Turn To Trusted Attorneys For Estate Planning Guidance
Estate planning is an important process for a person who wishes to protect their assets and who wishes to take care of loved ones in the face of an uncertain future. By establishing a comprehensive estate plan, you can also make your wishes known regarding future medical treatment and end-of-life care.
While the process of creating an estate plan may seem complex, the attorneys at Ibold & O’Brien are here to make it simple and straightforward for you. With law offices in Chardon and Orwell, we have extensive experience guiding individuals and families in the creation of:
- Simple, complex and pour-over wills
- Revocable, irrevocable and living trusts
- Health care proxies and health care powers of attorney
- Powers of attorney
In creating an estate plan, you have many important decisions to make. We are here to provide the insight and guidance you need to make the right decisions for you and your loved ones.
Guiding You Through The Probate Process
The loss of a loved one is accompanied by a number of complex legal and financial hurdles. Our lawyers can guide you through all aspects of the probate and estate administration process, ensuring that you meet your obligations regarding expenses, taxes, and claims and that the provisions of the will are properly carried out.
We will also protect your rights in the event disputes between family members, beneficiaries, fiduciaries or other parties arise.
Protecting The Rights And Well-Being Of Elders
As our family members grow older, they often require special legal planning in regard to long-term care planning, Medicaid planning, asset management and other matters. Elders who are subject to physical or financial abuse also need a trusted legal ally on their side.
We are committed to protecting the rights of elders in Ohio and can provide you with the skilled guidance and advocacy you need to navigate elder law issues.
Contact Us For Trusted Legal Guidance
To speak with an experienced lawyer about your estate planning, probate or elder law issue in Ohio, contact us online or by telephone at 440-285-3511.
A comprehensive estate plan often includes a will, one or more trusts if appropriate, a financial power of attorney, a health care power of attorney, and advance health care directives. The right combination depends on your assets, family situation, and long-term goals.
Yes. Estate planning is about much more than wealth. Even if you have modest assets, an estate plan allows you to decide who receives your property, who can make financial and medical decisions if you become incapacitated, and who will care for minor children if necessary.
A will directs how your assets should be distributed after your death and may require probate. A trust can allow certain assets to pass outside of probate while providing greater control over how and when property is distributed. Many estate plans include both a will and one or more trusts.
You should review your estate plan every few years and after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or grandchild, retirement, or a significant change in your financial circumstances. Keeping your documents current helps ensure they continue to reflect your wishes.
When a person dies without a valid will, Ohio’s intestate succession laws determine who inherits the estate. This may not reflect the person’s wishes and can create unnecessary complications for surviving family members.
A power of attorney allows someone you trust to manage your financial and legal affairs if you become unable to do so yourself. Without one, your loved ones may need to seek court approval before they can act on your behalf.
A health care power of attorney allows you to appoint someone to make medical decisions if you cannot communicate your wishes. This document helps ensure your treatment preferences are respected during a medical emergency or serious illness.
Probate is the legal process of administering a person’s estate after death. Whether probate is required depends on the type and value of the assets involved and how they are owned. Proper estate planning can often simplify or reduce the probate process.
Yes. Disputes involving wills, trusts, executors, beneficiaries, or estate administration can become complicated quickly. An experienced attorney can protect your interests, help resolve disagreements, and represent you if litigation becomes necessary.
The best time to create an estate plan is before a crisis occurs. Whether you are starting a family, approaching retirement, caring for aging parents, or simply want peace of mind, working with an experienced estate planning attorney can help protect your loved ones and your legacy.