The restaurant industry has been hit hard by stay-at-home orders, social distancing, and other safety precautions necessitated by the novel coronavirus pandemic. The impact on daily operations and the economy generally have, in turn, affected larger deals such as mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the industry. With the complete lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and their effect on the economy nowhere in sight, parties to restaurant M&A transactions are adjusting to the COVID-19 world by negotiating and incorporating into M&A agreements new ways to deal with the uncertainties created by the pandemic. Understanding how the pandemic has changed the approach of both buyers and sellers is essential for protecting each party’s interests.

Following the loss of a loved one, we sometimes find comfort in things—possessions shared with or treasured by the person who passed. Dealing with these things may be part of the grieving process, but it is also a necessary part of wrapping up the decedent’s affairs. Legal proceedings in a probate court are often required. Understanding how Ohio probate works is critical for both the person handling the decedent’s estate and for the decedent’s heirs. Here, an experienced Ohio probate attorney gives an overview of how probate in Ohio works.

When a loved one passes, picking up the pieces can be hard. Dealing with your grief can take time, but delays in wrapping up your loved one’s estate are not a good idea. Deadlines for probate filings start running on the date of death, making it essential for families to understand and successfully navigate probate in West Virginia in a timely manner. Whether your loved one left a valid will or you are without instructions on how to administer the estate, understanding the probate process in West Virginia (WV) is key to moving forward.

The purpose of starting or operating a business is to create revenue by serving some public need. While many businesses follow a business plan, surprisingly few business owners have an exit strategy. Whether your business is the expression of a passion, a service to the community, or an investment, at some point you may want—or need—to sell or close it. A business exit strategy provides helpful guidance for operating and winding up your involvement in the business cleanly and smoothly.

When people die, they usually leave assets, debts, or both. Collectively, the assets and debts owned by the individual become owned by the individual’s estate. After a person’s death, someone needs to wrap up the decedent’s affairs, and the legal authority to do that comes through the estate administration process. This blog on the basics of the overall process is the first in a series of four covering estate administration in West Virginia (WV), Kentucky (KY), and Ohio (OH).