Bailey & Gunderson

Bailey & Gunderson Family law and bankruptcy attorneys at Bailey & Gunderson have three locations serving people throughout Hamilton, Clermont, Butler and Warren counties.

HAVE AN AGREEMENT WITH SOMEONE?  GET IT IN WRITING.Obtaining legal agreements in writing is crucial because it eliminate...
07/15/2026

HAVE AN AGREEMENT WITH SOMEONE? GET IT IN WRITING.

Obtaining legal agreements in writing is crucial because it eliminates ambiguity, provides concrete evidence of both parties' obligations, and protects your legal rights if a dispute arises.

There are multiple scenarios where obtaining a legal agreement in writing is crucial such as the sale or lease of real estate, payment terms to a creditor for a delinquent account balance, providing any type of services for another person, agreements between spouses or partners, etc.

Here are the primary reasons why you should always get agreements in writing:

1) Minimizes Misunderstandings: Verbal agreements rely on memory, which can fade or differ over time. A written contract forces all parties to define the scope of work, timelines, and payment terms explicitly, ensuring everyone is on the same page before work begins.
2) Provides Hard Evidence: If a disagreement escalates to litigation, a written contract serves as undeniable evidence. It is notoriously difficult—and expensive—to prove the specific terms of a verbal agreement in court.
3) Easier Enforcement: Courts can enforce the explicit terms of a written agreement much more easily than attempting to decipher competing oral claims. A clear contract lays out exactly what constitutes a breach and outlines the remedies available.
4) Ensures Legal Compliance: In many jurisdictions, specific types of contracts must be in writing and signed to be legally enforceable under the Statute of Frauds. This generally applies to real estate transactions, leases over one year, and contracts that take longer than a year to perform.
5) Promotes Thoughtful Negotiation: The act of drafting and negotiating a written agreement forces both parties to consider potential risks, worst-case scenarios, and details they might have otherwise overlooked in a casual handshake deal.

The attorneys at Bailey & Gunderson Co., L.P.A., with offices in Norwood and Western Hills at 513-631-0022, can answer your questions about this issue and many other issues.

WHEN IS A “CHEAP” LAST WILL & TESTAMENT “CHEAP”? We have seen many instances over the years in our office with the advan...
06/10/2026

WHEN IS A “CHEAP” LAST WILL & TESTAMENT “CHEAP”?

We have seen many instances over the years in our office with the advancement of online technology of clients preparing their own Last Wills & Testaments.

When those Last Wills & Testaments are self-prepared and signed correctly, those parties do not have any issues. When those Last Wills & Testaments are not self-prepared correctly or are not signed properly, those “cheaply” self-prepared Last Wills & Testaments can become expensive costing the party’s estate and beneficiaries several 100’s and 1000’s of dollars to litigate the issues in the courts, and causing hurt feelings along the way.

Too many times, a party will sign a Last Will & Testament before a witness who is also a beneficiary (or not before the proper number of witnesses); or draft language for the distribution of their assets that do not match their intent, and assets go to beneficiaries to whom the party did not intend.

Do you want a Last Will & Testament prepared right? Consult with an attorney. Yes, you will have to spend some money - probably anywhere from $250 to $500 for a Last Will & Testament, but your intentions and the proper ex*****on of your Last Will & Testament shall be satisfied, which shall save your estate and your beneficiaries money in the long run.

The attorneys at Bailey & Gunderson Co., L.P.A., with offices in Norwood and Western Hills at 513-631-0022, can answer your questions about a Last Will & Testament for you.

YOUR ESTATE PLANNING CHECKLIST.Clients often ask us what are some documents I need to gather and issues to consider as I...
04/12/2026

YOUR ESTATE PLANNING CHECKLIST.

Clients often ask us what are some documents I need to gather and issues to consider as I plan for my death to make sure there is a smooth transition of my assets to my beneficiaries and for the administration of my estate.

Here are some suggestions of the things you need to have documented to ensure your affairs are in order for the administration of your estate after your death, and that your final wishes honored.

1. • Last Will and Testament or Trust
2. • Executor of Your Estate
3. • Beneficiaries of Your Estate
4. • Guardians for Minor Children
5. • Beneficiary Designations
i. 401Ks/IRAs
ii. Bank Accounts
iii. Life Insurance Policies
iv. Pensions
v. Stocks/Investments
vi. Other financial accounts
6. • Healthcare Directives (including end-of-life care instructions)
7. • Power of Attorney
8. • Proof of Identity
i. Social Security card
ii. Driver's license
iii. Birth certificate
iv. Marriage license
v. Divorce decree
vi. Passport
9. • Homeownership
i. Title
ii. Property deeds
iii. Mortgage papers
10. • Funeral Plan (service wishes, cremation and burial preferences, etc.)

Keep your original documents in a secure place at home or with a lawyer or trust company. Keep a copy of all documents in a fire proof safe at home or in a safety deposit box.

BE SURE TO TELL YOU CHILDREN AND AGENTS THAT YOU HAVE THESE DOCUMENTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM. DO NOT KEEP IT A SECRET!

