Family Law

• Divorce
  Ohio, a lawyer focused on divorce and family law needs to be an expert at small print and fine details. Contracts are often dense, and marital contracts are no different. Having someone paying attention to the minuscule turns of phrase can prevent missteps. When you have the eye of a person who is an
• Child Support
  Family law, also known as domestic relations law, includes divorce and dissolution, juvenile custody, child support matters, and many other areas. Many clients also need family attorneys to help with post-divorce issues like child support, custody modification, and contempt proceedings. The law firm of Donnellon, Donnellon & Miller brings a family law background that is robust enough to serve clients with various needs. Several of our Cincinnati family lawyers are seasoned veterans of the metro’s family law courts. Based on their tremendous experience, they work hard to represent the best interests of their clients.
• Child Custody and Visitation
  If you are going through a divorce, and there are children involved, you will likely need the services of a child custody attorney.
• Adoption
• Paternity
• Premarital Agreement
  Sooner or later, there is a good chance your family will benefit from having a Cincinnati family law attorney. This type of professional handles all legal matters relating to families, such as divorce, child custody, prenuptial agreements, estates and Wills, and adoption.
• Guardianship
  It’s easy to assume that you’ll always be around to care for your children or an adult who depends on you. However, life can change instantly, leaving a vulnerable child or adult without someone to rely on. If you have a child or adult who can’t make sound financial and legal decisions for themselves, you might consider seeking legal guardianship.
• Spousal Support
  After a couple finalizes their divorce, they should not be caught off-guard by issues coming up later, even years after the divorce has been granted. For example, some custodial arrangements might need modification as children grow up. Also, changes in one party’s financial circumstances might warrant a spousal support modification. If a parent is not following the Court’s earlier order regarding support, visitation, or property division, that Court has jurisdiction to determine whether that parent should be held in Contempt. The family attorneys at Donnellon, Donnellon & Miller have experience in all post-divorce issues that may arise. They can help you anticipate, address, and resolve any post-divorce issue, even when it comes to enforcing adherence to court orders or requesting the necessary modifications. Their goal is to rectify any situation with as little friction and in the most efficient and affordable way possible.
• Legal Separation
  Divorce is handled under civil law, and all of the legal aspects of these concerns – legal separation, spousal support, child custody, child support, visitation rights, etc. – fall under the rubric of “family law.” Divorce attorneys are often called family practice attorneys as well.

