Roderick Linton Belfance LLP

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Roderick Linton Belfance LLP Proudly serving the needs of individuals and business in Northeast Ohio since 1885. In 1885, W. E. Slabaugh and Edward P. S. from 1920-1940. Slabaugh, J. B. Orth.

Established in 1885, Roderick Linton Belfance LLP has built a rich tradition of providing legal services to a diverse group of clients. Whether a Fortune 500 company, a small local business, or individual, we stand ready to address the most challenging legal issues with innovative solutions. Otis began a law firm upon their graduation from the law school at the University of Cincinnati. Since then, that law firm, now known as Roderick Linton Belfance, LLP, has served Ohio with a tradition of excellence and integrity. Over the years, the success of RLB can be traced to its attorneys, who have provided high quality representation to the firm's clients, consisting of individuals and businesses, whether large or small, in multiple areas of the law, including civil trial work, insurance defense, corporate law, bankruptcy, collections, family law and probate and estates. In addition to serving its clients, the firm has also provided service to the Greater Akron Community. Partner, Francis Seiberling, practiced law, served as a U. Congressman for two terms and served on the Board of Directors at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. Prominent firm members over the years included former Akron Mayor W. Young, Akron Bar Association Presidents, W. Huber, Robert Guinther, Howard C. Walker, George T. Roderick, Robert F. Following in their footsteps, Partner William G. Chris is currently President-elect of the Akron Bar Association. Robert S. Pflueger, whose family started the Pflueger Fishing tackle business, served as Chairman of the Board of the Stan Hywet Hall Foundation. Former Partner Deborah L. Cook served on the Ohio Ninth District Court of Appeals, the Ohio Supreme Court and now serves as a Judge of the United States Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. Former Partner Tammy O'Brien currently serves as a Judge of the Summit County Court of Common Pleas. Visit www.rlbllp.com for more information on how Roderick Linton Belfance LLP can serve you and your business.

Businesses evolve. Ownership changes, key employees move into leadership, family members join the company, and the value...
10/04/2026

Businesses evolve. Ownership changes, key employees move into leadership, family members join the company, and the value of the business may grow. But governing documents and buy-sell agreements are sometimes left unchanged for years.

Succession planning is a useful time to review whether those documents still reflect the current owners, structure, and goals of the business.

For general questions about business agreements and succession planning, call 330-434-3000 or message RLB here.

This post is for general information only and is not legal advice.

Business succession does not always mean passing the company to family. For some owners, the plan may involve selling to...
10/02/2026

Business succession does not always mean passing the company to family. For some owners, the plan may involve selling to a co-owner, employees, management, or an outside buyer.

Each path can raise different questions about valuation, financing, contracts, timing, due diligence, and transition responsibilities.

Understanding the available options can help an owner decide which path fits the business and personal goals involved.

For general information, call RLB at 330-434-3000 or send us a message.

This post is for general information only and is not legal advice.

A simple succession-planning review can start with six areas: current ownership, future management, governing agreements...
09/30/2026

A simple succession-planning review can start with six areas: current ownership, future management, governing agreements, valuation, funding for a transfer, and coordination with the owner’s estate plan.

Not every business will need the same structure, but reviewing these areas can help identify what needs attention and which professionals should be involved.

Save this checklist for your next planning conversation. For general questions, call RLB at 330-434-3000 or send us a message.

This post is for general information only and is not legal advice.

A business can change quickly when an owner or partner leaves. Existing operating agreements, shareholder agreements, pa...
09/28/2026

A business can change quickly when an owner or partner leaves. Existing operating agreements, shareholder agreements, partnership agreements, and buy-sell terms may determine what happens to that person’s interest and what choices remain for the other owners.

Succession planning is an opportunity to review those documents before a departure creates an urgent question.

For general information about ownership transitions and succession planning, call 330-434-3000 or message RLB here.

This post is for general information only and is not legal advice.

For a business owner, retirement can be both a personal decision and a business transaction. The path may involve a sale...
09/25/2026

For a business owner, retirement can be both a personal decision and a business transaction. The path may involve a sale to another owner, a transfer to family, a management transition, an outside buyer, or another structure.

The earlier owners identify their preferred path, the more time they may have to review agreements, address ownership restrictions, and coordinate legal, financial, and tax planning.

For general questions about planning a business transition, call RLB at 330-434-3000 or send us a message.

This post is for general information only and is not legal advice.

For many business owners, the business is a significant part of their personal estate. That means business succession pl...
09/24/2026

For many business owners, the business is a significant part of their personal estate. That means business succession planning and estate planning may need to be coordinated.

Ownership transfer provisions, beneficiary decisions, trusts, tax considerations, and buy-sell arrangements can intersect. A change in one plan may affect the other.

RLB attorneys work in both business succession planning and estate planning. For general information, call 330-434-3000 or send us a message.

This post is for general information only and is not legal advice.

A succession plan may require a method for determining the value of a business or an ownership interest. Valuation can m...
09/22/2026

A succession plan may require a method for determining the value of a business or an ownership interest. Valuation can matter when planning a sale, a transfer among owners, a family transition, or terms in a buy-sell agreement.

The legal documents should be clear about how valuation will be handled when that question matters to the transaction or agreement. Financial and tax professionals may also play important roles in the process.

To request general information about succession planning, call 330-434-3000 or send RLB a message.

This post is for general information only and is not legal advice.

One of the most useful distinctions in succession planning is the difference between ownership and management.The person...
09/19/2026

One of the most useful distinctions in succession planning is the difference between ownership and management.

The person who receives or buys an ownership interest does not necessarily have to be the person who manages daily operations. Separating those questions may create more options for owners, families, and business partners to consider.

The right structure depends on the company, its governing documents, and the goals of the people involved.

Have general questions about planning a business transition? Call RLB at 330-434-3000 or send us a message.

This post is for general information only and is not legal advice.

A succession plan is not only about a future sale or retirement. It can also help a business think through continuity if...
09/16/2026

A succession plan is not only about a future sale or retirement. It can also help a business think through continuity if a key owner or leader is suddenly unavailable.

Who has authority to make decisions? Who has access to critical information? Do governing documents and ownership agreements reflect the current business?

Planning for these questions can help owners understand where their business may be vulnerable to disruption.

For general information about business succession planning, call 330-434-3000 or message RLB here.

This post is for general information only and is not legal advice.

When a business may stay in the family, succession planning can involve both legal and practical questions. Ownership an...
09/14/2026

When a business may stay in the family, succession planning can involve both legal and practical questions. Ownership and management are not always the same thing, and family members may have different roles, expectations, or timelines.

A written plan can help clarify how a transition is intended to work and which documents may need to support it.

If your family is beginning to discuss the future of a closely held business, RLB can provide general information about succession planning options. Call 330-434-3000 or send us a message.
This post is for general information only and is not legal advice.

Address

50 S MAIN Street, 10th Floor
Highland City, FL
44308

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

+13304343000

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