Estate Planning Attorney Columbus Ohio

Make Sure Your Wishes Are Carried Out

Attorneys Provide Help During the Probate and Administration Process

Probate is the legal process of proving in court that a deceased person’s will is valid and distributing the decedent’s assets as outlined in the will. If a will does not exist, the court assigns a representative, called an administrator, to assist with the administration process.

Many issues can arise when there is no will to reference. Family members may not be happy with what they do or don’t receive, and can file a petition in probate court to contest the probate process. Not only does this extend the probate and administration process, it can also cause arguments between family members over who is entitled to specific items or money.

Estate planning with the help of a lawyer will make the probate process go smoother and save your loved ones from future stress and headaches.

Estate plans include a variety of legal documents. The Fox Law Firm in Columbus will review, draft and execute living wills, durable and health care power of attorney documents and living trusts.

Living Trust

A living trust is a trust that a person creates while they are still alive, rather than a trust that is created by that person’s will. A trustee is responsible for managing the assets until it’s time for them to be transferred to a beneficiary. One benefit of a living trust is that it bypasses the probate process.

Durable and Health Care Power of Attorney Documents

A durable power of attorney allows another person to make legal, financial or medical care decisions on your behalf when you are incapacitated. A healthcare power of attorney says that someone else may make decisions regarding your medical care on your behalf should you become incapacitated.