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Ohio Estate Planning Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Ohio on
Q: Should all siblings STILL split the money from parents house that died if one sibling bought it???

My Grandma died. There are 3 daughters left behind. Some money and the car was left to a great grand child. The rest was left to the daughters. The money got transferred right to them, but the house wasn't set up that way I guess so they had to do some things to be able to sell it. I'm... View More

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Nov 5, 2024

If your mother does not agree, she should use the Find a Lawyer tab to consult a local attorney who handles probate matters to review the circumstances of the house sale and advise your mother of her options. Many attorneys offer free consultations so she can find one to work with.

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Ohio on
Q: My Mom and deceased Aunt's estate have joint ownership of a house. In this case, which is better a will or a trust?
Beverly A Stull
Beverly A Stull
answered on Oct 11, 2024

First your mother will have to get the house in her name alone. Depending on the wording of the deed, that may require probate or an affidavit. Then your mother can do her estate planning. A will does not avoid probate, but there are other ways. A trust avoids probate. She should schedule a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Ohio on
Q: How can I verify my rights as successor beneficiary of trust if trustee won’t provide copy?

My grandmother died in July and her assets were in a trust. I believe that my father, who died three years ago, is a beneficiary of the trust and I would be a successor beneficiary and may be entitled to his share.

The problem is that, despite multiple requests, the trustee has not provided... View More

Aaron Epling
Aaron Epling
answered on Sep 30, 2024

Beneficiaries are entitled to a copy of the trust instrument, among other things, under Ohio law. If you are having a difficult time with the trustee, then you need to be proactive. This is a common story and the longer you wait the more likely you are to end up with nothing. I recommend getting an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Ohio on
Q: How to best handle a small estate in Ohio, with only non Ohio heirs?

My mother recently died in Lawrence County Ohio. She has 2 children, myself, a 44 year old Kentucky resident, and my sister, a 49 year old West Virginia resident. Her estate only consists of a 2009 Honda Civic, no other assets, no owed debts. What is our best course of action since neither of us... View More

Andrew Popp
Andrew Popp
answered on Sep 24, 2024

It sounds like the estate may qualify for a simplified proceeding to handle the vehicle. Unfortunately, a Court process is still involved. Depending on what estate documents are in place you may need to retain local counsel to handle the matter for you.

I recommend setting up a...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Ohio on
Q: How can I get my dads car/ auto loan in my name if my father has no will or tod?

He doesn't have other assets besides the car and a home loan but his roommate is the sole owner of the home loan now. All I want is to payoff his car and get it in my name without taking on any other unknown debt or paying taxes? I can't afford anything but the car. Is there a easier way... View More

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Aug 28, 2024

The Probate Court requires all of the assets to be inventoried and properly distributed by the administrator of the estate. Use the Find a Lawyer tab to contact a local probate attorney. Many offer free consultations.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Ohio on
Q: My brother just lost his fiance. Their house had a survivorship title. Can her siblings take the house?

Along with the house being worried about he is also worried about losing his vehicle that is in her name only. Can the siblings take vehicle also

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Jul 16, 2024

Brother needs to hire an OH attorney to search the title and determine ownership. The vehicle is probably the property of the next of kin, which does not include the Brother.

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Elder Law for Ohio on
Q: How can I get power of attorney from an uncooperative parent?

He is showing signs of dementia. He has no money other than social security. My brother and I are trying to get power of attorney to handle his business but he is becoming suspicious of our motives. We need to get him help but he is refusing. We have no money to help him

Aaron Epling
Aaron Epling
answered on Jun 24, 2024

Talk to social security about becoming the representative payee. If SS is the only income, then you may not need the POA or guardianship to pay the bills as rep payee. If this doesn't work, then you may need a guardianship.

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Elder Law for Ohio on
Q: Durable POA and Healthcare POA rights and responsibilities for Dad's Progressive Alzheimer's Dementia (Ohio) diagnosis.

Dad was diagnosed a few weeks ago and can no longer drive, manage his finances or cook for himself, per the evaluation. The forward prognosis is difficulty dressing, bathing and feeding within a year. I am a licensed CPA and need to confirm what I can and should not do. I have durable POA and it... View More

Nicholas P. Weiss
Nicholas P. Weiss pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 3, 2024

Do you need to as a matter of law? No. Will every nursing home, health care provider, and bank give you a hard time about the POAs and make you jump through a million hoops that you wouldn't have to do if you had guardianship? Absolutely yes.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Ohio on
Q: Do not want divorce,how can I protect my assets acquired before marriage 43 yrs ago?
Nicholas P. Weiss
Nicholas P. Weiss pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 6, 2024

Any asset acquired prior to marriage, unless comingled with marital assets, is non-marital. It should not need additional protection. Exceptions to this can include certain property used by both parties, like a house, that was appreciated in value following the marriage. In general, though,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Elder Law, Estate Planning, Family Law and Health Care Law for Ohio on
Q: My mother-in-law has dementia. Prior to his death, my father-in-law ask my husband to take care of his mom.

We moved into their house 2 weeks before his dad died. My husband's brother, David, is executor of estate and power of attorney for my mother-in-law. Per my husband, a verbal agreement was made that when my mother-in-law passed, her house would be sold and we would receive a larger portion for... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 2, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about the difficult situation you’re facing. Given the verbal agreement and the substantial care your husband provided for his mother, it’s understandable that you feel entitled to a larger portion of the estate. However, verbal agreements can be challenging to enforce... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Ohio on
Q: can you change revocable trust with a notarized letter?
Nicholas P. Weiss
Nicholas P. Weiss pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 22, 2024

The settlor of a revocable trust can change the trust even without a notarized letter. It just needs to be in writing and signed by the settlor, although notarization or witnessing is best practice.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Ohio on
Q: My little sister born in Iowa and has her entire family in Iowa except a sister who lives in West Virginia.

My little sister moved to Ohio and got married and has been separated from her husband for over 5 years and now her husband is incarserated and has been for 8 years They have a son that is 16 She just recently was in a car wreck that took her life ..and now for next of kin with him in prison should... View More

Aaron Epling
Aaron Epling
answered on May 20, 2024

Those who paid for her funeral may get reimbursed if they submit a claim before the deadline. But, I'm not aware of an exception to inheritance for incarcerated persons. As such, he will likely be entitled to his share of her estate. The husband should name somebody as power of attorney to act... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Antitrust, Arbitration / Mediation Law and Probate for Ohio on
Q: My father died and my stepmother has sent me a bogus will I believe there's no signature or no stamp mark.

Should the heirs of my father have received a copy of the will from some reputable attorney firm we live in Ohio Father lived in Pike county Alabama we're having trouble since we're states apart finding a attorney that can represent us in this matter.

Nicholas P. Weiss
Nicholas P. Weiss pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 17, 2024

Unfortunately an Ohio attorney is not going to be able to help you here. Because you father lived and died in Alabama, his will and estate will be probated there and be subject to Alabama law. Good luck in your search!

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Ohio on
Q: Mom died in hospital after stay in a nursing home, which no one signed for. NH never filed a claim, 4 yrs+ suing benefic

As executor atty & probate judge said they didn’t file proper claim by year 2, now they are suing the beneficiary-after trying to sue me (executor) is this legal? My mom was NOT on Medicaid, she was covered by Medicare, which stopped halfway through her stay, even though her condition had... View More

Aaron Epling
Aaron Epling
answered on May 1, 2024

Ohio's Medicaid Estate Recovery program has authority to recover assets of the decedent to repay for the services they paid for.

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.

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).

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