Skidmore & Associates Co.

10/11/2026

⚖️ DIVORCE vs. DISSOLUTION IN OHIO — WHICH PATH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

When a marriage is ending, many couples wonder whether they should pursue a divorce or a dissolution.

🤝 Dissolution is based upon the spouses reaching an agreement.

⚖️ Divorce allows unresolved issues to be addressed through the court process.

But here's an important consideration:

💡 Being amicable doesn't necessarily mean your finances are simple.

Business interests, retirement accounts, real estate, trusts, executive compensation, and separate-property claims may all require careful evaluation—even when both spouses want to resolve matters cooperatively.

And choosing divorce doesn't necessarily mean going to trial. Many Ohio divorce cases settle, and Ohio law even permits conversion between divorce and dissolution under appropriate circumstances.

📖 The latest Akron Divorce Law Blog article of Attorney Eric Skidmore explores the differences and why informed agreement matters.

🔗 Read Article #32:
https://akrondivorcelawfirm.com/divorce-vs-dissolution-ohio/

Skidmore & Associates Co., L.P.A.
Akron, Ohio

Both divorce and dissolution end an Ohio marriage, but they work very differently. Learn how agreement, financial disclosure, complex assets, support, and parenting issues can affect which process may be appropriate.

08/08/2026

⚖️ CAN SPOUSAL SUPPORT BE MODIFIED AFTER AN OHIO DIVORCE?

A spousal support order may have been appropriate when a divorce was finalized—but circumstances can change.

Retirement. Job loss. Disability. A significant change in income. Cohabitation. Any of these can raise an important question:

Can an existing Ohio spousal support order be modified—or terminated?

In our newest Skidmore Script article, Akron divorce attorney Eric E. Skidmore examines:

🔹 When Ohio courts can modify spousal support
🔹 What qualifies as a change in circumstances
🔹 Retirement and spousal support
🔹 Job loss and reduced income
🔹 Disability and health changes
🔹 Cohabitation after divorce
🔹 Business-owner and self-employment income
🔹 Hidden income and financial discovery
🔹 The procedure for requesting a modification

One particularly important point: not every spousal support order can be modified. The language of the original divorce decree and the court's continuing jurisdiction can be critical.

For former spouses in Akron, Summit County, and throughout Northeast Ohio, understanding those issues before taking action can make a significant difference.

📖 Read: Modifying Spousal Support in Ohio: Retirement, Job Loss, Cohabitation, and Changed Circumstances https://akrondivorcelawfirm.com/modifying-spousal-support-ohio/

06/20/2026

📜 NEW ARTICLE | A Father's Day Remembrance
This Father's Day, the Skidmore boys are honored to share a special article reflecting on the life and legacy of their father Archie W. Skidmore (1926–2025).
Through handwritten notes, family documents, photographs, and memories spanning more than fifty years, the article explores the lessons, values, and example that shaped three sons, a family, and a law practice.
Featured are:
✔ A 1975 high-school speech written by a son about his father
✔ A 1997 Professionalism Award nomination letter
✔ Personal notes and family photographs spanning decades
✔ Reflections on family, mentorship, professionalism, and legacy
At its heart, the article is about something many of us share: gratitude for those whose influence continues long after they are gone!
Family Documents, Fifty Years, One Father: Lessons from Archie W. Skidmore
A Father's Day Remembrance
👉 https://akrondivorcelawfirm.com/archie-w-skidmore-fathers-day-remembrance/

A 1975 speech, a 1996 letter, a Father's Day card, and a simple handwritten note reveal the lasting influence of Archie W. Skidmore on three sons and a family legacy.

06/14/2026

🚧 How construction delays can lead to legal disputes in Akron construction projects

Whether it's a commercial development, office renovation, retail buildout, or residential project, construction delays can have significant legal and financial consequences.

Delays may arise from:

📦 Material shortages and supply chain issues
👷 Labor and subcontractor scheduling problems
🌦️ Weather-related interruptions
📄 Change orders and project scope modifications
💰 Payment disputes and budget overruns

When projects fall behind schedule, disagreements often follow regarding responsibility, additional costs, extensions of time, and contract performance.

Well-drafted construction contracts can help define rights and responsibilities when delays occur, but disputes sometimes require legal guidance to protect business and property interests.

Attorney Brian K. Skidmore represents contractors, developers, business owners, and property owners throughout Akron, Summit County, and Northeast Ohio in construction disputes, commercial real estate matters, and contract litigation.

Proactive planning today can help avoid expensive disputes tomorrow.

06/14/2026

📜 What does an executor actually do during probate in Summit County?

Many people are named as an executor in a parent's or family member's will without fully understanding what the role involves.

An executor is responsible for helping administer the estate and carrying out the wishes expressed in the will. Depending on the estate, those duties may include:

📄 Opening the probate estate with the Summit County Probate Court
🏦 Identifying and safeguarding estate assets
💰 Paying valid debts, expenses, and taxes
📬 Communicating with beneficiaries and interested parties
🏡 Managing and transferring real estate and personal property
📑 Distributing assets according to the terms of the will
⚖️ Completing required filings and reports with the Probate Court

While some estates are relatively straightforward, others involve real estate, business interests, investment accounts, or family disputes that can make probate administration more complex.

