Westerville Ohio Legal Blog
Who should have an estate plan?
And a state plan sounds like something that only wealthy people need to pass on millions of dollars in money and assets to their beneficiaries when they die. It is true that estate planning can benefit wealthy individuals, but what can it do for everyone else? The...
Why should your executor be empathetic?
Having an estate plan is a great start to protecting your assets and the well-being of those you care about. However, choosing someone to be your executor is equally as important if you want to guarantee that your plan unfolds the way you envision. Thinking carefully...
Contracts for municipal collaborations
Occasionally, two municipal corporations in Ohio may decide to collaborate to manage or construct a facility. In this situation, both corporations need to draft a contract so that this agreement is legally binding. According to the Ohio Revised Code, municipal...
What are special needs trusts?
As the parent of a child with special needs or a relative of a person with a disability, you need to understand the benefits of supplemental (special) needs trusts. Your estate plans may seem like they are comprehensive enough to provide for your adult child or family...
Reviewing intestate succession guidelines
As referenced in previous posts on this blog, much of the estate planning process focuses on preparing for the future. This may frighten many people in Ohio as they consider the potential of their own mortality. Even further compounding their fears is the prospect of...
Is it time to review your estate plan?
After creating your estate plan, you cannot simply set it aside and forget about it. Your estate plan must constantly reflect the most recent circumstances in your life. This can sound daunting though, especially if your life often undergoes big changes. To that end,...
Verifying the validity of property tax payment amounts
Property taxes are just one of the many aspects of owning a home in Ohio that many people forget about until they receive a bill in the mail. Many elements from the age of a person's home to its design can influence the amount owed for property taxes. If people...
Preparing for the future: Choosing a health care proxy
Illness or injury may strike unexpectedly and leave people unable to speak or care for themselves. Should the need arise to make medical decisions on their behalf, their loved ones may struggle with what choices to make or worse, disagree. Naming a health care proxy...
Strategies to avoid Ohio probate
Probate can be expensive and time-consuming for your descendants. With careful planning, however, you can potentially avoid probate, allowing your executor to independently administer your estate. Review common strategies for probate avoidance in Ohio. Establish a...
Why should you talk to your family about your will?
Ohio residents like you may not want to discuss your estate plan in detail. You may think that talking it out makes it feel too real. This can be a deeply discomforting experience for you and your loved ones. But you need to talk about your will with your family at...