Estate Planning // My goal is to help you plan for the future and preserve the lifetime of savings you worked hard to accumulate.
Simple Wills
A simple will shields your family from potential disputes and lengthy legal battles. I can help you determine how and to whom your property and assets will be transferred after your death, as well as your final wishes for your body. I can also help you appoint an executor, the person or entity that ensures your wishes are met. Many wills contain provisions for both married and single people, allowing you to provide for your children, too.
Living Wills
A living will is another tool that allows you to make healthcare decisions now for those times when you are unable to do so. It is a document that gives instructions to your physician and other health care providers as to the circumstances under which you want life sustaining treatment provided, withheld, or withdrawn. As your attorney, I ensure all your needs are included in your living will and that it adheres to state and federal regulations.
Testamentary Trust Wills
A testamentary trust is designed to provide maximum flexibility and allow for tax-effective distribution of capital and income, as well as providing beneficiary protection from third parties, such as creditors.
Trusts allow for optimum allocation of income and capital, which may permit beneficiaries to qualify for aged, disability and sole-parent pensions. I can assist you and your executors in determining how to best manage your estate for the benefit of your beneficiaries, taking into account risk management, taxation and other issues.
Power of Attorney
Power of attorney is granted to an “attorney-in-fact” or “agent” to give that individual the legal authority to make decisions for an incapacitated “principal.” The laws for creating a power of attorney vary from state to state, but there are certain general guidelines to follow. It’s important to consult with an attorney with knowledge of the state laws before you or a loved one signs any documents, to ensure you’re adhering to all applicable laws and regulations.
Durable Healthcare Power of Attorney
The durable power of attorney for healthcare is a limited durable power of attorney created only for the purpose of making healthcare decisions. It also gives your agent the power to actively remind your physician of your wishes. Your agent will make all of your healthcare decisions in the event you become incapacitated. The agent must follow your wishes and must consider your physician’s recommendations.
Trusts
A trust is a document you can use to transfer ownership of your property to a trustee. The trustee will then manage the property for the benefit of others and you. As a person forming the trust, you are called the settlor, grantor, or trustor. Those who are meant to benefit from the trust are the beneficiaries. The trustee is someone picked by you to manage and care for the property you put in trust. The trustee may be a friend, family member, bank, or anyone you choose. In some cases, you can name yourself as trustee. I can help you determine the best course of action when determining who to name trustee and file it with the courts.
Deeds
A deed is a document that transfers ownership of real estate. It contains the names of the old and new owners and a legal description of the property, and is signed by the person transferring the property. You can't transfer real estate without having something in writing, which is almost always a deed. It’s my duty to ensure your deed includes the right information to avoid litigation.
Estates
An estate includes the degree, quantity, nature and extent of interest that a person has in real and personal property. When used in connection with probate proceedings, the term encompasses the total property that is owned prior to the distribution of that property in accordance with the terms of a Will. There are several types of estates that govern interests in property. As your attorney, I can help you decide which type is right for you.
Step-Parent Adoption
Step-parent adoption in Ohio is simple, and it can be a wonderful step to take. Of course, it’s important that all parties understand the seriousness and permanence of the relationship that is being created, as well as the one being terminated. It’s my mission to walk you through the process with compassion and understanding, ensuring the best outcome for all.