Law Offices of Laurie E Ohall, PA

I've had several clients mention recently how they would like to sell their RVs but the market is saturated. Did you know that you can donate your RV to a 501(c)(3) organization and claim a tax deduction for the fair market value of the RV on your tax return? There are charities in Western North Carolina that were affected by Hurricane Helene, and others in FL affected by Helene and/or Milton, that would gladly take the donation because they are trying to help those who lost their homes have a place to live while they rebuild. It's a Win/Win!

Urgent: We’re looking for RVs and campers to help those affected by the hurricane.

We have THE POWER (as of October 15, 2024)!! We hope all our clients and friends are back up and running again, too. Please bear with us as we get our systems up and running. It may take us a bit to respond to emails. Feel free to call the office if you have questions - 813-438-8503. Thank you to the linemen who worked tirelessly through the nights since Hurricane Milton hit to get our neighborhoods and businesses back up and running!

Share this info far and wide. Take advantage of these resources if you've had damage.

Need to file a homeowners insurance claim? You may want to hire a public adjuster to represent you. See why in the comments.

Our office is fine but power is out. We do not know yet when it will be back up. We will continue to post updates here. Thank you for your patience.

We hope everyone made it through the storm safely. Our office is without power and we will be closed until further notice.

FL peeps.....

For those of you doing last minute prep, these are a few tips that Dennis Phillips, weather guy, put out that i thought might be useful. We have one more full day, maybe 1.5, to get ready before Milton hits. Stay safe.

1) charge any device that provides light including laptops, tablets, cameras and even old cell phones. Charge external battery backups.
2) if for some reason you can't flush toilets, and you have a pool, you can use pool water to flush toilets. Otherwise, fill trash cans with water to use for flushing.
3)Fill old empty water bottles and you can keep them near the sink for washing
4) hard boiled eggs for snacks
5) fill every Tupperware with water and store in the freezer. This will keep food colder longer and you'll have water for when it melts.
6) bringing all yard decor and secure anything that will fly around
7) Reserve fridge space for storing tap water and keep the sealed water bottled on the counter.
8) place all important papers, medications, your wallet, Etc in a backpack or small file box that is easy to grab. Consider putting important documents in gallon Ziploc bags.
9) make sure you have cash on hand. Asheville has been without power for a while and businesses cannot take credit cards. That includes gas stations.
10) stock up on pet food and refill your medications. Most insurance companies allow two emergency refills per year.
11) drop your AC in advance and lower the temperatures in your fridge
12) gather all your candles, flashlights, matches and keep them accessible
13) have Clorox wipes for cleaning when there is no power and mop and vacuum the floors ahead of time so you don't have to live with a mess if we're out of power for a while. This is one of my personal favorites. :-)
14) pick your emergency safe place and store the items that you will need for the brunt of the storm there. Have a hand fan accessible while the power is out.
15) before the storm, unplug all electronics as there will be power searches during and after the storm
16) use plastic cups and paper plates because you need water to wash dishes; and maybe consider running your dishwasher Wednesday morning so you don't have dirty stuff sitting in it. That one is mine- :)
17) if you run out of water, consider tapping the hot water heater which could have up to 30 gallons stored in there.
18) if it's yellow let it mellow, if it's brown flush it down LOL
19) also, for insurance purposes take a video of your house and its contents. Walk room to room, open cabinets, drawers and closets. It will help you with filling out a claim later.
20) Dennis also says that he heard about freezing a cup of water and then placing a coin on top of it after it is frozen. If you keep this in the freezer it can help you gauge the temperature if the power goes out. If the coin stays on top, the food is staying Frozen and if it falls into the water the freezer has thawed out and most likely the food will need to be thrown away.

These are just some of his 35 rules. Some of them we've probably all already done, like filling up your gas in your car. Just stay safe and be prepared. And take care of your neighbors!

Our office will be closed through the end of the week - we will provide updates on our page when we re-open.

