Wills and Power of Attorney Mentor, OH
Client-Focused Estate Planning Lawyers You Can Trust
In the Spring of 2022, a reputable survey indicated that only one out of every three American adults has the most basic estate planning documents in place. As a result, if you are researching how to craft a will, how to designate a power of attorney, or how to craft a comprehensive estate plan, you are to be congratulated for being ahead of the curve.
While it can be tempting to approach estate planning in a “do it yourself” capacity, perhaps by downloading some templates you have found online, it is important to understand that working with a knowledgeable attorney who understands Ohio law is an effort to be made in your own interest and in the interests of your loved ones. If you are going to take the time to safeguard your wishes in this way, it’s critical that you do so in ways that are legally valid and enforceable.
Crafting a Will
Each state enforces its own standards concerning what renders a will valid and enforceable. As digital assets are becoming more relevant by the day, the area of estate planning law is evolving at a rapid rate. These are just two of the reasons why simply downloading some templates online is not going to allow you peace of mind when it comes to creating a will. Unless you work with an experienced Ohio estate planning lawyer, you will risk that the document you’ve created will not conform to evolving state standards.
If your will isn’t properly enforceable, it could be successfully contested during the probate process. If this happens, all of the instructions you’ve so carefully laid out could be disregarded. In that event, state law will dictate how your assets are distributed, who will serve as a guardian for your minor children, etc. upon your death. If you don’t want the state dictating the fate of your property – and possibly your loved ones – take the time to speak with an attorney about how to exercise your rights effectively.
Designating Power of Attorney Authority
Designating at least one power of attorney is a critical estate planning measure that adults of all ages and economic standing need to take seriously. In the event that you are ever incapacitated by an injury or illness that renders you unable to advocate for your own interests, your designated power of attorney (POA) will be empowered to make decisions on your behalf. Once you regain your ability to self-advocate, your designated power of attorney’s authority will terminate automatically.
Depending on your circumstances, you may benefit from naming a general power of attorney, a medical POA, a financial POA, or multiple people to serve in various roles. Their efforts will help to ensure that your needs are properly attended to by someone you trust to act in your best interests.
Contact one of our Creative Lake County, Ohio Estate Planning Lawyers Today for Free to Get Started
The process of estate planning can be – very understandably – intimidating, as it requires an individual to contemplate a time wherein they will no longer be available to care for their loved ones personally. Know that you do not need to navigate the complexities of this legal process alone. Compassionate and client-focused attorneys Jon Axelrod and Rochelle Hellier are available to assist you with all of your estate planning needs.
To begin safeguarding your interests and the interests of your loved ones, schedule a risk-free and confidential case evaluation at no cost with one of Axelrod Law Office’s reputable Mentor, OH estate planning lawyers today. You can get started in a matter of minutes by calling the firm at (440) 944-7300 or reaching out via our website. We look forward to assisting you.