Wills & Trusts in Columbus

A will is a legal document that specifies how you want your assets distributed after your death. A trust is a legal arrangement where a trustee holds and manages assets for beneficiaries. Trusts can provide more control over asset distribution and may help avoid probate.

It’s recommended to review your will or trust every 3-5 years or after major life events such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child, or significant changes in assets or beneficiaries.

While it’s possible to create a will or trust without an attorney, it’s not advisable. An experienced estate planning attorney can ensure your documents are legally valid and properly reflect your wishes, potentially avoiding costly mistakes or legal challenges.

If you die without a will in Ohio, your assets will be distributed according to the state’s intestacy laws. This may not align with your wishes and can lead to lengthy probate processes and potential family disputes.

To provide for your children in your will, you can name a guardian for minor children, establish trusts for their benefit, specify asset distributions, and potentially name a trustee to manage assets until they reach a certain age.

Yes. This is a common concern for many families who have a loved one suffering from drug addiction or alcohol addiction.  In these situations, a Trust can ensure that your loved one will receive their inheritance, but under the protection and control of another person that you select to be your Trustee.  Your loved one will receive the benefits of their inheritance in a controlled and safe manner.

There is no guaranteed way to prevent a parent from obtaining custody or guardianship of their child, but you can specify your wishes and reasons for not wanting the other parent to have guardianship or custody in your Will.  If you have sole custody of your child, you do not have to name the other parent to be your child’s Guardian if you die.  If the other parent contests your appointed Guardian, the Court will have a hearing to determine what is in your child’s best interests at that time, and the Judge can take your wishes into consideration.

No.  I do not serve as my client’s Executor or Trustee.  Most clients choose a family member or trusted friend to serve as the Executor of their Will or Trustee of their Trust.