Contract Disputes

Contract disputes are common subjects in civil litigation. When one party violates the terms of a contract, the other party may be able to file a lawsuit to recover their damages or otherwise protect their interests. However, contracts can be difficult to interpret if you do not have a background in contract law. Disputes often arise due to ambiguous or unclear language, complex terms, contracts that heavily favor one party over the other, or contracts that are signed under coercion or false pretenses.

Business Issues

Litigation over business interests happen all the time. Some common litigation topics involving business issues are: minority owners being taken advantage of by majority owners; improper sales or transfers of interests; whether someone is or is not an owner; after an asset or stock/unit sale one of the parties does not follow through with a promise; violation of restrictive covenants by a former owner or employee (noncompetition, nonsolicitation, or nondisclosure); and a myriad of other possible issues that can arise in the complex business world. Our experienced litigators can assist with almost any type of business litigation.

Probate Litigation

The probate process can be confusing and contains some very, very strict timelines. If you feel that a Will or trust has unfairly disinherited you or if you feel you have been mistreated by an executor or trustee, make sure you seek legal representation as soon as possible. Filing a Will contest or challenging a trust may not on its face seem like complicated litigation, however, given the strict timelines and complex laws governing these end of life instruments, makes it one of the harder areas of civil litigation. Accordingly, experienced litigation and probate counsel is necessary to assist in the world of probate litigation.

Oil & Gas

Not happy with your oil and gas royalties? Have a pipeline company threatening to take your property via eminent domain, damaging your property, or otherwise not treating you fairly? Call our experienced oil and gas litigation attorneys without delay.

Bankruptcy Proceedings

Bankruptcy offers a fresh start to struggling individuals and families who have insurmountable amounts of debt. When you are already facing financial pressure, the thought of filing for bankruptcy, attending court hearings, and trying to navigate the process on your own can be overwhelming.

The civil litigation lawyers at Arenstein & Andersen Co., LPA handle both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases. Our goal is to help you get relief from your debt, take a step toward a better financial future, and enjoy greater financial stability. Based on our consultation with you, we will help you decide whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy is the right choice for you.

Employment Audits and Claims

Our civil litigation attorneys have handled many types of employment claims and audits. We defend employers against employee claims under Ohio and federal law, including unemployment payments, workers’ compensation, and wage/hour laws. Additionally, we represent employers in audits required by Ohio and federal agencies, including the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, and the United States Department of Labor.

We also work on behalf of employees who have been treated unfairly at their workplaces. Arenstein & Andersen Co., LPA represents employees in wrongful termination cases, breach of contract cases, and other serious issues.

General Representation in Various Areas of Ohio and Federal Law

The field of civil litigation covers a wide range of civil matters, and many cannot be easily categorized. That’s why we work hard to create personalized solutions for all of our clients. Regardless of whether you’re in the plaintiff’s position or you need civil litigation defense, we know that what works for one client might not be the right choice for another. During our consultations, we will explore alternatives to taking a case to court, counsel you on the likelihood of your suit being successful, and help you keep your legal fees in check.

Our team of skilled negotiators will fight for your rights while trying to resolve a dispute. If alternate resolution methods fail, we are prepared to fight for you in the courtroom. Our experienced team knows how to handle complex courtroom rules and craft a case that is compelling to the judge and jury.

Civil Litigation Process and Timeline

If this is your first experience with Ohio’s legal system, you may wonder, “What is civil litigation and what is the civil litigation timeline?” The whole process begins when the plaintiff files a lawsuit alleging wrongdoing on the part of the other party. This may include unsafe products, fraud, and contract disputes, but there are many other areas included in civil litigation.

After the plaintiff files a complaint, the defendant has 28 days to file an answer that describes their side of the dispute. Depending on the situation, they may have counterclaims, request additional clarification, or point out falsehoods in the original complaint. This is often when the defendant requests that the court dismisses the case.

During pre-trial and discovery, both sides seek out evidence and request information from the other side. Parties may request documents or written answers to questions. Both sides may dispute the use of certain evidence, and the judge will decide whether or not specific pieces of evidence can be used in the trial. Both sides have the right to request a summary judgment after discovery is complete. This means that one party believes that there is not enough evidence for a lawsuit. The judge can decide to dismiss all or party of either side’s case.

If the civil lawsuit makes it all the way to court, be prepared for both sides to make their case. Both the plaintiff’s legal team and the defendant’s legal team present their evidence to the court and plead their case. For a plaintiff to be successful in their case, they must prove that something is more likely true than not; this is different from the idea of “innocent until proven guilty” and is an easier burden of proof to meet. From there, the court makes a decision in favor of the plaintiff or defendant. Damages may be ordered.

However, note that it is relatively common for civil lawsuits to be settled out of court. The vast majority of cases do not make it to the courtroom, as it is often beneficial for both sides to settle. The plaintiff may be able to secure some or all of what they have requested without relying on a court’s decision, while the defendant may be able to limit their losses by agreeing to an amount smaller than what the court might award. At all times during the litigation process, you will be fully informed of your options, our recommendations, and the possible outcomes of each choice.

