The individual chosen to perform this role will be trusted to carry out everything in accordance to your intended wishes. Because choosing an executor can be a complex decision, here are some things to consider before making your final choice.

First, list out who you think would be capable of handling such a responsibility. You will want someone who is honest, organized and has great communication skills. The executor should also be in good mental and physical health, as well as over the age of 18.

As you create your list, try to leave aside personal feelings. Only consider those who you truly feel would be able to fulfill such a responsibility. If you are considering someone close to you but aren’t totally confident they can emotionally fulfill the role, then perhaps you should make a different selection.

Since a lot of detail will need to go into the executor’s job, you’ll definitely want to pick someone with a reputation for paying attention to specifics. Considering that the executor will be responsible for filling out a hefty amount of paperwork as well as making sure your debts are satisfied, selecting a detailed oriented individual for this job is critical.

Once you have considered all these points, you will need to choose one of the individuals on your list. It also is important to note that you can select more than one person for the role of executor. Some people decide upon their spouse, lawyer or two of their children to fulfill the role. In addition to being able to provide each other with assistance, having two executors can be a great benefit in the event that one of the selectees is unable to perform their duty.

Choosing an executor can be an overwhelming task. But if you follow these simple guidelines, you will find the individual who will be an ideal fit for the role.

An uncontested divorce typically occurs when one party cannot be found, is incarcerated, or will simply not respond to communication efforts by the other party of his lawyer.  The spouse with an attorney simply files the paperwork with the court, obtains proper service on the other spouse, shows up with witnesses to attest to the incompatibility of the marriage, and obtains the divorce.

A dissolution simply means the terms of the divorce were hashed out by the two parties before any documents are filed with the court. There is no need to go to trial in front of a family court judge. Both parties show up in court and verify their signatures on the documents and that such documents contain their intentions on how they want their marriage dissolved.  A dissolution is the easier, faster and less expensive way to terminate the marriage, dissolution does not necessarily mean undisputed.

Many couples agree to a dissolution for practical reasons. If there are no minor children, custody, visitation and child support are not issues that need to be addressed. If the marriage is short, there may be no alimony (also known as spousal support) to be awarded. If there are few assets to be divided, it makes no sense to have a long drawn-out fight.

That said, dissolutions can still have plenty of drama and tension as the splitting couple work out the division of community property and debt accrued, as well as child custody arrangements and spousal or child support, if applicable. It also does not mean that only one attorney is involved. Often, both sides have a lawyer.  Sometimes, what starts as a dissolution ends up as a contested divorce proceeding.

The ideal dissolution is when the couple can work out their financial and familial issues without the intercession of the courts. If there is an impasse, most divorce lawyers would then recommend mediation or arbitration, also referred to as collaborative law.  Mediation is where the two parties are assisted by a third party in making a mutually agreed upon solution.  Both sides get a say in the final decision.

The other advantage of a dissolution is that all disagreements and personal issues are discussed in private and do not become a matter of public record. The moment you go to trial and take the stand to testify, your life becomes public. And again, when any case goes to trial, the participants lose the opportunity to control their own destiny because now a third party ― in this case the family court judge ― will make the decisions.

That is not to say everyone should have a dissolution. For example, when there are large, complicated financial issues, it may be prudent to have everything on record. And when there has been abuse in the marriage, a contested divorce can assure the interest of the abused spouse is protected.   To see if your case is best suited for a divorce or dissolution, contact a good family law attorney.

• Chapter 7 is known as “straight” bankruptcy or “liquidation.” It requires a debtor to give up property which exceeds certain limits called “exemptions,” so the property can be sold to pay creditors.
• Chapter 11, known as “reorganization,” is used by businesses and a few individual debtors whose debts are very large.
• Chapter 12 is reserved for family farmers and fishermen.
• Chapter 13 is called “debt adjustment.” It requires a debtor to file a plan to pay debts (or parts of debts) from current income.

Most people filing bankruptcy will want to file under either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.  Either type of case may be filed individually or by a married couple filing jointly.

You also only need to look at your equity in property. This means that you count your exemptions against the full value minus any money that you owe on mortgages or liens. For example, if you own a $50,000 house with a $40,000 mortgage, you count your exemptions against the $10,000 which is your equity if you sell it.

While your exemptions allow you to keep property even in a Chapter 7 case, your exemptions do not make any difference to the right of a mortgage holder or car loan creditor to take the property to cover the debt if you are behind. In a Chapter 13 case, you can keep all of your property if your plan meets the requirements of the bankruptcy law.  In most cases, you will have to pay the mortgages or liens as you would if you didn’t file bankruptcy.

If you live in Ohio, you must use the Ohio exemption law. You cannot use the federal exemptions.   You should consult a skilled bankruptcy attorney to discuss with you how Ohio exemption laws apply to your individual case. Ohio exemptions include:

• $21,625.00 in equity in your home;
• $3,450.00 in equity in your car;
• $525.00 per item in any household goods up to a total of $11,525.00;
• $2,175.00 in things you need for your job (tools, books, etc.);
• $1,075.00 in any other personal property;
• Your right to receive certain benefits such as social security, unemployment compensation, veteran’s benefits, public assistance, and pensions.

It is very important to note that the property exemptions apply to the individual person filing bankruptcy; if you file bankruptcy with your spouse, the exemption amounts are doubled.