Criminal Law

• Criminal Defense
  Criminal law is best understood as it differs from civil law. Where civil law involves individuals disagreeing over their rights, and seeking restitution or compensation, a criminal lawyer deals with people who have (or may have) committed crimes.
• DUI/DWI
  What qualities should this Cincinnati DUI attorney possess? How do you decide between multiple options in your representation?
• Sex Crimes
  Mid-level felonies can lead to lengthy prison sentences, depending on the case and circumstances. Class E, Class F, and Class G felonies may be related to sexual assault, violent assault, involuntary manslaughter, or habitual DUI or driving while impaired. Drug trafficking crimes can also fall into this mid-level category. Probationary sentences are possible, but are generally much more intensive than those awarded for Class H or Class I felony sentences.
• Robbery
  High-level felonies are often violent crimes. Arson, voluntary manslaughter, murder, armed robbery, and forcible rape are most commonly categorized as Class A, Class B1, Class B2, Class C, or Class D felonies. Some drug trafficking cases can fall into the high-level classifications, as can cases of statutory rape or burglary. High-level felonies carry the maximum sentences, and can lead to decades in prison, life sentences, or capital punishment. For such felonies, it is particularly important that you find the right criminal lawyers in Cincinnati, Ohio.
• Burglary
• Misdemeanors
  Misdemeanor trials are handled differently from felony cases. Misdemeanor hearings can move relatively quickly through the court system – often taking less than a year. There will be many court dates, but those court dates are often grouped closer together in time. Most defendants plead guilty in misdemeanor cases, and that guilty plea can happen in any of those court dates.
• Embezzlement
  Low-level felonies are generally related to property or drugs. Possession of small amounts of controlled substances, or sales of those substances in small amounts, is felonious, but considered low-level. Class H or Class I felonies include such property crimes as embezzlement, obtaining property by false pretenses, or larceny. A defendant may receive probation for such an offense. Sentences that are probationary may include house arrest, community service, counseling for substance abuse, or weekends in jail (but weekdays working and staying at home). Low-level felonies are often resolved with the use of plea deals to reduce charges. The maximum penalty for a Class I felony — the least serious type of felony — is two years in jail. In cases happening in the courts of Cincinnati, Ohio, a criminal lawyer can often fight for a significantly reduced sentence for a low-level felony.
• Drug Crimes
• Assault
• Murder
• Arson
  Each state has its own criminal code. Therefore, an intimate understanding of Ohio’s criminal code is essential for anyone working in this part of the legal world. Only a few crimes are federal crimes – embezzlement, espionage, genocide, kidnapping, forgery, counterfeit, and arson are among those crimes. Otherwise, most criminal law is up to the state court systems. Ohio courts have their own unique way of operating, and their own set of considerations to address.
• Restraining Order
  Dissolution are similar in that they result in the termination of a marriage. When deciding which type of proceeding is best for you, you should consider cost, time, and the need for temporary orders. For example, if you anticipate the need for a temporary restraining order, you should consider a divorce because temporary orders are not available in a dissolution. Talk to your Domestic Relations Lawyer in Cincinnati about which proceeding will most likely yield a fair outcome and represent your best interests.
• Forgery
• Kidnapping
• Manslaughter

Business and Corporate Law

• Business Formation
  Doug Miller concentrates in the areas of tax law, wills and estate planning, probate, business formation and planning, real estate law and local government law. He is also a certified public accountant (inactive) and handles various areas of taxation including federal and state income taxes, estate taxes, and business taxes. His local government activities provide a depth of experience from employment, procurement and contracts to land use, zoning and tax increment financing. Mr. Miller is a former member of the Hamilton County Board of Zoning Appeals and has acted as special counsel to a number of communities in the areas of zoning and development.
• Business Disputes
  Terry Donnellon specializes his practice in personal injury, litigation, business law, dealership law, special needs trusts, and municipal law. Terry is the current Law Director for the City of Montgomery.

Employment Law

• Workers Compensation
  Worker conditions and safety, and the required benefits associated with the Bureau of Workers Compensation, are areas in which our firm excels. Our legal team knows the fine details of workplace injuries, and has a great deal of knowledge and experience helping injured workers receive the benefits, settlements, and both monetary and medical compensation and they deserve.
• Wrongful Termination
  Some vital and popular examples of laws applicable to the employment arena are the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 that prevents discrimination based on a person’s race, color, religion, gender, or national origin, and the Fair Labor Standards Act, which establishes the federal minimum hourly wage and overtime compensation requirements. Other areas of employment law include wrongful termination, family & medical leave, and reasonable accommodation for employees with disabilities. There are many nuances within these laws, so a team with knowledge and experience is essential.
• Employment Litigation
  Each of these various forms of business ownership has their own tax and liability ramifications. Our attorneys will help you sort through the maze of regulations, legislation, tax laws, employment issues, and other legal issues to determine which style of ownership best suits your business needs. We have attorneys who are licensed in both Ohio and Kentucky and can represent the small business operation in both jurisdictions.