To our clients and friends in FL - please stay safe and if we can do anything to help you after the storm, let us know.

Hurricane preparedness tips from Denis Phillips
Thank you, Denise for all your hard work keeping the Tampa Nay areas up-to-date!

For those wanting a great hurricane list, here ya go. Please share! Here's what my family does. Hopefully, we won't need all this but better safe than sorry. And remember, shelters are also an option. They fill up quickly in a big storm and some don't allow pets. Keep that in mind if you're in harms way!

1. Charge any device that provides light. Laptops, tablets, cameras, video cameras, and old phones. Old cell phones can still used for dialing 911. Charge external battery backups. ( Glow sticks also provide light for a few hours. Stand them upright in a glass or jar to make a lantern.)
2. Wash all trash cans, big and small, and fill them with water for flushing toilets. Line outdoor trash cans with trash bags, fill them with water and store them in the garage. Add bleach to sterilize.
3. Fill every tub and sink with water. Cover sinks with Saran Wrap to keep it from collecting dust. Fill the washing machine and leave the lid up to store water.
4. Fill old empty water bottles and other containers with water and keep them near sinks for washing hands.
5. Fill every Tupperware with water and store it in the freezer. These will help keep food cold longer and serve as a backup water supply.
6. Fill drinking cups with water and cover with Saran Wrap. Store as many as possible in the fridge. You can store the rest on the counter and use it before opening any water bottles. Ice is impossible to find after the storm.
7. Reserve fridge space for storing tap water and keep the sealed water bottles on the counter.
8. Cook any meats in advance and other perishable foods. You can freeze cooked food. Hard boil eggs for snacks for the first day without power.
9. Be well hydrated before the storm hits and avoid salty foods that make you dehydrated.
10. Wash all dirty clothes and bed sheets. Anything dirty will smell without the A/C, you may need the items, and with no A/C, you'll be sweating a lot. You're going to want clean sheets.
11. Toss out any expired food, clean cat litter boxes, and empty all trash cans in the house, including bathrooms. Remove anything that will cause an odor when the A/C is off. If you don't have a trash day pickup before the storm, find a dumpster.
12. Bring in any yard decor, secure anything that will fly around, secure gates, bring in hoses, potted plants, etc. Bring in patio furniture and grills.
13. Clean your environment so you have clear, easy escape routes. Even if that means temporarily moving furniture to one area.
14. Scrub all bathrooms so you are starting with a clean odor-free environment. Store water-filled trash cans next to each toilet for flushing.
15. Place everything you own that is important and necessary in a backpack or small file box that is easy to grab. Include your wallet with ID, phone, hand sanitizer, snacks, etc. Get plastic sleeves for important documents.
16. Make sure you have cash on hand.
17. Stock up on pet food and fill up bowls of water for pets.
18. Refill any medications. Most insurance companies allow for 2 emergency refills per year.
19. Fill your propane tanks. You can heat soup cans, boil water, make coffee, and other stuff besides just grilling meat. Get an extra, if possible.
20. Drop your A/C in advance and lower temperatures in your fridges.
21. Gather all candles, flashlights, lighters, matches, batteries, and other items and keep them accessible.
22. Clean all counters in advance. Start with a clean surface. Buy Clorox Wipes for cleaning when there is no power. Mop your floors and vacuum. If power is out for 10 days, you'll have to live in the mess you started with.
23. Pick your emergency safe place such as a closet under the stairs. Store the items you'll need in that location for the brunt of the storm. Make a hand fan for when the power is out.
24. Shower just before the storm is scheduled to hit.
25. Keep baby wipes next to each toilet. Don't flush them. It's not the time to risk clogging your toilet!
26. Run your dishwasher, don't risk having dirty smelly dishes and you need every container for water! Remember you'll need clean water for brushing your teeth, washing yourself, and cleaning your hands.
27. Put a small suitcase in your car in case you decide to evacuate. Also, put at least one jug of water in your car. It will still be there if you don't evacuate! Remember to pack for pets as well.
28. Check on all family members, set up emergency backup plans, and check on elderly neighbors.
29. Remember, pets are family too. Take them with you!
30. Before the storm, unplug all electronics. There will be power surges during and after the storm.
31. Gas up your car and have a spare gas container for your generator or your car when you run out.
32 . Use plastic cups and paper plates. 👍 You need water to wash dishes....👎
33 . Also if you run out of water tap your hot water heater it can have up to 30 gallons stored in there.
34 . Put water in balloons and store it in the freezer.
35 . If it's yellow let it mellow, if it's brown Flush it down!💩
If you can, take a video of your house and contents....walk room to room--open cabinets/drawers and closets. This will help if you need to make a claim later. It will show proof of items and help you list all the items (help your memory, so you don't forget anything)...I highly recommend it!!!
I also heard you should freeze a cup of water, and place a coin on top after it is frozen...keep this in your freezer to help you gauge the temperature if the power goes out. If the coin stays on top, the food is staying frozen. If the coin falls into the water, the freezer thawed out and most food will likely need to be thrown away. This is super helpful is you have to leave and come back, as it may appear everything is still frozen, but if the coin is in the cup--you will know!!
Rule #7 And for those asking, that means "Don't freak out unless I'm freaking out..we're fine". Whatever comes our way, we've got this as long as we stay informed and prepared.

