Estate Planning Lawyer in Portage County

Planning for Your Tomorrow, Today

Estate planning is a legal term used to describe the necessity of preparing for the eventualities of growing older, such as death, chronic illness, or incapacitation. Estate planning has many aspects that involve wills, living wills, trusts, and sometimes power of attorney. There are multiple benefits to estate planning, even for those who don’t have many tangible possessions or who may be young. A well-thought-out estate plan is a loving gift to your family members during the difficult period after your passing or your illness. Our experienced estate planning attorneys are available to answer any questions. At Weisenburger Law Offices, LLC, your future is our business. Call 440-771-8525 for a detailed case evaluation today.

What is Probate?

When a person dies, their estate goes through a legal process called probate. For the probate process to begin, someone must come forward to start it. This obligation usually falls to the executor chosen by the deceased person to oversee their estate affairs once they pass away.

If there is a will, the executor must file it with the probate court. Some other forms may be filed, and fees to be paid. If there is one, the will will need to be authenticated- shown to be the last word and testament of the deceased. The estate executor can expect their role to last anywhere from six months to one year.

Some types of property are passed automatically under the law, while some are required to go through probate. Ohio’s probate process is more time-consuming than most people realize. Effective estate planning can help mitigate some of these headaches.

What are Some of the Potential Benefits of Estate Planning?

Proper planning will help prevent:

• The loss of up to 10% of your assets in the probate process
• 100% of your assets going to pay for the cost of a nursing home or in-home care
• The court deciding who will care for your children in the event of your death or probate costs cutting into their inheritance.

A good estate planning attorney will help you with the paperwork and other documents required to ensure your final wishes are clear, undisputable, and properly drafted and executed.

What Trusts are Available to Help Me in my Old Age?

Aging in today’s society is more complex than it used to be. You used to work until you were 62 and retire comfortably, knowing you would be taken care of from whatever pension your company paid you. You can no longer depend on working for a company that pays a pension to every employee, and even if you receive one, it’s improbable it will be enough to survive once you have stopped working. Many seniors exist far below the poverty line.

Thankfully, with the help of a qualified estate planning attorney, you can plan ahead for some of life’s difficulties. You can set up a Medicaid planning trust to help offset the costs of an extended stay in a nursing home or the need for long-term care.

A Medicaid Planning Trust must be established 5-7 years before its use, so pre-planning is essential. It differs from other types of trusts, so discuss with your attorney what suits your situation and your family’s needs.

Am I Too Young To Consider Estate Planning?

Many people consider estate planning a purview of the middle-aged and elderly, but life is unpredictable and can change on a dime. Young people benefit from estate planning just as much as their parents or grandparents, particularly when medical power of attorney is needed, and they find themselves at the mercy of a medical establishment or insurance company.

Without a valid medical power of attorney, your spouse, parents, or designated loved ones may not have the authority to make healthcare decisions on your behalf should you become incapacitated for any reason due to an accident or severe illness. A situation like this would put the decision-making into the hands of the medical professionals, who may need more time to seek family input and would be required to follow protocol when making decisions that may or may not align with your wishes or values.

It makes sense for people of all ages to think ahead. At Weisenburger Law Offices, LLC, our estate planning attorneys take the stress out of planning for you. We are available to answer all your questions and are on your side from beginning to end. We will help you sort through the maze of Ohio’s legal process.

Does an Estate Planning Attorney Help with Estate Administration?

Few things in life are more devastating than the loss of a loved one. Creating an inventory of the estate and allocating the estate’s assets to beneficiaries and creditors is known as administering the estate. This can be an emotional and complex process during a challenging period for a family. Our compassionate and understanding estate planning attorneys can guide you through it. We will do everything possible to help make this difficult transition more manageable for your family.

When Should I Call an Estate Planning Attorney in Portage County?

There are few gifts we leave our loved ones that give them true peace of mind after we are gone. No one can ever truly prepare for such an event; it is difficult to think about it. Nobody likes to imagine dying or, worse, their loved ones being saddened by the loss. The most loving thing we can do is to discuss these matters ahead of time, both with our families and a qualified estate planning attorney. Weisneburger Law Offices, LLC has a friendly and knowledgeable legal team available. Call 440-771-8525 to schedule your detailed case evaluation.