I’m Jeff Fort, Attorney at Law
I have over 40 years of wide-ranging experience. A practical, efficient problem-solver with sound judgement, leadership and management skills, I specialize in typical law firm matters such as estate planning, business and real estate transfers. What is not typical is my experience in oil & gas and environmental law – areas where experience is critical. To my clients and prospective clients: “I offer loyalty confidentiality, competence, diligence and my best judgment. I shall represent you as I should want to be represented and be worthy of your trust. I shall counsel you with respect to alternative methods to resolve disputes. I shall endeavor to achieve your lawful objectives as expeditiously and economically as possible.” A Lawyer’s Creed, adopted by the Ohio Supreme Court, 1997.
Contact Us
Fort Law Firm, LLC
413 North Main Street
Findlay, Ohio 45840-3541
419-356-3984
jfort@jfortlaw.com
Areas of Practice
Oil & Gas
Business Transactions
Even what would seem to be relatively simple business transactions can end up in litigation because there was a fundamental misunderstanding between the parties. I am not advocating that all transactions need to have a written contract reviewed by an attorney, but if a little voice in the back of your mind is considering it, LISTEN! I heard a contractor, an experienced contractor, say (to a Judge, no less) that there is no such thing as a verbal contract. He found out otherwise.
Whenever a contractor will be doing work on the Owner’s property, there should be a written contract. If a contractor employee is injured on Owner’s property, the employee’s remedy against the employer is prescribed by Workers Compensation. No such limitation as against Owner.
Litigation is a colossal waste of money and usually could have been avoided.
Environmental Issues
Discovering environmental, health, or safety issues during a property sale can be a costly surprise. It's crucial to conduct thorough due diligence before listing or refinancing. Failure to do so could lead to legal complications and financial losses.
Don't let environmental issues derail your deals—partner with us for peace of mind and legal expertise.
Estate Planning
Death and taxes – you know the saying. But have you planned for them? As certain as they are is your need to have a plan. Your plan may not need to be complex, but, again, you need to have a plan. The plan can be a simple as reviewing the beneficiaries of your life insurance policy and retirement account.
Conceptually, when one owns a piece of land entirely, i.e., in “fee simple,” he owns everything from the center of the earth below the parcel to the heavens above it. That includes ownership of oil, gas and other minerals unless some past owner of the parcel conveyed away such ownership. The only way to determine if that has happened (typically, in NW Ohio, during the oil boom days) is to do a “title search” for the parcel at the county recorder.
Get in Touch
Ready to navigate the complexities of environmental law with confidence? Contact the Jeff Fort Law Firm today for expert guidance tailored to your unique needs.