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How Can I Create an Effective Healthcare Directive?
An advance healthcare directive allows you to make critical decisions about your medical treatment and end-of-life care if you become incapacitated and cannot speak for yourself. The most common types of healthcare directives are a living will and a durable power of attorney for healthcare. These documents only take effect when you are unable to…
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Understanding the Role of an Executor in Probate in Montgomery, Ohio
Being named the executor of a loved one’s estate is a significant responsibility. As executor, you oversee the probate process—the legal procedure that ensures the proper distribution of assets and the settlement of the deceased’s final affairs. Your duties may vary depending on the size and complexity of the estate, and an experienced estate lawyer…
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What Is a Healthcare Directive?
There may come a time when you are no longer able to make or communicate decisions about your own medical care. In such cases, a healthcare directive ensures that your medical providers and family understand your wishes and can act accordingly. Creating a healthcare directive in advance allows you to take control of your medical…
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What Happens to Debts During the Probate Process in Madeira, Ohio?
When someone passes away, their debts don’t simply disappear. Before any assets can be distributed to heirs, all outstanding financial obligations must be addressed through the probate process. If you’ve been named the executor or personal representative of a loved one’s estate, understanding how debt is handled during probate is critical—especially to avoid personal liability.…
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What Is the Role of an Executor in the Probate Process?
When someone passes away, their estate often goes through probate—a legal process for validating the will, settling debts, and distributing assets. The executor plays a central role in this process. Appointed in the will (or by the probate court if there is no will), the executor is responsible for managing the estate in accordance with…
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Matthew Metzger Secures $22.29 Million Jury Verdict in Business Fraud Case
We are proud to announce a significant courtroom victory on behalf of one of our small business clients. After more than five years of hard-fought litigation, Attorney Matthew Metzger, Esq. of Wolterman Law Office secured a $22,294,967 jury verdict in Hamilton County, Ohio. Our client, a local small business, was defrauded by Doug Evans and…
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How Can I Avoid Probate for My Estate?
Probate is the legal process by which a court validates your will and oversees the administration of your estate after death. This includes paying outstanding debts and taxes and ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes. In Ohio, probate can be time-consuming, public, and costly, especially for larger estates. Fortunately, several estate planning strategies…
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What Is Probate, and How Does It Work in Ohio?
Probate is the legal process that ensures a deceased person’s debts are paid and their remaining assets are transferred to the correct heirs. In Ohio, probate is required for assets that are solely in the decedent’s name and have no designated beneficiaries. Although proper estate planning can help avoid or minimize probate, many families in Montgomery, Ohio,…
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Are There Tax Implications in Estate Planning?
Estate planning is a crucial process that ensures assets are distributed according to an individual’s wishes while also minimizing financial burdens on beneficiaries. One of the most important yet often overlooked aspects of estate planning is the impact of taxes. Without careful planning, estate and inheritance taxes can significantly reduce the amount heirs ultimately receive.…
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What Is Power of Attorney, and Why Do I Need One?
The estate planning process involves several critical steps, including creating a last will and testament, establishing a living trust, designating guardianships, and preparing advanced healthcare directives. One important document that should be part of your plan is a power of attorney (POA)—a legal tool that authorizes a trusted individual to make decisions on your behalf.…