Business Details
14 Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Advocate in Northwest Ohio
At the Hizer & Schimmel, we have dedicated ourselves to providing aggressive and professional legal representation to clients throughout Northwest Ohio. With over a decade of experience in diverse legal fields, including bankruptcy, estate planning, real estate, and tax resolution, our firm combines deep local knowledge with comprehensive legal expertise to protect clients' rights. Our practice is built on a foundation of personalized service, affordability, and a commitment to achieving favorable outcomes through both courtroom advocacy and strategic negotiations.We prioritize understanding each client's unique circumstances to deliver tailored solutions that address their immediate needs while safeguarding their long-term interests. Our team's extensive experience in municipal law, combined with our active involvement in the Northwood community, allows us to offer insights that directly benefit our clients' legal strategies.
Services
Bankruptcy
Estate Planning
Real Estate Law
Tax Resolution
Foreclosure Defense
Business Litigation
Personal Injury
Criminal Defense
Consumer Protection
Probate Representation
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer over 20 years of combined legal experience in Northwest Ohio's unique regulatory environment
- Our attorney holds municipal law expertise through service as Northwood City Mayor
- We provide free initial consultations to discuss your specific legal needs
- Our practice covers 8+ core legal areas including bankruptcy, estate planning, and tax resolution
- We maintain a client-focused approach with personalized service and transparent communication
What people say
Great lawyer
Highly recommend
Listens to clients
Understanding approach
Family-like service
Services
Bankruptcy
Our bankruptcy practice helps individuals and businesses eliminate or restructure overwhelming debt through Chapter 7, 13, 11, and 12 filings. We guide clients through the complete bankruptcy process while protecting their assets and rights. With experience in both personal and business bankruptcies, we provide strategic solutions to achieve financial fresh starts while complying with federal bankruptcy regulations.
Estate Planning
We create comprehensive estate plans including wills, trusts, and powers of attorney to protect clients' assets and ensure their wishes are honored. Our services cover probate avoidance strategies, healthcare directives, and intergenerational wealth transfer planning. We help families establish legal frameworks that minimize disputes and streamline asset distribution while maintaining compliance with Ohio estate laws.
Real Estate Law
Our real estate practice handles residential and commercial transactions, title examinations, and contract negotiations. We represent buyers, sellers, and investors in property acquisitions, lease agreements, and zoning matters. The firm provides legal oversight for all transaction stages, from due diligence to closing, ensuring compliance with local regulations and protecting clients' property interests throughout Northwest Ohio.
Tax Resolution
We assist clients in resolving federal and state tax issues through installment agreements, offers in compromise, and lien releases. Our services include IRS audit representation, wage garnishment stops, and back tax negotiations. As a certified IRS e-filer, we combine tax code expertise with litigation capabilities to protect clients' financial interests in tax disputes and collection matters.
Personal Injury
We represent injury victims in automobile accidents, slip-and-fall incidents, and other negligence cases. Our practice secures compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering through insurance negotiations and litigation. We handle all personal injury cases on a contingency basis, ensuring access to justice regardless of clients' current financial situations while aggressively pursuing maximum recoveries.
People
Edward L. Schimmel
Attorney & Owner
Edward L. Schimmel is a Toledo native with over 15 years of legal experience. A graduate of the University of Toledo School of Law, he serves as Northwood's Mayor and previously practiced at Hizer, Mahaffey & Schimmel. He focuses on bankruptcy, estate planning, and real estate law while maintaining active community involvement through local government service.
Questions
What bankruptcy options are available for Ohio residents?
We help clients evaluate Chapter 7 liquidation or Chapter 13 repayment plans based on income and debt levels. Business owners may consider Chapter 11 reorganization while family farmers can utilize Chapter 12 provisions.
How does estate planning protect my family's future?
Proper estate planning ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes while minimizing probate complications. We create customized wills, trusts, and healthcare directives to protect your legacy and provide clear guidance for loved ones.
Can tax debt be resolved without paying full amounts?
Yes, we negotiate with the IRS to establish affordable payment plans, reduce penalties, and potentially settle debts for less than owed through Offer in Compromise programs while protecting clients from collection actions.
What should I do after a car accident injury?
Seek immediate medical attention, document the incident, and contact our office. We handle insurance claims and litigation to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering on a contingency basis.
How long do real estate transactions typically take?
Most residential transactions close within 30-45 days while commercial deals may require 60-90 days depending on complexity. Our team expedites the process through proactive title work, contract negotiations, and coordination with all parties involved.
