The statute of limitations relating to a fraudulent transfer can vary significantly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In Ohio, Section 1336.09 of the Ohio Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act provides that a claim for relief must generally be brought within four years after a transfer was made. But even if that period has expired, a claim may
Ohio law
Delaware Law Provides Stability and Certainy for Businesses and Their Owners
Approximately 900,000 businesses are incorporated in Delaware, including 63% of all fortune 500 companies. This is according to Rita K. Farrell in a recent New York Times article.
In various other posts, I have explained how Delaware’s LLC statute provides better asset protection for LLC owners than the law in many other states. The…
Delaware is a Good Choice for an LLC
As I mentioned in a post last month, limited liability company laws vary significantly from state to state. Depending on your particular circumstances, one state could have significant advantages over another.
Here are a few reasons why Delaware is one of the best states to form a limited liability company from an asset protection…
Ohio Court Affirms the “Internal Affairs Doctrine”
The "Internal Affairs Doctrine" means that the law of the state of incorporation normally determines issues relating to the internal affairs of a corporation. For example, if there is a dispute between two shareholders of a Delaware corporation, it would typically be decided using Delaware law, even if the company operates in another state. This…
Ohio Appeals Court Affirms Basic LLC Protections
It is now well settled that a limited liability company insulates the owners from the debts of the company.
It is nevertheless reassuring when a court re-affirms basic LLC protections. In Dover Phila Heating v. SJS Restaurants 185 Ohio App.3d 107, 2009-Ohio-6187, the Ohio Court of Appeals for the Fifth Appellate District confirmed once again…
Creditors Have Many Options Once They Have a Judgment Against You
An article in the September 20, 2009 Business section of the Cleveland Plain Dealer contains a good summary of the various remedies available to a creditor who has a judgment against you. Cleveland Plain Dealer columnist Sheryl Harris is discussing a $3,000 judgment obtained in a small claims court in Rocky River, Ohio; but the…
Joint Tenancy Not Great For Asset Protection
Holding property as joint tenants has numerous advantages. It can be convenient, and it can generally avoid probate of the jointly held assets. It is a big misconception, however, that joint tenancy provides very much asset protection.
A recent Ohio Court of Appeals Decision, White v. Parks is a perfect illustration of the drawbacks of…
Fraudulent Conveyances
Asset protection planning generally involves transferring and/or re-titling some or all of your assets in order to better protect those assets from claims of creditors. Not surprisingly, however, there are statutory prohibitions against transferring your assets with the intent of avoiding your legal obligations. Whenever any assets are transferred or re-titled for protection purposes, it is critical…
Protecting Your Home from Creditors — Huge Variations in State Laws
A debtor’s personal residence is a natural target of his or her creditors. Some states (Florida, in particular) provide special protection for your home against claims of creditors. Currently, Florida’s protection is so strong that some debtors have re-located to Florida solely to take advantage of this protection. Texas also provides a very strong homestead exemption. Ohio, however, currently provides …
Piercing the Corporate Veil
Corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs) provide significant liability protection to their owners. Shareholders of corporations and members of limited liability companies generally are not responsible for debts of the corporation or LLC. A recent Ohio case, however, serves as a reminder that creditors may attempt to "pierce the corporate veil" and hold an owner…