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Ohio Estate Planning Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for Ohio on
Q: Does a Trust have to be created in the state of residency or could it be in the state where you own real assests?

I have had 2 OH lawyers say that an OH lawyer has to create my Trust since I reside in OH, but I own several rental properties and a second home in TN. The TN lawyer said he absolutely can create my trust.

Does one state trump the other or is it a free for all?

Aaron Epling
Aaron Epling
answered on Apr 22, 2024

You can probably use an attorney in either state. I would defer to your state of residency, though, since other assets could end up in the trust. Further, you may want a will that addresses your trust and the TN lawyer cannot draft a will for an OH resident. Location of the successor trustee(s) and... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Family Law for Ohio on
Q: I am the beneficiary of a trust fund. The trustee claims I was only gifted net interest on the principal.

There is HEMS clause where he has authority to use the principal furthermore he stated that ultimately the principal goes to charity when it’s plainly written it goes to my daughter.

Aaron Epling
Aaron Epling
answered on Apr 22, 2024

You may want to engage an attorney to explain your rights under the trust instrument. The exact language used by the drafter is critical here.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Ohio on
Q: Does dower rights come into play with a divorce and inheritance property in another state?

Spouse doesn't have access to inheritance property which is a rental in another state. Spouse doesn't have access to rental bank account. Spouse is not on the deed.

Does a Trust have to be created in the state where you reside?

Aaron Epling
Aaron Epling
answered on Apr 16, 2024

You need to speak to a divorce attorney to discuss your rights.

3 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law, Landlord - Tenant and Probate for Ohio on
Q: My father died in a car accident in August, disinherited my brother and I in his will..

He left everything to my children (two minors ages 8 and 6) to be held in trust until they reach 30 years old. He owns a home which I know he would want to be kept for them. He named a family friend to serve as the Executor of the will and Trustee for the kids. Well we were evicted from the place... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 30, 2024

In your situation, it's crucial to understand that the legal dynamics surrounding estates, trusts, and real estate can be complex, especially when it involves minors and inherited property. Given the urgency of your eviction and the specific circumstances, seeking legal advice from an attorney... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Real Estate Law for Ohio on
Q: Is it possible to kick an ex out of our house and off the deed/mortgage?

We live together in Ohio and have one minor child and are not married and never were. My ex refuses to leave and also will not pay the mortgage (his agreed half of the bills when we bought the home).

How can I get my EX name off the property since I have been the only one paying the... View More

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Mar 25, 2024

What you want to do is not impossible. It is however highly improbable. What you will need to do as file and action called partition period you should seek out attorney who regularly practices real estate law in your county. It would be better still if that attorney practices family law. You only... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Estate Planning and Family Law for Ohio on
Q: In the state of Ohio If me ex wife is remarried or if I filed bankruptcy on her, is she still entitled to the payment
Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Mar 16, 2024

Without more context this question is impossible to accurately answer. If the payment is spousal support it depends on the wording of the decree. Generally, domestic relations support orders are not dischargeable in bankruptcy. The remarriage may be a termination of support, but only if... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Ohio on
Q: May I use a TOD affidavit to transfer a life estate to a current spouse on a solely owned property?

She is my 2nd wife. After her death, I would like the remainder interest to pass to my biological children, not hers.

Aaron Epling
Aaron Epling
answered on Mar 11, 2024

I believe that you may use a TOD affidavit to transfer a life estate to one person and the remainder to another person(s). See R.C. 5302.23(6).

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Ohio on
Q: My mom passed away recently. I was on her bank account as POD and listed as TOD on her home, which is now in my name.

I have since closed the bank account but now I am trying to buy her vehicle that she owed $8000 on before her death. When I file probate paperwork (I’m executor of the estate) to try and get the car, do I need to list all of her assets like the house and money that was in her account even though... View More

Beverly A Stull
Beverly A Stull
answered on Mar 7, 2024

You only list those assets that are probate assets. Anything passed by a TOD or POD or a joint owner is not a probate asset.

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Ohio on
Q: What do I do as the beneficiary of a trust that I believe my mother, the trustee, is accessing without my knowledge?

My grandfather passed in 2017, I was 17 years old. I know that I am a beneficiary to a trust, as is my brother, but I was never given any information on the value or really how it works at all. Now, as a 24 year old, I still have not gained that knowledge. My mother avoids discussing it and... View More

Nicholas P. Weiss
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answered on Mar 4, 2024

Any beneficiary of a trust with a fully vested interest may seek a copy of the trust document and an accounting of the trust from the trustee at any time. If the Trustee refuses, the beneficiary may bring an action for an accounting against them. This is the beneficiary's remedy if the the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Ohio on
Q: Sister was removed as guardian d/t malfeasance. Can our family forgo guardianship and return to my power of attorney?

My sister was removed as guardian recently. I was the power of attorney before her guardianship. We have had many issues with the courts and feel it is too expensive and time consuming. Is it possible to re-enact the power of attorney document or should I apply for guardianship?

