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One main difference between a will and a trust is that a trust takes effect as soon as it is created while the will takes effect after the person dies. Also, a trust can be used to distribute property before death while a will distributes property at the time of death or later. Creating a…

Joint estates allow two or more people to own title to real property at the same time. It is important to make sure you have the right form of ownership for your property because the form of ownership affects how the property is transferred to someone else. When a property owner dies, determining the ownership…

Turning 18 is a significant highlight as your child steps into his or her adulthood. The 18th birthday milestone carries a lot of great privileges as well as serious legal implications; When your child turns 18, they will become an adult in the eyes of the law. Your child will gain all the rights and…

If you are planning to head to the Ohio State Fair this year make sure that you are wearing shoes or you may end up like Robert Neinhast. Robert Neinhast, who runs a blog that focuses on, amongst other things, him going places barefoot, was ejected from the Ohio State Fair on August 9, 2008…

Do you have a child attending college this fall or has recently turned 18 years of age? If so, you may be surprised to learn that while you may be footing the bills, your child is now a legal adult with rights to their own privacy, decision-making, etc. This means you have no legal right…

Below is Ohio Revised Code 2113.35 which establishes the fees which an Executor of an estate will be paid. Proper planning can significantly reduce or eliminate these fees. 2113.35 Commissions. (A) Executors and administrators shall be allowed fees upon the amount of all the personal property, including the income from the personal property that is…

Ohioans can now set up trusts to shield personal assets from creditors. Proponents say the change is good for residents as well as the state. The Buckeye State stepped into the fiduciary spotlight when the Ohio Legacy Trust Act took effect in March. The new law provides individuals protection from future creditor claims by recognizing…

The purpose of this article is to give you guidance on some of the questions you may have when your spouse or other loved one dies. This article is written to suggest actions to take rather than setting forth questions. I. Notify Loved Ones, Friends, and Other Important Persons. a. Notify family members as soon…

I have recently been engaged by the families of several decedents to help with the probate of their loved one’s estate. In each of these cases, I will spend many months and thousands of dollars in administrative fees to complete probate. While I am not complaining about the fees I will earn, it is sad…