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Your estate includes everything you own in your own name or jointly with another person. Every estate is unique, which is why it’s important to understand Ohio estate planning laws and how they pertain to your situation. Navigating an estate planning case can be challenging, especially if you have complex or high-value assets. A North Royalton estate planning lawyer can help you come up with a personalized estate plan based on your needs and goals for the future.
For over three decades, Phillips & Mille Co., L.P.A. has been helping individuals and families through complex legal planning, including trust administration, will creation, Medicaid planning, and Veterans’ benefits. Our local North Royalton estate planning attorneys are familiar with navigating these cases in and out of the courtroom. Whether you’re planning for the future or actively involved in a case with the Cuyahoga County Probate Court, we’ve got you covered.
Depending on the size and complexity of your estate, there are many different estate planning documents you can leverage to protect your assets and create a viable plan for your future and beyond. The right strategy is going to depend on your objectives for the rest of your life as well as your plan for what happens to your wealth once you’ve passed on. An estate can include any number of assets, including:
Estate plans don’t just outline what happens to your assets. They also determine what happens with any remaining debt. In a recent study, 55 percent of respondents said they expect to pass on debt after they die. Despite the usefulness of these documents, many people still don’t have an estate plan in place. Recent data reveal that 66 percent of Americans don’t even have a will.
Whether you’re facing an issue with an estate or you want to start planning for your future, you can turn to a North Royalton estate planning lawyer for the advocacy and legal support you deserve.
At Phillips & Mille Co., L.P.A., our mission is to support you and your loved ones as you navigate complex matters like estate planning, Medicaid planning, nursing home planning, and securing Veterans benefits. We’re an intimate firm that can offer the one-on-one attention your case deserves. You can count on our attorneys to be there to lend a helping hand when you need it most.
With 30+ years of estate planning law experience under our belt, we’re confident we can help you through your case. Our attorneys are rated by Super Lawyers®* and were named Rising Stars. Additionally, Attorney Erica A. Skerl is a certified elder lawyer with the National Elder Law Association.* Our team is proud to serve those in need throughout the greater Cleveland area.
What makes a will valid under Ohio law is that it meets a handful of formal requirements. With the exception of oral wills, these estate planning documents must be either handwritten or typed. It must also be signed before at least two witnesses.
The testator can sign the will themselves, or they can have another party sign in their place at their express direction.
What is involved in an estate plan in North Royalton ultimately is up to you. You can create an estate plan that is as simple or involved as you want based on your goals and objectives for the future. Common estate planning documents can include:
It’s recommended that you hire an estate planning lawyer to evaluate your situation and form a sound legal strategy.
Yes, assets typically have to go through probate in North Royalton even if you have a will. Anything without a co-owner or payable-on-death designation must typically go through probate in Ohio, including:
Any assets with named beneficiaries or other legal designations may bypass probate altogether. This can include assets in a trust, property with rights of survivorship, and accounts like life insurance policies.
A good time to start estate planning in North Royalton ultimately is up to you. Many young adults don’t think about estate planning, but it can be beneficial to start the process as soon as possible.
Accidents are the third-leading cause of death across the state of Ohio, and they can occur at any age. An estate plan protects your assets and your interests for the remainder of your life and beyond.
An estate plan can mean whatever you want it to mean. Whether you need help reviewing a will, creating a trust, or anything in between, it’s recommended that you hire an estate planning lawyer to help you form a personalized strategy that meets your needs and matches your objectives. If you’re ready to discuss your estate planning options, look no further than Phillips & Mille Co., L.P.A. for the comprehensive legal support you deserve.
At a local law firm, we’re committed to helping our friends and neighbors through these difficult times. We understand Ohio estate planning laws, and we go the extra mile to make sure you understand what’s going on, too. Our attorneys are here to be a guiding hand throughout this process. Ultimately, you get the final say in how everything is organized.
If you’re ready to talk to a lawyer about your case in more detail, reach out to a North Royalton estate planning attorney from our team. Call the office to schedule a consultation, and we can take it from there. We’re located right off I-71 to make it easy for us to serve our clients throughout Cuyahoga County and beyond.
Industry awards and accolades are not indicative of future case results.*
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