Unfortunately, when an Ohioan has done well for themselves, there are many people who are more than willing to try to seize that wealth through deceit and manipulation. As people get older and more vulnerable, tricking them in to giving up their wealth can get...
Estate Planning
Alteration of property and how it impacts estate planning
In Ohio, when a person crafts an estate plan, they do so with one eye on the present and another on the future. That is, after all, the objective. They are thinking about the long-term and how property will be distributed after they are gone. However, the estate plan...
Recognizing and avoiding estate planning problems
Ohio residents who take the critical step of crafting an estate plan need to understand that it is only part of the process. Simply having a will is undoubtedly a positive step. However, there are challenges that can still arise. To avoid problems, it is wise to be...
What does “per stirpes” mean in estate planning?
Having a will drafted is usually a relatively simple process, but you might come upon certain terms that sound confusing. One of these is the term “per stirpes.” The term comes from Latin and literally means “by branch.” It indicates how you want your assets to be...
Four ways to prevent an estate plan contest
You may not realize it now, but there’s a chance that your estate plan could be contested. This usually happens when a disgruntled loved one is unhappy with their inheritance, and they want to fight to invalidate your estate plan so that they can inherit more....
If you are adding a codicil to your will, make sure it is valid
Having an estate plan is a necessity for Ohio residents regardless of their age, income, family situation and plans for the future. A basic will is a protective device for them and their family to make sure their property goes where they want it to go after they are...
Talking with your parents about estate planning
Talking to your parents about setting up an estate plan can be difficult. It is easy to assume that since our parents are older, they have already thought about and set up an estate plan. However, many elderly individuals do not have a will or estate plan set up for...
Is a trust the only way to avoid probate?
While many Ohioans are interested in including a trust as part of their estate plan, they are not the only way to avoid the probate process. What follow are several other estate planning techniques residents of the greater Cincinnati area may want to use to keep all...
How to ensure asset longevity through your estate plan
It’s taken years, maybe even decades, to build your wealth. You don’t want to see it all squandered away shortly after your passing. Yet, that might be a real possibility under the circumstances and given your family’s dynamics. If that leaves you worried, then it’s...
Probate trouble is not always between families
When Southern Ohio residents hear about estates getting hung up in probate or trust battles, their first thought may be of squabbles between family members who feel like their loved one’s estate plan is not fair. Intra-family strife is a common cause of probate...