A will is a legal document that provides instructions on how your assets should be divided upon your death. While the document itself is important, the people involved in managing your assets are also vital. The executor of your will is the person responsible for...
Will Contests
What to consider if you’re including your caregiver in your will
No one wants their loved ones to become involved in a court battle over their estate after they’re gone. That’s one reason people create estate plans. They want their wishes to be clear and to be carried out as they intend. Inheritances left to non-family caregivers...
What if undue influence impacts the terms of a will?
Usually, families feel grateful when they discover that someone who died has left a will behind. A will or other estate planning documents provide clear instructions about who should inherit resources from an estate and other important details about someone's legacy....
What you need to know if you were left out of your loved one’s will
Finding out your loved one has excluded you from their will can make you feel different emotions—confusion, disappointment and so much more. While a will is a legal document, you might also consider it a form of recognition of your relationship with the decedent. If...
Why might beneficiary designation disputes occur?
Life insurance policies and bank accounts come with beneficiary designation documents, which list recipients of assets. While designating beneficiaries might seem straightforward, it can lead to disputes and complications if not handled with care. Fortunately,...
What is the Ohio standard for proving testamentary capacity?
An individual's estate plan essentially outlines their wishes for their legacy. The instructions that they leave for their loved ones will determine what happens to their property and also what kind of support their closest family members will receive as a result of...
What happens if a testator lacked capacity when creating their will?
Family members and beneficiaries sometimes worry that the will someone has drafted isn't accurate and legally valid. One of the more common concerns has to do with someone's testamentary capacity or legal ability to enter a binding agreement. The effects of age often...
What Are Valid Grounds To Contest A Will?
When a will is drafted, the person responsible for it expects his or her wishes to be fulfilled. However, a legal heir or beneficiary with a financial interest in the will may contest it if there is a valid reason for doing so. For example, Ohio law has strict...
Is The Deceased’s Second Family Entitled To Any Inheritance?
In the unfortunate event of a person’s death, questions regarding inheritance and the rights of family members often arise. One common concern is whether the deceased’s second family is entitled to any inheritance. This is where effective estate planning comes in;...
What If There Are Multiple Wills When Someone Dies?
Have you ever wondered what happens when multiple wills are involved after someone dies? It can be a complicated and confusing situation, especially for those left to sort out the deceased’s affairs. A will should outline a person’s wishes for the distribution of...