Florida peeps - by now you have probably got your hurricane preparations in order, but keep this information handy because if there is damage after the fact you may need some of the phone numbers listed here.

Florida Hurricane Guide ...Coastal Showers and Thunderestorms Become More Numerous Across the Florida Peninsula Through the Afternoon...Localized Flooding Possible Across Already Saturated Soils...Widespread Rain Chances Return to the Florida Panhandle Today...Triple Digit Heat Indices Possible for Central and South Florid...

Hoping all our clients, friends and family stay safe! We are monitoring this Hurricane to determine whether our offices will be closed. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/j1xWA9GvBneDV18D/

Mandatory evacuations begin in Tampa Bay ahead of Milton Ahead of Tropical Storm Milton’s anticipated landfall as a major hurricane in Florida this week, mandatory evacuations in Tampa Bay have begun.

This explains why WNC is so bad rigjt now....flooding of biblical proportions. So many people missing. This is just heartbreaking. If you can donate money to help....please do whatever you can.

Missing after Helene: The impossible rescue mission in North Carolina | About That Hundreds of people are still missing in North Carolina days after Hurricane Helene ripped across the U.S. Southeast. Andrew Chang explains why so many people...

Hurricane Helene has completely devastated areas of Western North Carolina and Tennessee - these people were not prepared because THEY DON'T PREPARE FOR HURRICANES - this is a once in a thousand year event (or maybe not anymore). I encourage you, if you have it in your heart and budget, to check out these charities that you can donate to who have boots on the ground and can help people.

𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐞. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝; 𝐰𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. 💔
Manna Foodbank in Asheville
https://www.mannafoodbank.org
Samaritan’s Purse
https://www.samaritanspurse.org/.../pray-for-those-in.../
Operation Airdrop
https://www.operation-airdrop.com/hurricane-helene
Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry
https://www.abccm.org/donations/ministry-fund/
Trinity Baptist Church - currently housing and feeding rescue workers.
https://www.tbcasheville.org
Hearts with Hands
https://www.heartswithhands.org/
WNC Regional Livestock Center
https://www.facebook.com/WNCLivestock/
Little Ivy Baptist Church
Feeding anyone who can come and providing bottled water.
https://www.littleivybaptist.com/
Mercy Chefs have deployed and will be feeding anyone in need hit meals.
Www.mercychefs.com/donate-hurricane-helene/
Cajun Navy 2016
They are currently doing relief supply drops and rescue efforts.
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/118NNB9WR3N2P...
BeLoved Asheville
https://belovedasheville.com/get-involved/
Forsyth Humane Society (pet fosters)
https://www.facebook.com/ForsythHumaneSociety
Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry
https://www.abccm.org/donations/ministry-fund/
Homeward Bound in Asheville
https://homewardboundwnc.org/
Mountain Projects
https://mountainprojects.org/
WNC Regional Livestock Center
https://www.facebook.com/WNCLivestock/
🙏🏼 And please pray.

