If you are the beneficiary to a will, assets you receive from the deceased may have to pass through the probate process first. During probate, a designated executor may be responsible for ensuring the will is valid, assessing the value of estate assets, settling estate debts and eventually distributing the...

Your estate plan ensures your heirs are well-protected after you’re gone. It also helps deal with financial matters related to your estate, including the payment of debts and settling remaining taxes. While having an estate plan in place is of the utmost importance, you should also take the time to...

Probate is the process of proving a will’s validity, settling debt, and dispersing assets to heirs. When certain circumstances apply, probate may not be necessary. While the rules vary from state to state, The Balance offers a few examples of when probate is not applicable. The proceeds of life insurance...

The idea of having to go through probate in Ohio for a loved one’s estate can be intimidating. This process often goes quickly, but sometimes, it can drag on. It really depends on the circumstances. However, what you may not understand is that there are some types of assets that...

Estate planning experts in Columbus recommend that people begin preparing their wills at a young age. Once completed, such a document should be filed with the probate court of the county in which the testator resides. Many may think that once that is done, they no longer have to worry...

An executor is a person responsible for handling the affairs of your estate after you’re gone. Making the right selection is crucial, as you want to ensure this person is capable of handling the many chores and tasks of handling an estate, including wills and trusts issues. AARP offers the...

Can I make my own will? If you’re currently estate planning in Ohio, you might be considering creating your own will to save money. While there are a number of DIY resources available, you definitely want to think twice before moving forward on your own. The Balance offers a few...

Perhaps your grandmother recently passed away, and her estate finds that she created and established a will. Unfortunately, your grandmother created the will nearly 25 years ago, and the assets, beneficiaries and designations do not reflect what you thought to be her true wishes. In Ohio, only specific individuals have...

If you’re currently estate planning in Ohio, chances are you’ve thought about conflicts between your heirs. It’s a sad fact that conflict is quite common when it comes to the reading of the will, as some heirs may feel slighted or as though assets weren’t dispersed evenly. In this case,...

People in Columbus are told all the time that they need to start thinking about their estate planning. The most basic step in beginning this process is writing a will. Many have likely heard stories about people drawing up wills on napkins or paper plates and leaving everything they own...

Creating a will is something important you can do to look out for your loved ones after you die. The process is actually not that difficult, even though it is made to seem like a huge legal process. In fact, according to the Ohio State Bar Association, anyone can create...

Many people shudder when they hear the word “probate” – which is the legal process of verifying your will by going through the courts. This process of settling your estate can be time-consuming, costly and rather awkward. Realistically, though, your estate will more than likely have to go through the...

When asked if he or she is an heir or beneficiary to his or her parents assets, one would likely respond with a “Yes.” Yet is that assumption correct? It depends on the context in which those terms are being used. Most in Columbus may use the words “heir” and...

People in Columbus often work very hard so that when they do pass on, they are able to leave their families and/or friends with some added security in the form of an inheritance. Unfortunately, along with an inheritance also comes the potential for contention amongst beneficiaries. That is why people...

Many come to us here at The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc. Inc. after having lost a loved one terrified that the decedent’s estate may now have to go through probate. This is no doubt due to the many horror stories told by people in Columbus about...

People in Columbus have been telling you for years that even if you think you do not have time to delve deep into your estate planning, you should at the very least write out a will. Why? The answer is the same as the one we here at The Law...

After people lose a parent in Ohio, one of the many thoughts racing through their minds may be whether they are personally liable for any outstanding debts. Along with the emotional strain of the loss and the stress of planning a funeral, they do not need to add the worry...

It seems celebrities are no more likely than others to have a will or estate plan in place. That was apparently the case for the internationally renowned artist known as Prince, who died just over a year ago. Whenever someone dies without a will, any state where they own substantial...

There are a variety of situations in which a spouse, family member or other beneficiary might become in a probate dispute. While good estate planning can prevent many family conflicts, it’s not uncommon for an excluded beneficiary to dispute a will or estate plan. Your dying loved one might have...

Probate is an important part of everyone’s life and really should not be avoided, much like many people tend to hear. Probate happens following someone’s death whether or not he or she had a will. If you have a will in place that includes an estate plan, your surviving family...

Many people hear the word “probate” as a negative, as in “You want to avoid probate.” Actually, probate occurs after someone dies whether he or she had a valid will or not. However, having a will and a detailed estate plan in place can save considerable money, time and stress...