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G. Gregory Arenstein, Esq., LLM

Shareholder

Greg started Arenstein & Andersen Co., LPA with Nicholas I. Andersen in March 2010. Greg has many years of legal and tax experience working with clients on a wide array of business, estate planning, and tax issues. Greg is an experienced problem solver with the ability to assist clients with their most complex needs and the ability to communicate with his clients in plain English. Practice areas include: Estate Planning, Business Law, Taxation, Real Estate, Probate and Trust Administration, Legal Services for Healthcare Professionals

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Nicholas I. Andersen, Esq., MBA

Shareholder

Nick started Arenstein & Andersen Co., LPA with G. Gregory Arenstein in March 2010. Nick has extensive experience in civil litigation, business, estate planning, real estate, oil & gas, including pipelines, and representing taxpayers in collection actions. Nick’s practice also includes an expansive and diverse clientele of healthcare professionals, including physicians, dentists, and veterinarians. He believes in being available to his clients whenever they are in need. Practice areas include: Legal Services for Healthcare Professionals, Civil Litigation, Business Law, Real Estate, Estate Planning, Oil and Gas Law, Taxation

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Eric R. McLoughlin, Esq.

Shareholder

Eric has many years of experience representing clients in probate and trust administration, business, and estate planning matters. He has a strong passion for helping people with their legal matters, and strives to provide all his clients with the personalized service they deserve. Practice areas include: Probate and Trust Administration, Business Law, Estate Planning

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Jessica L. Sohner, Esq. (née Samuel)

Shareholder

Jessica has years of experience representing clients in family and domestic matters, including divorce, dissolution, and post-decree matters. She believes in providing quality representation for clients while maintaining sensitivity to their individualized needs during stressful litigation. Practice areas include: Family Law, Civil Litigation, Oil and Gas Law

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Erin L. Sanford, Esq.

Shareholder

Erin joined Arenstein & Andersen Co., LPA as a Shareholder in February 2022. Erin has over 12 years of experience working in all areas of family law. Erin understands that when you are navigating through the court system, whether it is a divorce, child custody matter, the need for a guardian of a loved one, or the loss of a loved one it is a stressful time and she is there to be by her clients’ side.

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Ryan L. DeYoung, Esq.

Senior Associate

Ryan is a Senior Associate at Arenstein & Andersen Co., LPA. Ryan joined the firm in August 2020. Ryan’s practice is devoted to assisting clients in civil litigation matters. Prior to joining Arenstein & Andersen, his practice focused on the representation of individuals and small business debtors as an attorney with a small bankruptcy law firm for almost 7 years. In addition to his practice of bankruptcy law, Ryan also has prior experience in the litigation of housing and employment related claims, including claims brought under the Fair Housing Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Civil Rights Act, as well as been an adjunct lecturer in The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business. 

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James W. Park, Esq.

Associate

Jim and Arenstein & Andersen Co., LPA formed an “of counsel” relationship in 2015 to assist the firm’s clients in the areas of bankruptcy and creditor protection. Jim has been working in personal bankruptcy since 2005. He began practicing as an attorney solely in the area of personal bankruptcy in 2007, with a focus mainly in Chapters 7 and 13 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. Jim understands that financial distress is common today and strives to provide clients with the respect and understanding they deserve while helping them through their difficult times. In December of 2021, Jim became a full-time associate attorney at the firm.

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Robert E. Putman, Esq.

Associate

Robert joined Arenstein & Andersen Co., LPA as a full-time associate attorney in October 2021. He is eager to provide clients with legal assistance in the areas of estate planning, business law, and general civil matters. He believes every client matter is unique and deserves careful professional attention to ensure the client’s interests are protected. 

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Ashley Garrison, Esq.

Associate

Ashley is an Associate Attorney with Arenstein & Andersen Co., LPA. She focuses her practice in family law matters, including divorce, dissolution, child custody, parentage, child support, spousal support, prenuptial agreements, and post-decree matters.

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Joseph A. Downing, Esq.

Of Counsel

Joe has extensive experience representing clients in estate planning, probate, business, real estate, elder law, and Medicaid planning. Joe prides himself on his ability to build long-term, trusting relationships with clients, and enjoys assisting them with their short and long-term legal needs. Joe and his law firm, Joseph A. Downing Co., L.P.A., are of counsel with our firm. Practice areas include: Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Administration, Business Law, Real Estate

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Christen M. Shore, Esq.

Of Counsel

As a former adjunct professor at Capital University Law School, Christen has been practicing intellectual property law for over 20 years. She has represented multi-national corporations, universities, small business, and individuals in the protection of their intellectual property – including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Christen and her law firm, Christen M. Shore Co., L.P.A., are of counsel with our firm. Practice area include: Intellectual Property

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Kathleen A. Hanley, JD

Retired

Kathi is retired and living in Tucson, Arizona. She serves as a valuable advisor to the firm, and assists with continuity of service to her longtime clients that continue to entrust their legal needs to us.

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Contact the Civil Litigation Lawyers at Arenstein & Andersen Co., LPA

We know that litigation is often a last resort for plaintiffs, and that it can be a scary prospect for defendants. No matter which side you’re on or how long your dispute has dragged on, you can trust our team to offer client-centered representation and services personalized to your needs. The first step is to reach out to Arenstein & Andersen Co., LPA at (614) 602-6550 or fill out our online contact form. We will set up a consultation and figure out what the next step is.