Estate Planning in St. Clairsville, Ohio
Did you know that if you pass away without an estate plan, itโs termed as dying โintestate?โ This means the state of Ohio will decide the allocation of your assets. Worse still, if you are a parent of young children, their guardianship will be chosen by the state. Avoid letting the state of Ohio make these important decisions for you and your family by engaging a reputable St. Clairsville, Ohio, estate planning lawyer.
Jarvis Law Office understands that estate planning isnโt the most comfortable topic, and we make the process as painless as possible. Once our St. Clairsville estate planning lawyer finishes, you will feel a sense of relief. Itโs much easier to face the future when your estate plan is in place.
Whatโs Involved In An Estate Plan?
Our St. Clairsville, Ohio, estate planning lawyer will customize your service. Common components include:
- Wills
- Trusts
- Healthcare directives
- Powers of attorney
- Living wills
- Guardianship
- Incapacity planning
- Probate administration
Your estate plan will protect you today and in the future. Contact an estate planning attorney today for more information.
Wills And Trusts
Regardless of the scope of your estate, your attorney may advise you to draft both a will and a trust. A will allows you to declare your wishes for your estate after your demise, including who gets your assets and who becomes guardian to your minor children. Your will needs to clear probate before your heirs can receive your assets. As wills come into force only after your death, you can change or withdraw them anytime. With the help of your St. Clairsville, Ohio, estate planning attorney, you can draft a new will or update an old one.
A trust also lets you choose who will receive your property after you pass away and how they receive their inheritance. Trusts have various benefits, including privacy. Unlike wills, they donโt go through probate, so your assets donโt have to become a matter of public record. Numerous types of trusts serve different purposes, including the ability to protect your assets from the extraordinary cost of long-term care or to shield assets from creditors. Your St. Clairsville estate and elder care planning attorney can advise you on the type of trust you need, if applicable.
Healthcare Power Of Attorney
Your St. Clairsville, Ohio, estate planning attorney will aid in drafting a healthcare power of attorney for you. Youโll have the opportunity to appoint an individual who can make decisions on your behalf if youโre unable to. This person will take action if you become incapacitated.
Itโs essential to create a healthcare power of attorney now, even if youโre healthy. If something were to happen, the paperwork would already be sorted out, saving your family from having to go to court for decision-making authority.
Also, by preparing this document now, you can name your decision-makers and beneficiaries. Ensure the person you select is someone you trust to act in your best interest and respect your wishes.
Support Children With Special Needs
An estate planning attorney in St. Clairsville, Ohio, can guide you in caring for a child with special needs. In many cases, parents establish a special needs trust. This allows children with special needs to accept financial aid and other supports without risking their crucial government benefits. Itโs a delicate balance between aiding your child and causing them to lose these important benefits inadvertently. Seek advice from a St. Clairsville estate planning attorney to make sure your child has enough resources today and in the future.
Asset Protection
Are you keen on protecting your assets for the next generation? Your St. Clairsville, Ohio, estate planning and elder care lawyers can help construct an asset protection plan for you. This might involve setting up a business body, creating a domestic asset protection trust, or crafting a custom strategy to meet your asset protection requirements. After a detailed analysis of your condition and discussing your ambitions, the attorney can suggest the best tactics for moving ahead.