Compassionate, Personalized Legal Representation for Ohio Families and Individuals

Chapter 7 bankruptcy allows eligible individuals to eliminate most unsecured debts, such as credit card debt and medical bills, through a court-supervised process. Eligibility is determined through a means test based on your income and household size. Sheppard Law’s experienced bankruptcy attorney can evaluate your situation and determine whether Chapter 7 is right for you.

The Chapter 13 bankruptcy code allows individuals with regular income to restructure their debt into an affordable repayment plan, typically lasting three to five years. It can help you stop foreclosure, catch up on house payments, and protect personal property you might otherwise lose in a Chapter 7 filing.

Bankruptcy law allows for the discharge of many types of unsecured debt, including credit card balances, medical bills, personal loans, and certain older income taxes. Overwhelming debt from these sources can often be eliminated through Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings or restructured into a manageable repayment plan through Chapter 13. Debt discharge gives you a genuine path to financial freedom by eliminating financial obligations you can no longer meet. However, certain debts, such as student loans, child support, and recent tax liabilities, are generally not dischargeable. An experienced bankruptcy attorney can review your specific situation and explain exactly what relief is available to you.

Filing for bankruptcy is a significant legal decision, and it is not the right solution for everyone. If you are struggling with overwhelming debt, facing wage garnishment or foreclosure, or simply unable to meet your basic financial obligations each month, bankruptcy proceedings may offer the relief you need to start moving forward. The best first step is a free initial consultation with an experienced bankruptcy attorney who can evaluate your income, assets, and debts and explain every available option, including non-bankruptcy alternatives. At Sheppard Law Offices, we take the time to make sure you fully understand your choices before making any decisions.

Ignoring IRS tax debt does not make it go away. It makes it worse. The IRS has broad collection authority and will escalate enforcement over time. Unresolved tax debt can lead to liens on your property, wage garnishments, bank levies, and asset seizure. Interest and penalties continue to accrue, steadily increasing the total balance owed. The good news is that the IRS offers structured relief options, including installment agreements, offers in compromise, and currently-not-collectible status. Attorney Sheppard can review your situation and help you take action before enforcement starts.

An Offer in Compromise (OIC) is an IRS program that allows qualifying taxpayers to settle their federal tax debt for less than the full amount owed. Not everyone qualifies. Our experienced tax attorney can review your financial situation and determine whether an OIC is a realistic option for you.

Yes, and this is one of the most significant advantages of working with Sheppard Law Offices. Attorney Kenneth L. Sheppard, Jr. is both a licensed bankruptcy attorney and a tax attorney, meaning he can address overlapping financial obligations in a single, coordinated strategy. Many clients facing overwhelming debt also have unresolved tax problems, and the two issues often need to be handled together for the best possible outcome. Rather than hiring separate attorneys for each issue, you can work with one experienced legal team that understands the full picture of your financial situation.

In Ohio, divorce is a contested process in which one or both spouses dispute the terms of separation, requiring court intervention to resolve issues such as property division, child custody, and spousal support. Dissolution is an uncontested process in which both parties agree on all terms and present a separation agreement to the court for approval. Dissolution is typically faster and less expensive. Attorney Sheppard handles both contested and uncontested matters and can advise which process is best suited to your situation.

DIVORCE & FAMILY LAW

Ohio courts determine child custody arrangements based on the best interests of the child. Factors include each parent’s relationship with the child, the child’s adjustment to home and school, and each parent’s ability to provide a stable environment. Ohio recognizes both sole custody and shared parenting arrangements. Attorney Sheppard works to protect your parental rights and pursue an outcome that serves your child’s well-being.

An uncontested divorce, known in Ohio as a dissolution, occurs when both spouses agree on all terms of the separation, including property division, child custody, and spousal support, before filing with the court. Because there is no dispute to resolve, dissolution is typically faster, less expensive, and less stressful than a contested divorce. It is a good option for couples who are committed to moving forward cooperatively and have already reached a mutual agreement. Attorney Sheppard handles both contested and uncontested divorce matters and can advise during a free consultation whether dissolution is the right path for your situation.

A solid estate plan typically includes a last will and testament, a durable power of attorney for financial decisions, a healthcare power of attorney, and a living will or advance directive. Depending on your assets and goals, a revocable living trust may also be appropriate. Attorney Sheppard works with individuals and families throughout Central Ohio to build plans tailored to their specific needs, ensuring your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected.

ESTATE PLANNING

Estate planning is not just for the wealthy. Without a will or designated beneficiaries, Ohio’s intestate succession laws determine how your assets are distributed, which may not reflect your wishes. An estate plan also allows you to name guardians for minor children, designate who makes medical and financial decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated, and spare your family unnecessary legal complications. No estate is too small to benefit from a plan.

Probate is the legal process overseen by the county Probate Court to validate a will, identify and inventory assets, pay debts and taxes, and distribute remaining property to heirs or beneficiaries after someone passes away. It is generally required for assets solely in the deceased’s name without a designated beneficiary. Ohio offers different types of probate administration depending on the size and complexity of the estate, including full estate administration, relief from administration, and summary release. An experienced probate attorney can advise which type applies to your situation.

PROBATE

The length of probate varies based on the estate’s complexity. A straightforward full estate administration may take six to nine months, while complex cases involving real estate or contested wills can take a year or longer. Simplified processes, such as relief from administration or summary release, may be resolved in a matter of weeks. Creditors typically have six months from the date of death to file their claims. Attorney Sheppard can give you a realistic timeline based on your specific circumstances.

The first step is a free initial consultation with an experienced attorney who can listen to your situation, explain your options, and help you understand the best path forward. There is no obligation and no judgment. Whether you are dealing with overwhelming debt, tax problems, a difficult family situation, or planning for the future, Sheppard Law Offices is here to help you start moving forward. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation at any of our three convenient Central Ohio locations in Columbus, Newark, or Mount Vernon.

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