, Ohio courts prioritize the child’s best interests, allowing both partners to seek shared custody or visitation rights, provided the court recognizes them as legal parents. Adoption laws in Ohio support joint adoption, stepparent adoption, and second-parent adoption—critical steps for couples who wish to ensure both parents have equal legal standing in their child’s life. Financial and Estate Planning Marriage grants same-sex couples access to financial benefits such as Social Security survivor benefits, spousal health insurance, and equitable division of marital property during divorce. However, couples must establish clear estate plans, including wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives, to avoid future legal complications and ensure their wishes are honored. Protection Against Discrimination Although federal laws prohibit discrimination in employment and housing, Ohio lacks comprehensive protections for same-sex couples in public accommodations. Staying informed about legal rights and seeking advice when issues arise is key to avoiding discrimination and ensuring equal treatment. Why Legal Guidance Matters While legal advancements have paved the way for more equal treatment, same-sex couples can still face challenges in areas like parental rights or estate disputes. Consulting with a knowledgeable family law attorney can help proactively protect your rights and provide peace of mind. At Hoover Kacyon, our team is committed to supporting all families with clarity and compassion. If you have questions about your legal rights as a same-sex couple in northeastern Ohio, we’re here to help you navigate every step of the process. We deliver the highest quality legal representation from a team of professionals while also providing excellent customer service. Call us at 330-922-4491 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.

Adopting a child is a life-changing decision that is both exciting and complex. While adoption success rates remain high, the process can be challenging, especially for first-time adoptive parents. At Hoover Kacyon, we help Ohio families navigate the adoption process with confidence by avoiding common pitfalls that can delay or even derail it. 1. Trying to Navigate the Process Without Legal Support Adoption involves a maze of paperwork, deadlines, and legal requirements. One of the biggest mistakes families make is attempting to handle it all alone. An experienced Ohio adoption attorney can ensure that every step is completed accurately and legally. From reviewing agreements to guiding you through court proceedings, legal guidance can save time, stress, and potential setbacks. 2. Overlooking the Role of Birth Parents Regardless of the type of adoption—whether private, agency, or open—respecting the birth parents is essential. In open adoptions, where communication between adoptive and birth families is more common, maintaining a respectful and transparent relationship benefits everyone, especially the child. Compassion and understanding can go a long way in creating a smooth transition for all involved. 3. Ignoring Adoption Regulations and Updates Adoption laws are continually evolving to protect children and families. In Ohio, rules regarding advertising for adoption, social media usage, and financial transactions are taken seriously. Failing to follow proper procedures can lead to legal issues or the denial of your adoption petition. Always consult with your adoption professional or attorney before making public posts or agreements. 4. Skipping the Research Every adoption is different. Costs, wait times, and legal requirements can vary significantly based on the circumstances. Doing your homework—about the agency, the process, and even travel requirements—can prevent delays or misunderstandings. Knowledge is power, especially when supported by trusted legal counsel. 5. Falling for Adoption Scams Sadly, scams still target hopeful adoptive parents. Be wary of anyone requesting large payments in advance or promising a quick match. A qualified Ohio adoption lawyer can help you vet agencies, review contracts, and ensure your adoption follows all legal standards. Ready to Start the Journey? At Hoover Kacyon, our adoption attorneys are here to guide you through every step, from the initial consultation to finalization. If you're considering adoption in 2025, contact our team today to learn how we can help you build your family with confidence and peace of mind. We deliver the highest quality legal representation from a team of professionals, while also providing excellent customer service. Call us at 330-922-4491 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.

