Monday, January 5, 2026

This guide explains how to properly dissolve an Ohio LLC, with practical tips tailored to Union County business owners.

Step 1: Review the Operating Agreement and Ohio Law

The first step in dissolving an LLC in Ohio is to review the company’s operating agreement. Most operating agreements outline how dissolution must be approved, typically requiring a vote or written consent of the members. Even single-member LLCs should document the decision to dissolve.

If the operating agreement is silent, Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1706 governs the process. Under Ohio law, member approval is generally required, and the decision should be documented in company records. Proper documentation is important in case questions arise later from creditors, tax authorities, or former members.

Step 2: Stop Business Operations and Begin Winding Up

Once dissolution is authorized, the LLC must begin the “winding up” process. This means the business should stop normal operations and focus only on closing out its affairs. Winding up typically includes:

Collecting outstanding receivables
Finishing or terminating contracts where permitted
Closing or assigning leases
Selling business assets if necessary

For Union County businesses, this may also involve notifying local vendors, landlords, or customers in Marysville or nearby communities that the company is closing.

Step 3: Notify Creditors and Pay Debts

Before distributing any money or property to members, the LLC must pay its debts or make reasonable provision for them. Known creditors should be notified of the dissolution and given an opportunity to submit claims.

Failing to properly address debts is one of the most common mistakes business owners make when dissolving an LLC. If liabilities are ignored, members or managers could face legal claims even after the business is dissolved.

Step 4: Handle Ohio and Federal Tax Obligations

Tax compliance is a critical part of dissolving an LLC in Ohio. The company must file all final tax returns and pay any outstanding taxes. This may include:

Federal income tax returns
Ohio Department of Taxation filings
Sales tax accounts
Employer withholding and payroll taxes

If the LLC had employees in Union County, payroll accounts must be closed and final employment tax filings completed. Taxes are one area where problems frequently arise after dissolution, so careful attention here can prevent future issues.

Step 5: File a Certificate of Dissolution with the Ohio Secretary of State

To formally dissolve the LLC, a Certificate of Dissolution must be filed with the Ohio Secretary of State. This filing officially ends the LLC’s existence under Ohio law, except for limited winding-up purposes.

The Certificate of Dissolution can be filed online through Ohio Business Central or by mail. The filing requires basic information, including the LLC’s legal name and registration number, and is subject to a filing fee. Once accepted, the state will reflect that the LLC is dissolved.

Step 6: Cancel Licenses, Permits, and Registrations

Union County businesses often hold local licenses or permits in addition to state registrations. After dissolution, these should be canceled to avoid unnecessary fees or compliance notices. This may include:

Local business licenses
Vendor or sales tax permits
Professional or regulatory licenses

Bank accounts, credit cards, and merchant accounts should also be closed once all transactions are complete.

Step 7: Distribute Remaining Assets

After debts and taxes are paid, any remaining assets may be distributed to members. Distributions must follow the operating agreement or, if none exists, Ohio statutory rules. Improper distributions, especially those made before creditors are satisfied, can create personal liability for members.

Step 8: Retain Business Records

Even after dissolution, it is important to keep business records for several years. This includes tax filings, bank statements, contracts, and dissolution documents. If questions arise later, having organized records can save significant time and expense.

Why Proper Dissolution Matters in Union County

Simply abandoning an LLC or letting it “go inactive” is not the same as legally dissolving it. An Ohio LLC that is not properly dissolved may continue to incur state fees, receive tax notices, or face lawsuits. For Union County business owners, proper dissolution provides a clean legal exit and peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Dissolving an LLC in Ohio involves more than filing a single form. From member approval and winding up affairs to tax compliance and state filings, each step plays an important role in protecting owners from future liability. If you operate a business in Union County, Ohio, taking the time to dissolve your LLC correctly can help ensure a smooth and legally sound closure.

Disclaimer: This post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every situation is unique, and you should consult with qualified legal counsel before making decisions regarding your specific business or legal matter.

