Estate planning can be more complicated when you own a business. In addition to having a plan for your personal assets, your estate plan determines what happens to your business after you pass away. For example, you must decide if you would like to sell your business...
Trusted Southern Ohio Attorneys
Estate Planning
Know the duties of an estate executor in Ohio
When an individual passes away, someone has to deal with their estate. Oftentimes this is a loved one who has been named by the now deceased individual as the estate’s executor. It’s a big obligation, and an honorable one. Yet, the stress associated with the position...
Why you should not fear probate in Ohio
You may view the Ohio probate process as complicated or daunting. This often comes from unfamiliarity with the process. Probate is the process of distributing assets and paying debts after someone passes away without a will. This is done according to Ohio state law....
What are some signs of financial exploitation?
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...
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...