Review insurance coverage before holidays; understand special seasonal needs

FROM THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE As Ohioans prepare to gather with family and friends for the holiday season now is a good time to review insurance coverage.  Ohio Lieutenant Governor and Department of Insurance Director Mary Taylor suggests you take the time to review potential mishaps and understand how your insurance might apply. Question: […]

Legal Q&A: What you should know about receiving veteran’s benefits

Q: I’m a veteran. What kinds of benefits might I be qualified to receive? A: You may be eligible for two kinds of monetary benefits: pension benefits and service-related benefits. Q: How do service-related compensation and pension differ? A: You may receive service-related compensation for an injury or disability related to your military service or for a previous disability […]

MYCAP announces energy-assistance programs for area residents in need

Are you without heat/natural gas, electric, or bulk fuel? Don’t worry, the Mahoning Youngstown Community Action Partnership (MYCAP) may be able to help you. Through March 31, 2013, programs are in place to help individuals and families who currently do not have any electric or gas service, or they have been notified there will be […]

Better Business Bureau offer tips on landing holiday jobs

FROM THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU According to the National Retail Federation, retailers are expected to hire between 585,000 and 625,000 seasonal workers this holiday season. The Better Business Bureau recommends applicants apply early, research potential employers and be cautious of fraudulent job offerings. With the national unemployment rate hovering at about 7.8 percent, competition for […]

Q&A answers Ohio changes to law governing financial powers of attorney

By RICHARD E. DAVIS | Ohio State Bar Association What is a financial power of attorney? A financial power of attorney (POA) is a legal document is a legal document an individual (the “principal”) can use to appoint someone (the “agent”) to act on his or behalf regarding personal, financial and business matters. Typically, a […]

Dastoli joins Farmers Trust Company as senior vice president

Q&A on child-support laws in state of Ohio

By PAMELA MacADAMS | OHIO BAR ASSOCIATION What can be done if child support payments are not made? All support orders must be secured in one of three ways. Most common is the wage-order (garnishment of the payor’s income source or bank account). Self-employed persons have bond orders (a requirement to post a cash bond, which […]

Use caution with home-equity loans

By SUSAN L. RHIEL | THE OHIO BAR ASSOCIATION What is the difference between secured and unsecured debt?  Secured debt is debt that uses some form of collateral, such as a home, to ensure that the debt will be paid.The most common example is a mortgage against a residence. When filed properly with the appropriate county […]

Adoptions raise some right-to-know questions

By THOMAS TANEFF| FROM THE OHIO BAR ASSOCIATION What is an adoptive family allowed to know about the birth parents?  In Ohio, the adoptive family may obtain any “non-identifying” social or medical history including biographical information about both the child’s parents. (Non-identifying information might include a first name and some background or medical details, but […]