When dealing with a strained relationship with a child, the thought of excluding them from your estate plan may cross your mind. The good news is that it is legally possible to disinherit a child in Ohio. However, this process requires careful consideration to avoid...
Estate Planning
Choosing the right trustee as a part of an estate plan
Okay, you have done all the soul searching advised by your estate planning lawyer, and you have decided to create a trust to convey most of your assets to your children. Now what? The next step is perhaps the most critical: choosing a person or institution to act as...
What happens to my stock holdings after I die?
Those who have invested in stocks can simply pass them along as they would any other property as part of a will. Just as a person can declare who will get a home, automobiles, jewelry, collectibles, sentimental items and anything else, they can specify how their...
Should I include a POA as part of my estate plan?
In estate planning, we often talk about the uses of wills and trusts, but these aren’t the only important documents to consider including in your estate plan. One document that all of us should have in our plans is a financial power of attorney, or financial POA. A...
What issues might you encounter during the probate process?
The probate process is something that not many people think about until they deal with it. After the death of a loved one, surviving family members are typically the ones who need to go through the probate process, and they become very familiar with the legal terms...
Three common ways wills are contested
A well thought-out, legally binding will can be powerful in an estate plan. After all, it can concretely dictate how assets are to be distributed, leaving no room for interpretation. That sounds well and good, but the truth is that wills are contested all the time. If...
Can you leave your spouse out of your will?
For the most part, when create your will, you get to choose who you will provide for and who you will not. You can leave even close relatives out of your will, if you choose to. However, there is a provision under Ohio law that can make it impossible to completely...
Estate planning for parents with minor children
Creating an estate plan is important for everyone, but people with children under the age of 18 have additional things to consider. If you have minor children, there are several ways you can use your estate plan to protect them if you pass away while they are still...
What happens if a codicil is added to an existing will?
In Ohio, it is a good idea for a person to have a will to ensure they are fully prepared for the future. This is true for older people, but it is also imperative for those who might not believe it is urgent to create even a basic estate plan. Those who are relatively...
Understanding the benefits of creating a trust
In Ohio, a person may choose to create a trust instead of a will. It's helpful to understand the requirements and benefits of this option. Trust requirements The person who is creating the trust must be at least 18 years old, have the intent to make an estate plan and...