As our parents age, it is natural to worry about their well-being and financial security. In some cases, it may even be crucial. A study from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) found older adults are more likely to be targets or victims of financial fraud. It...
Estate Planning
What powers and duties do guardians have?
If you're considering guardianship in Ohio, understanding the responsibilities and authority granted to guardians is a must. Being aware of the powers and duties guardians hold helps ensure clarity and the ability to meet the obligations of this role. Guardianship...
Probate prep: Maximizing your first lawyer consultation
The passing of a loved one brings not only grief but also complex legal processes that can overwhelm any grieving family. One such process is probate, a court-supervised procedure that settles the deceased’s financial matters. It involves paying off their debts and...
Estate planning tips for bypassing probate
The passing of a loved one is a challenging time, and the last thing families need is the added stress of facing the probate process. Probate, while necessary in some instances, can be a time-consuming and costly procedure that involves the courts in the...
How to prepare an estate inventory for probate
The probate process involves many steps and procedures, all necessary to administer the deceased's estate. An essential step that the executor cannot overlook is organizing the assets by creating an estate inventory. This document may seem like a simple list, but it...
Does Ohio accept handwritten and oral wills?
Intestacy happens when someone dies without a valid will. When this occurs, the probate court will decide how to distribute your properties, and this might go against your wishes. To avoid that scenario, you may create an estate plan with your last will and testament...
Can you change a court-appointed guardian?
A guardian is an individual appointed by the court to care for another person — the ward — who can’t manage their own affairs due to a disability, age, or incapacity. But what if the ward doesn’t like their guardian for some reason? Is it possible to change a...
Why every new parent needs an estate plan
Becoming a parent is a joyous and transformative experience, filled with moments of excitement and anticipation. Amidst the diapers, baby bottles and sleepless nights, it is easy to overlook the importance of estate planning. Crafting a thoughtful estate plan is an...
The first step of probate: Locating the will
In Ohio, any person in possession of a will has the responsibility to file it with the probate court after the death of the testator (the person who made the will). Typically, this is the executor's job, so the testator should choose someone who they know will fulfill...
5 ways to protect your finances when considering long-term care
Estate planning and ensuring financial security in the face of potential long-term care needs is not always straightforward. In other words, Ohio residents doing this must navigate a complex landscape. Taking proactive steps to protect your finances is important for a...