Nicolas C. Oehler

📞 (419) 631-8350

✉️ nicoehler13@gmail.com

🌐 www.linkedin.com/in/nicolas-oehler-499666186

Friday, December 19, 2025

Understanding Evictions in Union County, Ohio: A Complete Guide

Nicolas C. Oehler

📞 (419) 631-8350

✉️ nicoehler13@gmail.com

🌐 www.linkedin.com/in/nicolas-oehler-499666186

Understanding Evictions in Union County, Ohio: A Complete Guide

Evictions in Union County, Ohio are legally referred to as forcible entry and detainer actions under Ohio law. Whether you’re a landlord seeking to regain possession of your property or a tenant facing potential displacement, knowing how the process works, what rights exist, and what resources are available can make a critical difference. This guide explains everything you need to know about evictions in Union County, Ohio, including legal steps, timelines, tenant protections, common reasons for eviction, and support options. This guide applies to cities like Marysville, Plain City, Richwood, Dublin, Jerome Township, and other surrounding areas.

What Is an Eviction?

In Ohio, an eviction is a court-ordered legal process through which a landlord seeks to remove a tenant from a rental property after the tenant fails to meet the terms of their lease or rental agreement. Evictions are not immediate lockouts, they must follow specific legal procedures set out in the Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1923.

Eviction actions usually start when a landlord provides written notice to the tenant and then files a complaint with the local court if the tenant does not comply.

Common Reasons for Eviction

Landlords in Union County, like elsewhere in Ohio, may pursue eviction for several legally recognized reasons, including:

Non-Payment of Rent: The most common reason. If tenants fail to pay rent as agreed, landlords may issue a three-day notice to vacate.
Lease Violations: This includes unauthorized pets, subletting without permission, or other breaches of lease terms.
Property Damage: Substantial damage to the rental unit may justify eviction.
Illegal or Hazardous Activity: Criminal behavior, drug activity, or safety violations can be grounds for eviction.
Holdover Tenants: When a tenant remains after the lease ends without landlord consent.

Importantly, landlords must have “good cause” under Ohio law before filing an eviction, and tenants may have defenses if the proper legal process is not followed.

The Eviction Notice: First Step in the Process

Before filing an eviction lawsuit in Union County, Ohio law requires landlords to provide written notice. For most causes such as non-payment or lease violations, this is a three-day notice to vacate.

Per RC §1923.04, the notice must include specific language (as set forth in the statute), which states that the tenant is being asked to leave and that an eviction action may be initiated.

Notices must be delivered by one of the following means:

Personal delivery to the tenant
Certified mail with return receipt
Leaving it at the tenant’s residence or rental unit

After the notice period expires, the landlord may file a complaint in the appropriate Union County court if the tenant has not moved.

Filing an Eviction Complaint

Once a landlord files an eviction complaint, the court issues a summons and schedules a hearing. Tenants must receive proper service of these court documents before the hearing.

At the eviction hearing, tenants have the right to present defenses. Common defenses include:

Improper notice
Retaliation for reporting health or safety issues
Discrimination
Disputes over rent payments or lease terms

Ohio law prohibits landlords from using evictions in retaliation; for example, because a tenant reported health or building code violations.

After the Court Hearing

If the court rules in favor of the landlord, the next step is obtaining a judgment for possession. The court will issue a judgment stating that the landlord may regain possession of the property.

Following this judgment, the landlord may request a writ of execution (also called a writ of restitution). This legal order authorizes the Union County Sheriff’s Office or Court Bailiff to physically remove the tenant if they do not leave voluntarily.

Typically, tenants are given a short period to vacate after the writ is issued. If the tenant still refuses to leave, the sheriff enforces the eviction.

How Long Does the Eviction Process Take?

The timeframe for an eviction can vary from case to case. In Ohio, uncontested evictions may take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on court schedules and whether the tenant contests the eviction.

Key phases include:

Notice period (usually 3–30 days)
Filing and serving summons
Tenant response period
Court hearing and ruling
Issuance of writ of execution

This timeline can expand if tenants file appeals or request continuances.

Conclusion

Evictions in Union County, Ohio are governed by structured legal procedures designed to balance the rights of landlords and tenants. A clear understanding of the legal steps, from notices to court hearings to enforcement, can help both parties navigate what can be a stressful and complex process.

Whether you’re a tenant worried about losing your home or a landlord seeking to regain your property, knowing Ohio’s eviction laws, your rights, and the available support resources is essential in 2025. When in doubt, seeking legal guidance early in the process can help protect your interests and ensure compliance with state law.

