Post-Marital Agreements Permissible in Ohio

For those in second marriages where a premarital agreement was not put in place, post- marital agreements are a viable and appropriate tool for purposes of planning their estates. For long-term second marriages where assets have been comingled and family …

6 Examples of DIY Estate Planning Gone Bad

1. The guy who created his own will that left everything . . . to himself. This seems obvious, but make sure you have your assets going where you want them to. 2. The parent who deeded property to a …

End of Life Planning Without a Will

Most people know what a will is, but many don’t understand their importance, especially in end of life planning. Surprisingly, it’s fairly common for an individual to pass away without a will in place. In a recent wills and estate …

Successful Mediation Practices from a Former Judge

In my 20 years as a judge, I’ve watched as many attorneys tried to resolve their cases through mediation. Now, it’s my turn to take what I’ve observed – and learned – from some of the best mediations and use …

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A Reasonable Match Is Often, But Not Always, Acceptable Under Ohio Law

Three words – reasonably comparable matching – can be enough to cause an insurance headache. It is an issue that has recently come up with increasing frequency, usually as a result of a claim by a residential homeowner or commercial property owner over storm damage to roofing …

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Special Needs Trust Options in Ohio

Depending upon the circumstances, there are several trust options for those who are disabled and receiving Medicaid and SSI benefits. These all come under the general definition of “Special Needs Trust” and have various benefits and can be used in …