No one wants to think about what comes next. It is natural to avoid planning for a future where you are not healthy, independent, or in control of your wishes. Very few of us want to address these scenarios, but your peace of mind and loved ones’ security deserve bold and decisive action early on. Regardless of your occupation or background, everyone should put a firm estate plan in place that meets their needs.
Whether you need to draft a will or power of attorney, set up a trust, or otherwise plan for the inevitable there are laws and tax implications to consider, and complications arise even in seemingly simple circumstances. By working with the estate planning lawyers at Arenstein & Andersen Co., LPA, you can ensure that your wishes are respected and your family is taken care of.
We firmly believe there is an estate plan for every situation. With decades of experience and a deep commitment for helping people deal with the legal realities of life, our attorneys in Dublin, Ohio and Tipp City, Ohio are here to closely review your circumstances and answer any questions. From there, we will help you put a plan into place that alleviates your concerns and anticipates challenges.
The time to plan your legacy is in the present. To learn more about the benefits of estate planning in Ohio, including creating clear and concise wills, ironclad power of attorneys, or durable trusts, contact Arenstein & Andersen Co., LPA online or call (614) 602-6550 to schedule a consultation.
Do I Need an Estate Planning Lawyer?
We often encounter people who believe they do not need an estate planning attorney. You may think you can handle your end-of-life matters yourself, but this is rarely the case. You may not know about all the relevant federal and Ohio laws that may apply to your situation. No matter how straightforward you believe your estate is, or how small, we recommend talking with an attorney about all your options. You could be leaving money on the table or setting your family up for significant financial hurdles.
At Arenstein & Andersen Co., LPA, we tailor our services to the individual. If you believe you will leave behind limited assets, you may not need to prepare any complicated strategies or documents. Your estate may even be eligible for an efficient summary probate process under Ohio law. But, that is not a reason to forego an attorney. You may still benefit from talking with an estate planning lawyer about drafting a power of attorney, which determines who can make decisions regarding your medical care, property, and finances when you are incapacitated.
The larger your estate, or the more varied your assets, the more important it is to speak with our estate planning lawyers. By working with an attorney, you can dictate that your assets go to the desired beneficiary as efficiently as possible. You also gain the insight necessary to avoid significant tax liability for your estate or loved ones.
No matter the size of your estate, if you have strong opinions about the level of medical care you want, who should or should not receive your assets after you pass, then you need to talk with an estate planning lawyer in Ohio. Additionally, if you wish to disinherit someone, you need to ensure your will is properly drafted to do so.
The Benefits of Estate Planning
The main benefit of working with an estate planning attorney is to control critical aspects of your life when you cannot directly make decisions. This includes your medical care, future finances, and the distribution of your estate.
When you are healthy, independent, and competent, it is essential to prepare for when you are not. By working with our estate planning lawyers, you can prepare for a time which you are incapacitated or deemed incompetent. These are difficult topics, but through advance directives, like a living will, or health care power of attorney, you can make your medical wishes known and establish who will make medical decisions on your behalf.
With practical and well-considered estate planning, you can also elect an individual to make decisions regarding your property and finances. This can be the same person named to make medical decisions or another family member, financial advisor, or confidante. The knowledgeable estate planning lawyers at Arenstein & Andersen Co., LPA are well versed in the Ohio Uniform Power of Attorney Act and will help you draft valid and enforceable documents that align with your requests.
When you pass away, you will likely want to bequeath certain personal items, investments, or sums of money to specific individuals, charities, or organizations. However, if you do not make your desires clear and in writing, they can be ignored. To make sure your estate is distributed how you intended, you need to call our estate planning lawyers, who can protect your legacy through a will or possibly one or more trusts.
