Court Affirms Parental Consent Not Required for Adoption

SMB&P represented a grandmother seeking to adopt her granddaughter without the consent of the child’s biological mother. SMB&P successfully argued that the mother’s consent to the adoption was not required due to the mother’s failure, after notice and a hearing, and without justifiable cause, to have more than de minimus contact with the child in the year preceding the adoption. A copy of the Twelfth District Court of Appeals’ opinion affirming the decision of the Warren County Probate Court can be viewed here: https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/rod/docs/pdf/12/2019/2019-Ohio-3055.pdf

Insurance Coverage Dispute Successfully Dismissed for SMB&P Client

SMB&P’s litigation attorneys successfully defended a leading national property/casualty insurance company in a case in which the plaintiffs alleged they were entitled to coverage under the at-fault driver’s employer’s garage liability policy. SMB&P partner Katie Barbiere prevailed by filing a motion for summary judgment, successfully arguing that the policy did not provide coverage because the at-fault driver was not operating a covered auto at the time of the accident and also defeating the plaintiffs’ arguments that the policy language was unconscionable. A copy of the court’s opinion can be viewed here.

SMB&P’s attorneys enjoy handling such insurance coverage disputes and we try to use our experience and knowledge to resolve such disputes in the most timely and cost-effective manner.