Columbus Estate Planning & Probate Lawyers
Most Ohio families need four documents, a will, a financial power of attorney, a healthcare power of attorney, and a living will, and many benefit from a revocable trust that keeps their home out of probate entirely. We flat-fee the whole package, draft in plain English, and finish in two meetings. When a family member dies, our probate team guides executors through Franklin County Probate Court: filings, notices, inventories, and the family questions no form covers.
What we handle
- Wills and revocable living trusts
- Financial and healthcare powers of attorney
- Transfer-on-death designations for homes and vehicles
- Probate administration for executors
- Trust administration and funding
- Guardianship applications
How your case will run
- 1
Inventory meeting
One hour: family, assets, and what you want to happen. We tell you honestly whether you need a trust or just a will.
- 2
Draft & review
Plain-English drafts within two weeks, reviewed together page by page.
- 3
Signing & funding
Witnessed signing at our office, then deeds and beneficiary changes so the plan actually works.
Fees, stated plainly
Estate plans are flat-fee, quoted before engagement: individual and married-couple packages, with trust-based plans priced as a single number that includes funding your home into the trust.
Common questions about estate planning & probate
Do I need a will or a trust in Ohio?
Almost every Ohio adult needs a will, a financial power of attorney, and healthcare directives. You should consider adding a revocable living trust if you own a home you want to keep out of probate, have minor children, own property in more than one state, or want your affairs kept private, because probate files are public records.
How much does an estate plan cost in Ohio?
In Central Ohio, a will-based estate plan (will, financial power of attorney, healthcare power of attorney, and living will) typically costs $600–$1,500 for an individual or $900–$2,200 for a couple as a flat fee. Trust-based plans generally run $2,000–$4,500 including funding your home into the trust.
Does a power of attorney end at death in Ohio?
Yes. A power of attorney, financial or healthcare, terminates immediately at the principal's death. After death, only the executor named in the will (once appointed by the probate court) or the trustee of a trust has legal authority over the estate's assets.
How long does probate take in Ohio?
A straightforward Ohio probate estate typically takes 6–12 months from filing to closing. Ohio also offers shortcut procedures: estates under certain value thresholds may qualify for release from administration, which can finish in roughly 1–3 months.