When you live in a municipality in Ohio, you interact daily with rules and regulations that shape your community's way of life. These rules, often referred to as bylaws, play an important role in ensuring the smooth functioning of local governance. So, what exactly...
Year: 2023
How can you avoid mistakes with beneficiary designations?
If you have a life insurance policy or retirement plan, you must take certain actions when it comes to estate planning. These assets have beneficiary designations that say how much of the asset should go to an heir after you are gone. Because these estate planning...
How to prepare your estate plan
Estate planning is what you do when you want to establish who your assets go to when you die or are otherwise incapacitated. Well-thought-out estate plans ensure that your beneficiaries receive all the assets you want them to have while paying minimal taxes. Here is...
3 elements to include in a basic estate plan
An Ohio estate plan helps you maintain control over your financial, personal and medical affairs, letting you dictate where you want your assets to go, who you want to oversee your estate and more. However, many people neglect to create estate plans, meaning they...
Estate executors may settle debts during probate
Ohio’s Revised Code requires the executor named in a will to notify the named heirs and creditors when the will’s creator dies. As noted on the Ohio.gov website, executors must send written notices within six months of the death. Unpaid creditors may file claims with...
What are the duties of an executor?
When you select an executor for your estate, you may focus primarily on picking someone who you feel you can trust. However, that should only be one part of your criteria. After all, this is a complex role that requires a lot of a person. Managing the funeral...
Understanding Ohio’s sunshine laws
When it comes to ensuring transparency and accountability in government operations, Ohio's sunshine laws play a pivotal role. These laws, also known as open records and open meetings laws, grant citizens the right to access public records and attend public meetings,...
What expenses can a special needs trust cover?
It can be virtually impossible for individuals who have serious disabilities to work. Luckily, both the State of Ohio and the federal government offer valuable benefits to many low-income individuals who cannot support themselves. According to the U.S. Census Bureau,...
Classification of independent contractors and employees in Ohio
In the business world, the classification of workers plays a pivotal role in determining a range of responsibilities for employers, including tax liabilities, benefits and workers' compensation. Ohio, as in the rest of the country, classifies workers as either...
What to consider before you agree to be the executor of an estate
Closing an estate takes time and requires patience and attention to detail. Agreeing to oversee this process is not something you should do unless you understand the scope of your responsibilities. Knowing what to consider about this role can help you make an informed...