The attorneys at Bailey & Gunderson Co., L.P.A., with offices in Norwood and Western Hills at 513-631-0022, can answer your questions about your estate planning.

DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR HEALTHCARE.The best way to designate an agent for you to make healthcare decisions if you ...
03/10/2026

DURABLE POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR HEALTHCARE.

The best way to designate an agent for you to make healthcare decisions if you are unable to do so due to physical or mental infirmities is to appoint an agent pursuant to a durable power of attorney for healthcare. It is recommended to appoint at least two to three agents in an order of preference in your durable power of attorney for healthcare.

You can also nominate in your durable power of attorney for healthcare person(s) who you wish to be guardian for your person and/or estate if it becomes necessary to have a guardian appointed for you due to conflicts among family members. The hope is that with the durable power of attorney for healthcare, a guardianship will not be necessary, but you can make those nominations just in case.

The attorneys at Bailey & Gunderson Co., L.P.A., with offices in Norwood and Western Hills at 513-631-0022, can answer your questions about durable powers of attorney for healthcare, and any other planning documents that you have interests in obtaining.

Are you having debt and financial trouble?  We can help.  A Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy may be the solution for y...
02/25/2026

Are you having debt and financial trouble? We can help.

A Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy may be the solution for your debt and financial problems. Please contact us for your free initial consultation with our bankruptcy attorneys.

Bailey & Gunderson Co., L.P.A., with offices in Norwood and Western Hills. Phone: 513-631-0022.

FACTORS CONSIDERED BY OHIO COURTS IN DETERMINING CHILD CUSTODY CASES.Ohio courts are obligated by law to consider multip...
01/20/2026

FACTORS CONSIDERED BY OHIO COURTS IN DETERMINING CHILD CUSTODY CASES.

Ohio courts are obligated by law to consider multiple factors in determining the outcome of a child custody case, with the overriding consideration to be a determination of what is in the “best interest” of the child.

Some of the factors that an Ohio court must consider are outlined as follows:
1. The parents’ wishes.
2. The child’s wishes.
3. The child’s relationships with his or her parents, siblings, and other persons that would be affected by a proposed custody order.
4. The child’s performance at school and adjustment to the community.
5. Physical and mental health of everyone close to the child.
6. Which parent will be more likely to foster a relationship with the other parent.
7. Whether the parent is current on child support obligations.
8. The parents’ criminal records.
9. Whether one parent has denied another parent the right to see the child.
10. Whether a parent is planning to move out of the state.

Additional factors are considered when determining whether or not shared parenting is in the child’s best interest including:
11. What the ability is of the parents to make joint decisions.
12. Whether each parent encourages a relationship between the child and the other parent.
13. Whether either party has been physically or mentally abusive toward a family member.
14. The geographic distance between the parents’ homes.
15. The recommendations by the child care professionals involved.

The attorneys at Bailey & Gunderson Co., L.P.A., with offices in Norwood and Western Hills at 513-631-0022, can answer your questions about child custody cases, and these factors that Ohio courts must consider in determining the outcome of those cases.

Happy holidays to our clients and friends from your attorneys at Bailey & Gunderson!  Please have a safe and enjoyable h...
12/24/2025

Happy holidays to our clients and friends from your attorneys at Bailey & Gunderson!

Please have a safe and enjoyable holiday.

AN EASY WAY TO TRANSFER THE TITLE FOR REAL ESTATE AFTER YOUR DEATH?A Transfer-on-Death Designation Real Estate Affidavit...
12/08/2025

AN EASY WAY TO TRANSFER THE TITLE FOR REAL ESTATE AFTER YOUR DEATH?

A Transfer-on-Death Designation Real Estate Affidavit provides for the transfer of the title for your real estate to one or more persons after your death without having to administer your real estate through the Probate Court.

The process is simple in that an affidavit is prepared designating your transfer-on-death designation beneficiaries to receive the title for your real estate after your death. The real estate affidavit is then recorded with the County Recorder in which the real estate is located.

A Transfer-on-Death Designation Real Estate Affidavit is not without any issues or complications. This type of real estate transfer affidavit may not be beneficial in all situations, and can lead to complications. Your attorney can advise you if a Transfer-on-Death Designation Real Estate Affidavit can be a beneficial part of your estate planning.

The attorneys at Bailey & Gunderson Co., L.P.A., with offices in Norwood and Western Hills at 513-631-0022, can answer your questions about a Transfer-on-Death Designation Real Estate Affidavit.

Happy Thanksgiving to our clients and friends from the attorneys and staff of Bailey & Gunderson!  We have much to be th...
11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving to our clients and friends from the attorneys and staff of Bailey & Gunderson!

We have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Bailey & Gunderson Co., L.P.A., Attorneys-at Law, with offices in Norwood and Western Hills. Phone: 513-631-0022.

Address

5257 Montgomery Road
Cincinnati, OH
45212

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Saturday 9am - 12pm

Telephone

+15136310022

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