Ohio § 1702.55

Full text of Ohio Ohio Revised Code § 1702.55, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 1702.55.

(A) The members, the directors, and the officers of a corporation shall not be personally

liable for any obligation of the corporation. (B) In addition to any other liabilities imposed by law upon directors of a corporation

and except as provided in division (D) of this section, directors shall be jointly

and severally liable to the corporation as provided in division (C) of this section

if they vote for or assent to any of the following: (1) A distribution of assets to members contrary to law or the articles; (2) A distribution of assets to persons other than creditors during the winding up of

the affairs of the corporation, on dissolution or otherwise, without the payment of

all known obligations of the corporation, or without making adequate provision therefor; (3) The making of loans, other than in the usual conduct of its affairs or in accordance

with provisions therefor in the articles, to an officer or director of the corporation

other than if, at the time of the making of the loan, a majority of the disinterested

directors of the corporation voted for the loan and, taking into account the terms

and provisions of the loan and other relevant factors, determined that the making

of the loan could reasonably be expected to benefit the corporation. (C)(1) In cases under division (B)(1) of this section, up to the amount of such distribution

in excess of the amount that could have been distributed without violation of law

or the articles, but not in excess of the amount that would inure to the benefit of

the creditors of the corporation if it was insolvent at the time of the distribution

or there was reasonable ground to believe that by such action it would be rendered

insolvent, or to the benefit of the members other than members of the class in respect

of which the distribution was made; (2) In cases under division (B)(2) of this section, to the extent that such obligations

(not otherwise barred by statute) are not paid, or for the payment of which adequate

provision has not been made; (3) In cases under division (B)(3) of this section, for the amount of the loan with interest

thereon at the rate specified in section 1343.03 of the Revised Code until the amount has been paid. (D) A director shall not be liable under divisions (B)(1) and (C)(1) or divisions (B)(2)

and (C)(2) of this section if in determining the amount available for any such distribution,

the director in good faith relied on a financial statement of the corporation prepared

by an officer or employee of the corporation in charge of its accounts or certified

by a public accountant or firm of public accountants, or in good faith the director

considered the assets to be of their book value, or the director followed what the

director believed to be sound accounting and business practice. (E) A director who is present at a meeting of the directors or a committee thereof at

which action on any matter is authorized or taken and who has not voted for or against

such action shall be presumed to have voted for the action unless the director's written

dissent therefrom is filed either during the meeting or within a reasonable time after

the adjournment thereof, with the person acting as secretary of the meeting or with

the secretary of the corporation. (F) A member who knowingly receives any distribution made contrary to law or the articles

shall be liable to the corporation for the amount received by the member that is in

excess of the amount that could have been distributed without violation of law or

the articles. (G) A director against whom a claim is asserted under or pursuant to this section and

who is held liable thereon shall be entitled to contribution, on equitable principles,

from other directors who also are liable;  and in addition, any director against whom

a claim is asserted under or pursuant to this section or who is held liable shall

have a right of contribution from the members who knowingly received any distribution

made contrary to law or the articles, and such members as among themselves shall also

be entitled to contribution in proportion to the amounts received by them respectively. (H) The fact that a loan is made in violation of this section does not affect the borrower's

liability on the loan. (I) No action shall be brought by or on behalf of a corporation upon any cause of action

arising under division (B)(1) or (2) of this section at any time after two years from

the day on which the violation occurs. (J) Nothing contained in this section shall preclude any creditor whose claim is unpaid

from exercising such rights as the creditor otherwise would have by law to enforce

the creditor's claim against assets of the corporation distributed to members or other

persons.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio § 1702.55

What does Ohio Revised Code § 1702.55 cover?

Section 1702.55 is part of the Ohio Revised Code, the codified statutory law of Ohio. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Ohio § 1702.55?

A common citation format is "Ohio Revised Code § 1702.55" (Ohio). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Ohio law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Ohio official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Ohio attorney.

How does Ohio § 1702.55 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Ohio can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Ohio.