GALLERY

Last Will and Testament



A will is the foundation of most Ohio estate plans. Under Ohio law, a valid will must be in writing, signed, and witnessed by two competent individuals. If you die without one, Ohio's intestacy rules under R.C. Chapter 2105 control who inherits. An estate attorney helps ensure your will meets all execution requirements and names your own decision-makers.

Revocable Living Trust



A living trust may allow your estate to bypass Stark County Probate Court entirely. When you pass, the successor trustee handles administration privately, without court supervision. Assets must typically be retitled into the trust to achieve its benefits, and your estate attorney will walk you through that process.

Durable Power of Attorney



A durable power of attorney gives a trusted person legal authority to manage your finances if you cannot. In Ohio, "durable" means it stays valid after incapacity. Without a POA, your family may need to pursue guardianship through probate court, a process that takes months and costs thousands.

Healthcare Directive and Healthcare Power of Attorney



A healthcare directive tells doctors what medical care you want if you cannot speak for yourself, covering life support, resuscitation, feeding tubes, and pain management. A healthcare power of attorney appoints someone to make medical decisions on your behalf. Ohio authorizes these documents under R.C. 1337.11 through 1337.17, and an estate attorney can draft them to reflect your specific wishes.