Cleveland Estate Planning Blog
3 signs it is time to appoint a guardian for your parent
All your life, you count on your parents to guide you, but at some point, the tides may turn, making it your responsibility to instead help guide your parents. Watching a parent age is often difficult, and you may find it particularly troublesome if your parent’s...
Providing for pets in the nursing home
When making the transition into long-term care or assisted living, one of your top concerns is the mental health and well-being of your loved one. Studies have shown that owning a pet has many positive effects on mental and physical health. The emotional bond people...
Qualifying for Medicaid: Criteria for older adults
Affording medical insurance so you can get the medical care you need is a struggle for many people. It is no secret that medical care is expensive, and insurance is as well. As you age, the government offers programs to help you afford the care you need. One such...
Who qualifies for Medicaid?
Federal and state Medicaid programs work together to provide health care to more than 72.5 million Americans who have limited resources. To receive Medicaid coverage, individuals must meet both financial and nonfinancial criteria. If you or a loved one has health...
What makes a will legal in Ohio?
One of the most common questions we hear is, "What makes a will legal?" Sometimes, the person asking is worried that their final wishes won't be respected. Other times, we hear the question when someone suspects -- for one reason or another -- that a will shouldn't...
Why does probate take so long in Ohio?
One of the many reasons that people hate it when an estate goes through probate is that it can take a long time to "settle" the estate and finally give the heirs their inheritance. You can generally expect the probate process in Ohio to last a minimum of six months --...
Should you pre-plan you funeral or memorial service?
When people take the step of creating a last will or estate plan, one issue they often overlook is taking the time to plan for their funeral. After all, your funeral service is going to remind people of your legacy and provide comfort to your loved ones as they grieve...
With a blended family, you must protect your children’s share
You get married and have two children. Then your spouse files for divorce. You split up, wait a few years, and get married again. Your new spouse also has two kids from a previous marriage. This relationship lasts. As you both grow older, you decide to do your estate...
Dividing up your jewelry in your will: What to consider
One of the questions a lot of our older clients struggle with is what to do with their jewelry and watches. Many of these items are beautiful, costly and hold emotional significance for their owners -- so they want their heirs to inherit the pieces. At the same time,...
Ohio’s guardianship problem
Here's a fact that should startle -- if not outright scare -- most Ohio seniors: Only 9 percent of the state's probate courts require a proposed ward to be present for an initial guardianship hearing. Yes, that's right. In the majority of probate courts, a relative...
