In Ohio, our emphasis on simplicity and clarity in estate planning resonates deeply with our clients. We ensure our plans are straightforward and understandable, facilitating a smoother transition for families during challenging times.

What’s unique about your state’s estate planning laws?

‍Ohio offers unique legal options like the transfer on death designation affidavit (TOD), which helps clients with modest assets to pass real estate, such as their home, which avoiding probate and streamlining the inheritance process (if used appropriately).

However, it's important to know when you should and shouldn't use a TOD, because a TOD does not provide you with the same protection as a Trust. Using a TOD in lieu of a Trust may have unintended consequences (including logistical and insurance issues for your beneficiaries after you pass away). Always consult a licensed estate planning attorney to help you make these decisions.

What do you like best about your community?

Columbus boasts a highly educated and financially savvy population, keen on making informed decisions about estate planning to secure their family's future.

What do clients in your community ask the most questions about?‍

Our clients often seek advice on tax minimization strategies, probate avoidance, and asset protection, especially in the context of maintaining family legacies and properties.

Why is Oath right for your clients?

Oath is great for clients because we provide not only a one time service, but continuous ongoing support to ensure not only that clients estate plans are up to date at the signing, but will be up to date and current for the rest of their lives. We also provide transparent up front fee plans so that clients will never be surprised by a bill.

What are the state specific documents that you prepare for clients, and why?

I prepare Durable Powers of Attorney, Healthcare Powers of Attorney, Living Wills, HIPPA Release forms, Wills, Revocable Living Trusts, Irrevocable Living Trusts, Transfer on Death Designation Affidavits, and Deeds. 

These documents outline who clients want to be making decisions for them at various points in their lives (while alive and healthy, while incapacitated, and after they pass away) as well as provide instructions and an outline of who they want to receive their assets and in what manner.

What do you estimate the longest possible probate is in your state? 

Probate in Ohio can last anywhere from 6-9 months to over 2 years.

How much do you think the most expensive probate might cost in your state?

While court costs can be relatively inexpensive (less than a thousand), attorneys generally bill between $150-$400 per hour for probate services so the longer a probate the more expensive it will be. Additionally, representation in contested or complex estates can start as high as $10,000 and increase with the length of administration.

What do clients ask most at your workshops and how do you answer it?

Clients most often ask about what trusts are and how they work which I explain using real world examples and analogies.

What are your three favorite communities that you visit on your workshop schedule?

I enjoy speaking at Gahanna, Mount Vernon, and Pickerington.

Have you ever had a client you couldn’t help because they reached out too late?

Yes, it is most often because a loved one is trying to set up estate planning but that person does not have the capacity to complete an estate plan due to Alzheimer's, Dementia, or Parkinson's.

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