Meeting with an attorney for the first time—often called an initial consultation—is a key step in addressing your legal issue. Whether you're dealing with family matters, criminal charges, or civil disputes, this first meeting helps both you and the attorney determine if you're a good fit to work together. Even if you decide not to hire that lawyer, the consultation can still offer valuable insight and direction. To make the most of this appointment, preparation is essential. Here are a few ways to ensure your consultation is productive and efficient: 1. Write Down Your Questions Before your meeting, jot down any questions or concerns you want addressed. This step helps ensure you don’t forget anything important in the moment. Bring a notepad to take notes, or leave room next to your questions for the attorney's responses. 2. Share Key Details If there’s something important about your case—even if it feels minor or uncomfortable—write it down. Confidentiality rules bind attorneys and require them not to disclose what you share unless legally required. Information you think is irrelevant might be crucial to your case. 3. Bring Relevant Documents Gather any paperwork tied to your legal issue. This compilation could include court filings, contracts, photos, emails, or text messages. These materials give the attorney a clearer picture of your situation. 4. Provide Copies Avoid handing over original documents. Instead, bring or send copies ahead of time via email or secure upload. This effort saves time and allows the attorney to review your case more thoroughly. 5. Be Ready to Pay Some consultations are free, but many involve a small fee. Plan by bringing a form of payment—cash, check, or card. 6. Consider Confidentiality If you want to bring someone for support, be aware that it may affect confidentiality. Conversations with your lawyer are privileged—unless a third party is present. 7. Limit Distractions Turn off your phone before the meeting to show respect for the attorney’s time—and to stay focused on the discussion. Need Legal Help in Ohio?  At Hoover Kacyon LLC, we’re committed to guiding clients through their legal challenges with compassion and clarity. We are dedicated to supporting our clients in Akron, Cuyahoga Falls, and Fairlawn, Ohio, and delivering the highest quality legal representation from a team of professionals while also providing excellent, compassionate customer service. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward.

After an accident, the stress can feel relentless—medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional strain of recovery all add up. During this time, having a personal injury attorney in your corner can make a significant difference. Legal Expertise You Can Trust Personal injury law is complex. An experienced attorney understands how to navigate local laws, deadlines, and liability issues to protect your rights. Without that knowledge, you risk missing key opportunities to strengthen your case or file within the correct time frame. Accurately Valuing Your Claim Your injuries may impact you far beyond your current medical bills. An attorney knows how to evaluate your claim based on long-term needs like future treatments, loss of earning potential, and emotional suffering. This valuation ensures you’re not settling for less than you deserve. Dealing with Insurance Companies Insurance companies aim to pay as little as possible. A seasoned lawyer understands their tactics and negotiates on your behalf, significantly increasing your chances of securing a fair settlement. Resources That Strengthen Your Case Personal injury lawyers often work with medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and investigators to build strong, evidence-backed cases. These professionals help clarify what happened and why you deserve compensation. Support Through Every Step Handling legal paperwork, meeting deadlines, and communicating with insurers can be overwhelming, especially when you need to focus on healing. Your attorney takes on that burden, allowing you to focus on recovery. Plus, many work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless they win your case. Get the Support You Deserve At Hoover Kacyon LLC, we believe no one should face the aftermath of an accident alone. Our team is here to provide knowledgeable legal support, advocate for your best interests, and help you confidently move forward. We are dedicated to supporting our clients in Akron, Cuyahoga Falls, and Fairlawn, Ohio, and delivering the highest quality legal representation from a team of professionals while also providing excellent, compassionate customer service. Call us at 330-922-4491 or contact us online to make an appointment and find out how we can help you get the compensation you need—and the peace of mind you deserve.

First off, congratulations on your engagement! As you dive into the exciting world of wedding planning—choosing the venue, tasting cake samples, and managing guest lists—it’s easy to focus on the celebration and overlook the legal and financial foundation of your future together. One important item that often gets left off the checklist is a prenuptial agreement. Why Consider a Prenuptial Agreement in Ohio? A prenuptial agreement , or “prenup,” is a legally binding contract made before marriage that outlines how to handle assets, debts, and financial matters in the event of divorce or death. In Ohio, prenups are enforceable if they are entered voluntarily, disclose all assets fully, and are fair when signing. Couples might consider a prenup to: Protect pre-marital assets or businesses Define responsibility for individual and joint debts Plan for future inheritances Outline spousal support expectations While you cannot include child custody or child support terms in a prenup under Ohio law (those decisions are always made in the child's best interest at the time of separation), you can make agreements about things like future education expenses or additional support. Starting the Conversation Bringing up a prenup doesn’t have to be awkward. Here are a few tips to make the conversation easier: Choose your timing wisely. Find a calm moment when you’re both open to discussing your future. Be transparent about your reasons. Framing the agreement as a mutual protection and clarity tool can go a long way. Engage your partner . This process should be a joint one, not a demand from one side. Stay focused on your relationship. Input from others is natural, but the agreement should reflect your shared values and goals. At Hoover Kacyon, LLC, we understand the emotional and practical aspects of marriage planning. A prenup isn’t about expecting failure—it’s about entering your marriage with honesty, respect, and shared understanding. Ready to talk it through? Our family law attorneys are here to help you protect what matters most—now and in the future. We deliver the highest quality legal representation from a team of professionals while also providing excellent customer service. Call us at 330-922-4491 or contact us online to make an appointment.