Attorney Spiros Vasilatos, Jr. works with executors and families throughout Akron, Summit County, and Northeast Ohio, providing guidance through every stage of the Ohio probate process.

If you've recently been named as an executor, understanding your responsibilities early can help the estate move forward more efficiently.

06/14/2026

⚖️ TEMPORARY vs. PERMANENT SPOUSAL SUPPORT IN OHIO ⚖️

One of the most common misconceptions in divorce litigation is that a temporary support order automatically predicts what will happen in the final divorce decree.

In many cases, that simply is not true.

As financial discovery progresses, courts may learn more about:

💰 Income and earning capacity
📊 Business ownership interests
📈 Bonuses, commissions, and executive compensation
🏦 Retirement assets
🔍 Hidden income and financial issues
📋 Long-term financial circumstances

In our newest Skidmore Script article, Akron divorce attorney Eric E. Skidmore discusses the important differences between temporary and permanent spousal support, how Ohio courts evaluate support issues, and why early financial analysis can be critical.

Families throughout Akron, Summit County, and Northeast Ohio frequently face difficult questions involving support, income disparities, retirement planning, and post-divorce financial stability.

📖 Read the full article: https://akrondivorcelawfirm.com/temporary-vs-permanent-spousal-support-ohio/

Understand how Ohio courts evaluate temporary and permanent spousal support, including duration, modification, business income, and financial discovery issues.

06/04/2026

🏢 What should Akron business owners know before signing a commercial lease?

Whether you are opening a new business, relocating, or expanding operations, a commercial lease can have a significant impact on your company's future.

Before signing, business owners should carefully review provisions involving:

📄 Rent increases and operating expenses
🏢 Property maintenance obligations
📍 Permitted business uses and restrictions
⚖️ Default, renewal, and termination provisions
💰 Personal guarantees and liability exposure

Many commercial lease agreements are drafted to protect the interests of the landlord. Understanding the terms before signing can help avoid disputes and unexpected costs later.

Attorney Brian K. Skidmore represents business owners, commercial tenants, landlords, and investors throughout Akron, Summit County, and Northeast Ohio in commercial real estate and business law matters.

Proper lease review today can help protect your business tomorrow.

06/03/2026

🪶 When should families consider creating a trust in Ohio?

Many people associate trusts with large estates, but trusts can benefit families with a variety of financial situations and estate planning goals.

A trust may be worth considering if you want to:

🏡 Simplify the transfer of real estate and other assets
📜 Reduce the need for probate administration
👨‍👩‍👧 Provide ongoing management of assets for children or beneficiaries
🛡️ Maintain privacy regarding the distribution of assets
📈 Preserve wealth and family assets for future generations

Every family's situation is different. The appropriate estate planning strategy often depends on factors such as family structure, property ownership, business interests, and long-term goals.

Attorney Spiros Vasilatos, Jr. works with individuals and families throughout Akron, Summit County, and Northeast Ohio to develop estate plans that may include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and probate avoidance strategies.

Proper planning today can provide peace of mind for tomorrow.

05/27/2026

👨‍👩‍👧 Skidmore Snippets Family Law #17
Best Interests of the Child – What Ohio Courts Consider?

In Ohio custody and parenting cases, courts are guided by one central principle:

what arrangement serves the best interests of the child.

When making decisions involving custody, parenting time, or shared parenting plans, Ohio courts may evaluate factors including:
🏡 The child’s interaction and relationship with parents and family members
🏫 Adjustment to home, school, and community
👨‍👩‍👧 Each parent’s ability to cooperate and communicate
⚕️ The mental and physical health of those involved
📅 Parenting history and each parent’s involvement in the child’s life

No single factor automatically determines the outcome. Courts review the unique circumstances of each family when determining what arrangement is in the child’s best interests.

Attorney Eric E. Skidmore represents parents throughout Akron and Summit County in custody and parenting matters, helping clients navigate difficult family law issues while focusing on the well-being of their children.

05/27/2026

🏗️ What is a mechanic’s lien and how does it affect Akron property owners?

Construction projects can involve multiple contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and payment obligations. When payment disputes arise, Ohio law allows certain parties to file a mechanic’s lien against the property.

A mechanic’s lien may impact:
🏡 Property ownership and title
🏦 Refinancing or sale transactions
📄 Construction payment disputes
🚧 Ongoing commercial or development projects

Whether you are a property owner, contractor, developer, or business owner, understanding mechanic’s lien rights and deadlines is important under Ohio construction law.

Attorney Brian K. Skidmore represents clients throughout Akron and Summit County in construction, real estate, and commercial law matters, helping clients navigate disputes involving mechanic’s liens, contracts, and property rights.