Wills & Estate Planning
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While nobody likes to think about death, it is important for everyone to make preparations to address how matters will be handled after they are gone. Sometimes the last thing you want to do is think about is what will happen to your family if something happens to you. But creating a will is an effective way to protect your family and to show how much you care. Without a will, your family may face unnecessary expenses and stress at the worst possible time. A last will and testament is an essential part of any estate plan, allowing a person to decide how their property will be distributed to their heirs and provide instructions for how their last wishes should be carried out.
Manore Divorce & Family Law has more than 25 years of experience, and we can help you create an estate plan that addresses your family's needs. Whether you need to create or update your will or utilize other methods to protect your assets and pass them on to your heirs, we can answer your questions. Having a customized plan can provide you with peace of mind about how your affairs will be settled when the time comes.
Creating a Will in Ohio
Under Ohio law, a last will and testament can be created by anyone who is at least 18 years old. The will must be in written form, and the person making the will (known as the "testator") must be of sound mind. The will becomes valid when it is signed by the testator in the presence of two witnesses.
A will can contain the following provisions:
Beneficiaries – The testator may specify how their assets (including physical property, real estate, or monetary funds) will be distributed to their heirs. They may name specific people, charitable organizations, or other organizations as beneficiaries.
Guardianship – If the testator has any minor children, their will can specify who they would like to care for their children until they reach adulthood.
Executor – A will should name a person who will carry out the testator's instructions, including distributing assets to heirs and addressing any last wishes. The executor will file the will in probate court and address any legal concerns involved in carrying out its instructions.
If a person does not have a valid will when they die, their property will be distributed to their heirs according to Ohio law. A representative will be named by the court to oversee the distribution of assets. Property will go to the deceased person's spouse and/or children, and if they do not have a spouse or children, it will go to other close relatives, such as parents, grandchildren, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, or cousins. Guardianship proceedings may be necessary if the deceased has minor children to determine who will care for them.
Having a last will and testament in place will not only ensure that your wishes are followed, but it can help your family avoid a wide variety of legal complications after your death. Manore Divorce & Family Law can ensure that your will meets legal requirements and contains the provisions necessary to address your concerns. We can also help you determine whether other methods, such as a trust, would be more appropriate for your needs.
Contact Manore Divorce & Family Law for a free initial consultation. Call 419-517-9060 today. Manore Divorce & Family Law serves the needs of clients in Lucas (Toledo, Sylvania, Maumee), Wood (Perrysburg), Fulton (Delta, Swanton, Wauseon), Henry (Napoleon), Williams (Bryan, Ohio), Defiance, and Ottawa (Port Clinton, Elmore, Woodville) counties.