Nicolas C. Oehler

📞 (419) 631-8350

✉️ nicoehler13@gmail.com

🌐 www.linkedin.com/in/nicolas-oehler-499666186

Friday, December 12, 2025

What to Do If You Get Sued in Ohio: A Practical Guide

Nicolas C. Oehler

📞 (419) 631-8350

✉️ nicoehler13@gmail.com

🌐 www.linkedin.com/in/nicolas-oehler-499666186

What to Do If You Get Sued in Ohio: A Practical Guide for Individuals and Businesses

Receiving a civil lawsuit, whether at home or at your business, is stressful, but what you do in the first few days makes all the difference. Ohio law, and specifically the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure, set strict deadlines and requirements. Missing them can lead to default judgments, loss of defenses, and unnecessary financial exposure. The steps below apply to anyone sued in Ohio, whether you live in Marysville, Plain City, Dublin, or anywhere else in the state.

1. Read the Papers Carefully — Then Mark Your Deadline

The moment you receive a complaint and summons, note the date you were served. In Ohio, you generally have 28 days from the date of service to file an Answer or responsive motion. If you do nothing, the plaintiff can ask the court for a default judgment, which often means losing automatically.

Do not throw the papers aside, assume it is a mistake, or wait for the court to “correct it.” Once served, the clock is running.

2. Identify Which Court Is Involved

The lawsuit paperwork will list the court. Examples for Union County, Ohio would include:

Union County Common Pleas Court (Marysville) — larger disputes, property matters, higher-dollar cases
Marysville Municipal Court — civil cases up to a statutory limit, evictions, small claims

Each court has its own local rules, filing requirements, and hearing procedures. Your response strategy may differ depending on where the case is filed.

3. Contact an Attorney Immediately

The earlier an attorney reviews the complaint, the more options you have. Your lawyer can:

Calculate your exact filing deadline
Identify defenses you may lose if not raised early
Determine whether the lawsuit has legal or procedural defects
Evaluate whether a motion to dismiss under Ohio Civ.R. 12 is appropriate
Advise whether the matter might be handled through your insurance (auto, homeowners, business liability, etc.)

If you are unsure who to call, start with a local civil litigation attorney in Union County or the Dublin area who regularly practices in the court where the case was filed.

4. Preserve All Relevant Evidence

Ohio’s civil rules require each party to preserve evidence once litigation is reasonably anticipated. That means keeping:

Emails, texts, and messages
Photos and videos
Contracts, receipts, or paperwork
Social media posts or communications
Any physical evidence related to the dispute

Do not delete, throw away, or modify anything related to the case. Spoliation of evidence can create additional legal liability.

5. Do Not Contact the Other Party Directly

Once you are sued, it is rarely helpful to reach out to the plaintiff. Anything you say can be used against you. Let your lawyer communicate on your behalf, especially if emotions are high.

6. Decide Your Response Strategy

With counsel, you will determine whether to:

File an Answer denying or admitting specific allegations
File a motion to dismiss
Negotiate early settlement or mediation
Prepare for discovery, where both sides exchange documents and testimony

Your strategy will depend on the facts, available defenses, and the cost-benefit analysis of fighting versus resolving the claim.

7. Stay Organized and Follow Court Deadlines

Litigation is deadline-driven. Track all court notices, filings, and hearing dates, and maintain open communication with your attorney. If you live or operate in Marysville, Plain City, or Dublin, your lawyer will also navigate local procedures and clerk requirements specific to your court.

Bottom Line

Getting sued does not mean you’ve necessairly done anything wrong, but how you respond determines your outcome. Act quickly, follow Ohio’s procedural rules, and get legal guidance early. With the right steps, you can protect yourself, preserve your rights, and work toward an efficient resolution.

Nicolas C. Oehler

📞 (419) 631-8350

✉️ nicoehler13@gmail.com

🌐 www.linkedin.com/in/nicolas-oehler-499666186

About Nicolas C. Oehler

Nicolas C. Oehler is a corporate and real estate attorney who provides strategic, client-centered legal services to individuals, businesses, and property owners across Central Ohio. His practice focuses on business, real estate, and construction law, with additional services in estate planning, probate, and civil litigation. Nic emphasizes responsiveness, practical guidance, and clear communication to ensure that every client receives a tailored strategy aligned with their goals. A summa cum laude graduate of the University of Akron School of Law and Bowling Green State University, Nic proudly serves clients throughout Union County, Madison County, and the surrounding communities. He offers trusted legal support in matters ranging from business formation and corporate governance to real estate transactions, construction disputes, and probate administration. Nic lives in Plain City, Ohio, with his family. Nic currently practices at Bailey Cavalieri.