Practice Areas

Lake County, Ohio, Full Service Law Firm

At the law firm of Cooper & Forbes, our attorneys have the knowledge and experience to offer sound legal counsel in a broad range of personal and business legal matters. Our offices are in Painesville, Ohio, which is the county seat of Lake County and the location of its courts. We represent clients in Lake, Cuyahoga, Geauga, and Ashtabula Counties, and we appear in federal courts in the northern district of Ohio.

Divorce and Custody Attorneys

Divorce and custody issues are emotionally painful and legally complex. If you are contemplating divorce, or if your spouse has filed for divorce, you need the legal experience that we offer.

One of the founding partners of our firm, Linda D. Cooper, has a specialty certification in family law, awarded by the Ohio State Bar Association in 1999. Specialty certification involves passing an initial examination, on-going continuing education, and favorable evaluations by other lawyers and judges familiar with the practice of family law. Ms. Cooper is one of fewer than 100 attorneys certified in family law in Ohio.

In our family law practice, we handle all matters related to divorce and dissolution, including child custody, child support, spousal support, visitation, property and debt division, and domestic violence. We seek to minimize the emotional and financial cost of divorce through settlement when possible, but when going to court is in your best interests, we are skilled trial attorneys who will advocate strongly on your behalf.

We are also experienced in other areas of family law including juvenile matters, guardianships, and adoptions.

Estate Planning, Wills and Trusts, and Trust Administration Attorneys

A will allows you to determine what should happen to your property upon your death, and permits you to name an executor who will be responsible for the administration of your estate. We will work with you to develop a customized estate plan to accomplish several goals, including:

• Protecting assets from over-taxation
• Documenting your wishes regarding your property
• Preventing family disputes
• Providing for your loved ones

Through wills, trusts, living wills, advanced medical directives, and powers of attorney, we can develop a comprehensive and flexible estate plan for you.

Bankruptcy Attorneys

If financial circumstances in your personal life or your business force you to consider bankruptcy, our knowledge and experience can help you get back on your feet.

• Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, or liquidation, permits you to eliminate as much debt as possible while retaining exempt assets.
  
• Chapter 11 Bankruptcy allows for business reorganization, permitting the business to settle its outstanding obligations over time and in accord with its cash flow, while your business continues to operate.
  
• Chapter 13 Bankruptcy permits you to set up long term repayment plans with creditors and avoid, in many cases, burdensome interest charges.

Business and Commercial Law Attorneys

We handle a range of business and financial transactions legal issues, including issues related to business formation, dissolution, acquisition, and contract review, negotiation, and drafting. We seek creative financing alternatives to allow for greater flexibility, and we engage in significant corporate litigation.

Collection Attorneys

Through our in-house collections department, we assist our business clients in collecting on delinquent accounts and in collecting on judgments. Following the guidelines of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), we use all available methods, including bank and wage garnishments and liens on real property.

Civil Litigation Attorneys

In civil litigation matters, we seek the most effective, most economical, and least intrusive path to resolution. When negotiation fails and litigation becomes unavoidable, we have the knowledge and the courtroom experience necessary to take your case to trial, and we are committed to protecting your interests.

We invite you to contact our law offices for sound legal counsel, strong advocacy on your behalf, and understanding and compassion for your circumstances.

Cooper & Forbes
166 Main Street
Painesville, Ohio 44077
Phone 440 357 6211
Cleveland toll free 440 942 9027
Fax 440 357 1634
Firm email info@cooperandforbes.com
Collection department email dcline@cooperandforbes.com