When people write their wills, they may not think about contestation. However, courts can overturn wills when individuals bring up questions about their legitimacy. There are several grounds on which a person may contest a will in Ohio. 1. Incapacity One primary...
Year: 2023
Assets that escape the probate process
Probate can be short and easy or long and complex, depending on the will or lack thereof, estate planning precautions and the size of the estate. In general, most of an estate goes through probate. However, there are assets that do not go through probate and go...
4 benefits of a trust
Estate planning is a thoughtful and strategic process that ensures the distribution of your assets based on your wishes, minimizing potential conflicts and maximizing efficiency. One powerful tool in this arsenal is a trust. While often associated with the affluent,...
How should you choose a potential guardian for your children?
Planning for the future is a huge aspect of responsible parenting, especially when it involves the well-being of your children. In the event of your death, choosing a guardian for your children becomes an important decision. This decision is a key component of your...
Why executors should check for unclaimed property
Some executors worry about not locating funds and property that belong to an estate. Ideally, a decedent would have left papers detailing where their assets are. Still, sometimes an executor has to check for missing items, such as unclaimed property. The state of Ohio...
Safeguarding against corruption
The U.S. Census Bureau reported the population of Westerville, Ohio, as of July 1, 2022, was 28,466. While it is a small town, corruption within the local government is still possible. It is important for those in charge to create an environment where corruption...
The importance of having an estate plan
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, thinking about what will happen to your assets and loved ones after you are gone may not be a top priority. According to CNBC, 67% of Americans do not have an estate plan. There are several compelling reasons why everyone should...
Release from administration during Ohio probate
The Ohio Supreme Court reported 100,053 cases in probate courts in 2022. There is no doubt these courts are very busy. To help ensure everyone's cases move along as quickly as possible, the probate law does allow for certain estates to seek a release from...
Understanding solar lease payment structures
The green energy industry is booming in Ohio, and it needs land to grow. That has led local farmers to lease land to solar energy companies for production in greater and greater amounts. It is an exciting opportunity, but one that requires careful consideration before...
When may an executor sell estate property?
When someone dies, their belongings and property form their estate. If you are the executor of an estate, you are responsible for managing these assets and distributing them to the heirs. However, some situations may require you to liquidate or sell some of the estate...