Passing away without a will—also known as dying intestate—means that the probate court will decide how to distribute your assets under Ohio’s intestate succession laws. While this process ensures your property eventually goes to family, it may not reflect your wishes. Understanding Intestacy in Ohio When someone dies intestate, the law determines their “heirs”—typically close relatives like a spouse, children, parents, or siblings. In Ohio, the distribution depends heavily on your family structure at death. If you’re married with children , your surviving spouse may inherit everything, but if you have children from a previous relationship, your estate could be divided between them. If you're unmarried , your children are first in line, followed by parents, siblings, and so on. Without any surviving relatives, your estate could eventually pass to the state. Not All Assets Go Through Probate It’s important to understand that not every asset is subject to probate , even if you die without a will. Assets with named beneficiaries, such as: Life insurance policies Retirement accounts (401(k)s, IRAs) Payable-on-death (POD) or transfer-on-death (TOD) accounts Property held in joint tenancy with right of survivorship These pass directly to the named person, bypassing probate entirely. That means even without a will, those designations can dictate where a portion of your estate goes. What About Real Estate in Other States? If you own property outside Ohio, that real estate will be distributed according to the laws of the state in which it is located, not Ohio’s. This detail can lead to additional complications and delays for your loved ones. Avoid the Guesswork—Create a Will Relying on state law to determine who receives your assets can result in unintended consequences. Cohabitating partners, stepchildren, or close friends are generally not considered legal heirs under Ohio law and could be left with nothing. At Hoover Kacyon, LLC, our estate planning attorneys can help you draft a clear, legally valid will that ensures your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are protected. Don’t leave your legacy to chance—c all us at 330-922-4491 or contact us online to make an appointment. We deliver the highest quality legal representation from a team of professionals while also providing excellent customer service.

The COVID-19 pandemic led many individuals to take action on their estate plans —either by creating a will for the first time or updating an existing one. This shift was a step in the right direction. Dying without a will, known as dying intestate, means that Ohio law will determine how to divide your assets, which can create unnecessary complications for your loved ones. However, even with a will in place, there’s another critical piece of the puzzle: your beneficiary designations . Beneficiary Designations Override Your Will Many people don’t realize that the beneficiaries named on certain accounts—like retirement plans, life insurance policies, bank accounts, and investment accounts— supersede what’s written in your will. This means that even if your will says one thing, these accounts will go to the person listed on the form, regardless of how long ago it was completed. That’s why it’s essential to regularly review and update your beneficiary designations, especially after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the death of a loved one. Even a change in address or name should prompt a review to ensure everything remains accurate and aligned with your intentions. Consider Charitable Beneficiaries In some cases, naming a nonprofit or charitable organization as a beneficiary can be a thoughtful and tax-efficient option. Because charities are tax-exempt, they can receive retirement assets without the income tax burden an individual might face. If you choose this route, be sure to list the organization's full legal name to avoid confusion. Keep Your Estate Plan Current Ultimately, you are responsible for updating your beneficiary designations. Make it a habit to revisit your estate plan—including these designations—every few years. If you need assistance or have questions, the estate planning attorneys at Hoover Kacyon, LLC are here to help guide you through the process with clarity and care. We deliver the highest quality legal representation from a team of professionals while also providing excellent customer service. Call us at 330-922-4491 or contact us online to make an appointment.