Join us for a FREE upcoming in-person or online event!

Elder Law & Estate Planning | St. Clairsville, OH | Call 740-653-3450

Estate Planning in Columbus, Ohio

Are you aware that if you die without an estate plan, it’s referred to as “intestate?” Leaving your affairs in this condition allows the state of Ohio to decide what happens to your assets. Even more problematic is that if you have minor children, their guardian will be chosen by the state. Instead of allowing the state of Ohio to make these vital decisions, get in touch with a reputable estate planning attorney in Columbus, Ohio.

Jarvis Law Office understands that estate planning isn’t the most comfortable topic, and we make the process as painless as possible. Once our Columbus estate planning lawyer finishes, you will feel a sense of relief. It’s much easier to face the future when your estate plan is in place.

What’s Involved In An Estate Plan?

Our Columbus, Ohio, estate planning lawyer will customize your service. Common components include:

Your estate plan will protect you today and in the future. Contact a Columbus estate planning attorney today for more information.

Wills And Trusts

No matter the extent of your estate, it’s likely your lawyer will suggest creating both a will and a trust. A will lets you specify your wishes for your estate upon your death, including asset distribution and guardianship for your underage children. Before your beneficiaries can receive anything, your will needs to go through probate. Wills only take effect after your death, allowing you to change or cancel them whenever you want. Your estate planning lawyer in Columbus, Ohio, can assist you in drafting a new will or revising an existing one.

A trust also lets you choose who will receive your property after you pass away and how they receive their inheritance. Trusts have various benefits, including privacy. Unlike wills, they don’t go through probate, so your assets don’t have to become a matter of public record. Numerous types of trusts serve different purposes, including the ability to protect your assets from the extraordinary cost of long-term care or to shield assets from creditors. Your Columbus estate and elder care planning attorney can advise you on the type of trust you need, if applicable.

Healthcare Power Of Attorney

With the help of your estate planning attorney in Columbus, Ohio, you can draft a healthcare power of attorney. This lets you pick someone who will make decisions on your behalf should you become unable to do so. This person will act for you if you’re incapacitated.

It’s important to establish a healthcare power of attorney now, even while you’re healthy. That way, if something happens, all legal paperwork will be in place, saving your family from having to turn to the court for decision-making rights.

By creating this document now, you can name decision-makers and beneficiaries. Be sure to choose someone you trust to act in your best interest and honor your wishes when selecting a decision-maker.

Support Children With Special Needs

Your estate planning attorney in Columbus, Ohio, can assist you in providing for a child with special needs. Typically, parents establish a special needs trust. This enables children with special needs to receive financial aid and other support without jeopardizing their access to vital government benefits. It’s a delicate balance between supporting your child and inadvertently causing them to lose these critical benefits. Seek advice from a Columbus estate planning attorney to make sure your child is well-provided for now and in the future.

Asset Protection

Are you interested in safeguarding your assets for your heirs? Your estate planning and elder care attorneys in Columbus, Ohio, can devise a plan to protect your assets. This could involve establishing a business entity, setting up a domestic asset protection trust, or crafting a personalized strategy that caters to your asset protection requirements. After evaluating your circumstances and understanding your objectives, the lawyer can suggest the most effective strategies for proceeding.

Your Ohio Business Succession Planning Lawyer
Your Ohio Business Succession Planning Lawyer
Your Ohio Business Succession Planning Lawyer

Why Choose Jarvis Law Office?

Contact Us | Jarvis Law Office, Ohio | Call 740-653-3450

Contact Us

Contact Us Today For a Complementary Consultation

Contact Us

*Required Fields

By ticking the consent above and clicking “Contact Us Today”, I consent to join the email list and receive SMS from Jarvis Law Office. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. More details on this are in our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. Text “HELP” for help or contact us at 740-746-1260. Text “STOP” to cancel.

Frequently Asked Questions

An estate plan is a collection of legal documents that outlines how your assets should be distributed upon your death. It’s crucial for protecting your family’s future, ensuring your wishes are carried out, and potentially avoiding probate. Without proper planning, your estate may be subject to lengthy and costly legal processes. As experienced estate planning attorneys, we at Jarvis Law can guide you through this process to ensure your loved ones are protected.

It’s never too early to start estate planning. Major life events such as marriage, childbirth, starting a business, or considering a business succession plan can often trigger the need for an estate plan. However, it’s wise to have a plan in place even if these events haven’t occurred. At Jarvis Law, we offer free consultations to help you understand the importance of early and comprehensive planning and estate administration.

At Jarvis Law, we recommend a comprehensive estate plan that typically includes a last will and testament, revocable living trust or irrevocable trust, financial power of attorney, healthcare power of attorney, and living will. We always adapt our approach based on the unique needs of our clients. Our estate planning and trust administration services include drafting all necessary documents and ensuring they reflect your wishes accurately.

Absolutely. Elder law issues often intersect with estate planning, especially regarding long-term care and Medicaid planning. Our team of skilled elder law attorneys has deep experience in estate planning, elder law, and probate law to protect your loved ones during their golden years. As attorneys experienced in estate planning and elder law, we can help navigate these complex areas, safeguarding your or your loved one’s rights and assets.

The probate process is the legal procedure for administering an estate after someone passes away. The probate process typically involves multiple steps, as many as six, and can be lengthy, costly, and very public. However, proper planning, including the use of revocable or irrevocable trusts established by an experienced estate planning attorney, can help with probate avoidance and minimize the time and expense tied to probate while ensuring your family’s future is protected.

Yes. If you own a business in Ohio, it’s important to include a succession plan in your estate plan. This ensures a smooth transition and operation of the business upon your retirement or death. Succession planning doesn’t have to turn into something resembling a fraught TV drama.

 

Jarvis Law’s legal services extend to business succession planning. The attorneys in our business law and estate planning practice areas have extensive experience and will work closely with you to develop a comprehensive succession plan that aligns with your overall estate plan and will protect assets and your family members.

Living trusts, whether revocable or irrevocable, hold your assets during your lifetime. Then, upon your death, these trust assets are transferred directly to the beneficiaries without going through probate. This can speed up the distribution process and maintain privacy. At Jarvis Law, our attorneys are skilled in establishing and managing trusts as part of a comprehensive estate plan.

 

There are many benefits to establishing a trust. But there are also considerations you should be aware of before setting up a trust. Revocable trusts and irrevocable trusts differ slightly with regard to tax-shelter benefits, how they can be modified, and the estate administration. So, speak with one of the experienced estate planning lawyers at Jarvis Law, who can help you understand the differences and make the best estate planning choices for you and your family members.

Without proper planning, your loved ones may face additional legal and financial hurdles during an already difficult time. By working with our experienced Ohio estate planning attorneys at Jarvis Law, you can ensure that your wishes are honored and your family is taken care of according to your plan.

Yes. You can easily schedule a free consultation with one of the experienced attorneys in our estate planning services division by calling (740) 660-6069 or filling out the form on our website. Our team of central Ohio estate planning lawyers is readily available to address any legal issues or concerns you may have and guide you through the process of establishing a comprehensive estate plan.

Please note that the information provided here is general in nature and should not be considered legal advice. It is recommended to consult with an attorney from Jarvis Law Office to obtain personalized advice based on your specific circumstances.

Professional Associations

Contact Us | Jarvis Law Office, Ohio | Call 740-653-3450

Recent Blog Posts