Property Law

• Real Estate Litigation
  Real estate law calls for people who are well-connected within the real estate community. The attorneys of Donnellon, Donnellon & Miller are well acquainted with the title officers and the realtors that move in the Cincinnati market. From Comey & Shepherd to Sibcy Cline to Star One and Huff Realty — not to mention the RE/MAX agents and Coldwell Banker offices around town — our team is experienced and knowledgeable. We know who to talk to.
• Construction Litigation
  At Donnellon, Donnellon & Miller we have experience representing clients before the trial court from administrative appeal, commercial disputes, complex construction claims, insurance disputes, personal injury and labor and employment law. Our experience includes advocacy of small businesses, accident and injury victims and insurance carriers, local governments and nationally recognized corporations.
• Real Estate Transactions
  While some states require that a real estate attorney be present for all real estate transactions, Ohio is not one. However, there are several reasons why hiring a real estate lawyer could be very helpful, specifically if you own rental properties, or if you have an issue with the purchase or sale of your home. A real estate lawyer can assist with many scenarios including tenants, evictions, real estate contracts and more.
• Eminent Domain
  We also have experience in handling eminent domain cases representing both the property owner and the government entity in various situations.
• Land Use and Zoning
  Both Tom and Terry Donnellon are trained and experienced in mediations and arbitrations. Both Tom and Terry have served as arbitrators and mediators to advocates in trial forum. The cases mediated include personal injury claims, construction law disputes, zoning and land use cases, and labor and employment law hearings. Being trained and experienced as mediators requires strong negotiating skills and creative problem solving. But, without active experience as advocates it is difficult to bring credibility to this problem solving mechanism. Terry and Tom Donnellon bring the skills to the table to help claimants to understand and successfully resolve their differences.

Health Law

• Personal Injury
  Injury lawsuits call for an investigator’s mind. You need attention to detail, savvy communication skills, and the ability to construct a narrative. Our personal injury attorneys have a proven track record of victories.

Trusts and Estates

• Estate Planning
  Proactive estate planning is one of the most important things you can do for your loved ones. Not having a plan for asset management or dependent care in the event of your death or incapacitation could have serious implications for family members who survive you. In addition to understanding what estate planning involves, it’s important to appreciate how this type of arrangement can benefit everyone, not just the wealthy.
• Wills
  It’s safe to say that no estate is too small to benefit from having a Will or trust. Drawing up a Will or trust, leaves your property, assets, and finances in good hands, ensuring your final wishes will be carried out to the letter. More importantly, a Will or trust protects your family’s financial future. With help from a hometown Will and trust attorney, creating and formalizing a Will or trust doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated.
• Trusts
  The primary reason why one-fifth of American adults choose to have a living trust is to avoid probate. By getting around probate – the full court proceedings governing asset distribution – your heirs will receive your assets much faster. They could receive their inheritances within weeks rather than months or years. Many people in Cincinnati opt for living trusts. Here’s how it works.
• Power of Attorney
  You will want to craft a full and robust estate plan, and communicate that plan. Let your loved ones know where documents are stored. Let them know each official document that will be relevant. The Will is obvious, but direct them to your durable power of attorney, trust forms, and all other estate plans they will be accessing.
• Probate
  Ohio’s probate law is thorough and detailed, and the probate process can be quite slow. If you go through probate, the executor of your estate will need to gather all of your assets, and full documentation. This is not always easy or clear. The executor will then need to pay all of your bills — to creditors, to cover all accounts, and to cover the costs of your funeral and burial arrangements. All of this must happen before the executor can even begin to prepare a final accounting statement. After that statement is prepared, the probate court can prepare for your assets and property to be distributed among your beneficiaries.

Finance Law

• Tax Law
  A large part of dealing with the I.R.S. is grappling with the unknown. “Am I in safe water with this filing?” “Might they audit me?” “Is this particular source of income a red flag?” “Am I dealing with the federal taxes but not enough with the state and local taxes?” Do yourself a favor and call a tax attorney in Cincinnati. A consultation with a tax professional can settle all of these questions for you. Make sure there is no tax consequence waiting around the corner. Plan ahead, to know what you need to prepare for as your business grows. The friendly Cincinnati based legal team at Donnellon, Donnellon & Miller knows every detail about tax law. We can make sure your bases are covered.