For those of you who want help on about FL's amendments on the ballot in November.

The Informed Voters' Guide to the Amendments Floridians will vote on six constitutional amendments in the 2024 election. Learn more about each amendment, and share with friends and family!

I do not typically write political posts on my office page, however - now is the time to stand up and make our voices heard and I have daughters and a daughter-in-law that this affects. It is because of 45 and who he appointed to the Supreme Court of the United States that this was allowed to happen - that there are near total abortion bans in some U.S. States. This must be stopped because women are dying. This is NOT FAKE NEWS. This is real. This is happening. This is why you need to register to vote and you need to make sure that 45 and the other MAGA Republicans do not get into office. Not sure which ones are MAGA? Well, if you are in FL, you can pretty much bet that all of them are MAGA. Are they supported by DeSatan? Then they are MAGA. Has 45 endorsed them? MAGA. We are at an critical point in our democracy - people need to speak up. They need to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. We need to protect our democracy.

How a couple found themselves tangled in Texas’ strict abortion laws after miscarriage A Texas woman needed help passing her incomplete miscarriage and wanted a surgical abortion. Her husband said that two medical centers denied or delayed a...

🚨 Don't leave your loved ones in the dark during an emergency. 🚨
An updated estate plan gives them immediate access to your important information and financial accounts, ensuring peace of mind for everyone.
Make sure your family is prepared and secure. Contact us today to update your estate plan.
📞 (813) 438-8503
🌐 OhallLaw.com

We’ve seen far too many DIY plans backfire on our clients over the years. If you are tempted to purchase legal documents online to save money, please at least have a consultation with us first so that you fully understand what you are signing and the limitations of boilerplate wills and trusts. https://ohalllaw.com/estate-planning/

A lot of people are familiar with wills, but did you know most adults actually need a trust to accomplish their estate planning goals?
A trust:
✅ Provides greater control over asset distribution
✅ Ensures privacy by avoiding probate
✅ Offers potential tax benefits
Want to learn more? We're here to help.
📞 (813) 438-8503
🌐 OhallLaw.com

Have you taken the time to create a comprehensive estate plan? 👍 Now is a good time to check in with your attorney to see if any part of that planning involved creating a business entity that needs to be registered under the CTA. Here’s what to know: https://ohalllaw.com/do-you-own-a-corporation-or-llc-understanding-the-new-federal-law-reporting-beneficial-ownership-for-companies/

🚨 Calling all doctors, contractors, lawyers, and professionals in high-risk fields! 🚨
It's time to get serious about asset protection planning. Beyond malpractice insurance, which doesn't always cover all judgments, taking additional measures can help secure your personal assets. Protect what you've worked so hard to build.
Don't wait until it's too late. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you safeguard your future.
📞 (813) 438-8503
🌐 OhallLaw.com

Don't leave your family's inheritance trapped in probate court. ⏳ We can help you protect your assets and ensure a smooth transition. https://ohalllaw.com/avoiding-probate-in-florida-strategies-and-benefits-a-guide-from-brandon-probate-attorneys/

Have you heard about this new FAFSA rule that’s opened a “grandparent loophole” and boosts 529 plans?

New FAFSA rules opened up a 'grandparent loophole' that boosts 529 plans New FAFSA created the "grandparent loophole" allowing nonparents to use 529s to help pay for school without hurting a student's financial aid chances.

Absolutely agree with #5!

Nine Things to Keep in a Home Safe Put these valuables in a home safe, not a bank safety deposit box. You'll be glad you did.