What is an Executor? An Executor is the legal representative you nominate in your Will to represent your probate estate upon your death. After filing the Will in the Probate Court, the Court officially appoints the Executor. The Executor then gathers the assets that...
estate planning
Reasons to plan a funeral ahead of time
Thinking about anything related to death and dying is never enjoyable, whether it is to do with one's own passing or that of a close friend or family member. However, it is an inevitable process that most people will go through at one point or another. While families...
What can a will accomplish that a trust cannot?
Imagine that you had a toolbox that contained a hammer and a screwdriver and someone asked you which tool was better. The question would be impossible to answer because each tool does something different. Estate planning documents such as wills and trusts are tools...
Should you pick a family member to manage your estate?
Managing an estate plan is a difficult task that requires a lot out of an executor. Because they will handle many personal and important matters to you, it is natural that you will want to lean toward a family member that you love and trust. However, this is not...
Should you update your estate plan now?
After creating your estate plan, you cannot simply let it sit forgotten as you continue to live your life. Life is not a static thing, which means your estate plan cannot be, either. But how do you know when it is a good time to update your plan? Changes to assets and...
What can a trust accomplish that a will cannot?
When you put together your Ohio estate plan, you may decide to use any number of different estate planning tools to accomplish your specific goals. While a will is a key part of any estate plan, a will only does so much. When you have more specific things you want to...
What state and federal estate taxes do Ohioans pay?
Estate taxes are often a worry for those trying to settle an estate. However, they generally only apply to a limited number of situations. The Ohio Department of Taxation explains the state estate tax ended for most estates. Most estates also will not have to pay...
How can you ensure your pets have a good life if something happens to you?
Your pets are a part of your family. When you think of wills, trusts and guardianships, you may automatically think of kids rather than pets. However, a lot of stress accompanies the thought that their pets may end up in a shelter for many pet owners if something...
How an LLC can benefit your estate plan
Forming an LLC is helpful for estate planning in certain situations. If you have assets you want to pass along to loved ones, a limited liability company can help you avoid estate taxes. If you want to create an estate plan that benefits your family the most, see...
Payback trusts and non-payback trusts
If you are preparing to set up an estate plan for a loved one with special needs, you have different options. It is vital to go over the unique details of your circumstances and your disabled loved one's situation in order to identify the most sensible solution that...