Aaron Epling
Aaron Epling
answered on Feb 21, 2024

If the POA is durable, then you may be able to terminate the guardianship due to there being a less restrictive alternative available. I recommend asking your attorney about this.

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Collections and Probate for Ohio on
Q: Does my dad's life insurance policy have to go toward medical debt before being dispersed to beneficiary?

My dad passed away last summer. My sister (beneficiary) has been given a check from my father's life insurance policy and we are told the funds will be available in ~2 weeks. However, my dad has a high amount of medical debt left over. Is the life insurance money safe to be used or will... View More

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Feb 19, 2024

Proceeds from a life insurance policy, where the beneficiary is a named living individual(s), pass outside of the probate process, and the creditors have no claim to it because those proceeds are not part of your dad's estate.

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2 Answers | Asked in Tax Law, Estate Planning and Probate for Ohio on
Q: My husband died 3 years ago. I have been paying 3 cc s I changed on since then. Can I stop paying? I’m 71 w no assets

These don’t show on my credit report

Randy Bryan Ligh
Randy Bryan Ligh
answered on Feb 19, 2024

More information is needed here. For example, based on your post, are you suggesting that these 3 credit cards are in your deceased hsuband's name only? Anyway, the short version is that if you stop paying then you are exposed to being potentially sued and the question is whether or not... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Ohio on
Q: I have a 98 year old father. He has a will. Is there a way to avoid probate on is condo or does his will do that?

His will splits his estate 50-50 between my sister and myself. I have financial POA.

Nina Whitehurst
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answered on Feb 9, 2024

A will absolutely does not avoid probate. Rather, it guarantees probate. Avoidance of probate requires a different technique such as a trust or a transfer on death designation/document. An estate planning attorney can help you choose the best probate-avoidance technique for you.

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Ohio on
Q: I have been ask to sign a waiver to administer the estate Ohio code 2113.06 what dose this mean and should I do it.
Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Feb 18, 2024

You need to ask this question of an OHIO lawyer but in general, a 'waiver' means you agree with something and will not be appearing in court to contest what is being asked.

HOWEVER, if you want specifics including what that Ohio code number means, you need to consult with someone...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Ohio on
Q: Does the wife need to file a will and/or ask for summary release from administration in Ohio for a very small estate?

My husband died three weeks ago, leaving a will with me as sole beneficiary and executor. Cremation is fully paid for, and there are no children, no previous marriages, his family are all deceased. My husband's house has already been transferred to me by a Transfer on Death affidavit, so no... View More

Beverly A Stull
Beverly A Stull
answered on Feb 4, 2024

ProSeniors is correct. From your description, the only asset you would have to probate is the $40 bank account and it would cost more to probate it than it is worth.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Ohio on
Q: Does a letter asking me to approve of an Executor or someone's Will mean that I am in said Will?

I received a letter from my Aunt's Estate asking me to approve her choice for Executor of her Will.

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 18, 2024

Receiving a letter asking for your approval of an executor in someone's will does not necessarily mean that you are a beneficiary in that will. The role of an executor is to carry out the wishes outlined in the deceased person's will and manage the estate affairs. Your approval might be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation and Estate Planning for Ohio on
Q: How can I see an old estate case that has absolutely zero information visible on the court records online?

This is about my father who died in 1981. He was a founder of a major company. I can't find anything at all about him anywhere. Not even an obituary, news about his accident, his marriage to my mother, nothing about his estate. I was a month old when he died and I found what looks like a trust... View More

Nicholas P. Weiss
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answered on Jan 16, 2024

That date pre-dates most archived electronic probate dockets. You will likely need to either 1) request that the docket related to the case be sent to you or 2) go to the court to obtain copies of the documents yourself.

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for Ohio on
Q: My adult child passed away and has no will, very little assets ,very little debt
Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Jan 11, 2024

It's difficult for an attorney answering this question to know what "very little" means. Assuming we are talking less than a couple $1000, the family could file for an administrative relief from probate / summary administration. If the assets are even less than 1000 the family may... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts and Estate Planning for Ohio on
Q: What information is required of a person to be named a beneficiary, other than their name?

They live in Texas, are not related to me, and state their attorney requires certain information. I am concerned about a swindle. Are there any instances that require more information than a name? Will they need my SSN? Bank account info? Etc.?

Beverly A Stull
Beverly A Stull
answered on Jan 10, 2024

It is likely that they would ask your name and address, so that they can keep you informed regarding the estate. They should not ask confidential information like SSN, bank accounts, etc. If something they asks makes you uncomfortable, don't do it.

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for Ohio on
Q: What information has to be in a POA to allow real estate transfers? Does each property have to be individually listed?
Beverly A Stull
Beverly A Stull
answered on Dec 26, 2023

The POA does not have to list individual properties. It should say something similar to "to lease, rent, manage, contract to sell, sell, or convey real estate by deed or any instrument".

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