What is the difference between a will and a trust?

A will directs how your assets are distributed after your death through probate court proceedings, while a revocable living trust holds assets during your lifetime and passes them directly to beneficiaries without probate. Trusts offer privacy, avoid court delays, and provide management if you become incapacitated, but require transferring asset ownership into the trust.

How often should I update my estate plan?

You should review your estate plan after marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of children, the death of a named executor or beneficiary, significant changes in your financial situation, or if you move to a different state. In Central Ohio, many clients update their documents every five to seven years to ensure they reflect current laws and family circumstances.

What happens if I die without a will in Ohio?

Your assets will be distributed according to Ohio intestacy laws, which prioritize your spouse and children but may not reflect your actual wishes, and the probate court will appoint an administrator to manage your estate. Without a will, you cannot name a guardian for minor children or specify who receives particular items.

Why do I need a power of attorney if I already have a will?

A will only takes effect after your death, while a durable power of attorney authorizes someone to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated during your lifetime. Without a power of attorney, your family may need to seek a court-appointed guardianship to access your accounts or sell property on your behalf.

When should I create an estate plan?

You should create an estate plan as soon as you own significant assets, have minor children, get married, or want to ensure your healthcare and financial decisions are made by someone you trust. Waiting until retirement or serious illness often complicates planning and limits your options.

Wills and Trusts | HECKERT AND Moreland

Heckert and Moreland prepares estate planning documents for individuals and families in Columbus, including wills, revocable living trusts, durable powers of attorney, and healthcare directives that ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes and your medical and financial decisions are handled by people you trust. Whether you are a parent establishing guardianship designations for minor children, a retiree protecting assets from probate delays, or a business owner planning for succession, this legal work involves drafting documents that reflect your specific family structure, asset types, and long-term goals.Estate planning in Ohio involves naming executors or trustees who will manage your estate, designating beneficiaries for specific assets, and outlining instructions for asset distribution that minimize tax liability and avoid family disputes. This process includes reviewing existing financial accounts, real estate holdings, business interests, and retirement plans to determine whether a simple will is sufficient or whether a trust structure provides better protection against probate, creditor claims, or incapacity. Powers of attorney and healthcare directives are prepared alongside wills and trusts to ensure someone you choose can make decisions if you become unable to do so.Schedule an estate planning consultation with Heckert and Moreland to discuss your needs and create a plan that protects your family in Columbus.

Your estate plan begins with a consultation where you identify your assets, discuss your goals for distribution, and name the individuals who will serve as executor, trustee, guardian, or agent under your power of attorney. Your attorney prepares draft documents based on this discussion, including provisions for specific bequests, residuary distributions, and contingent beneficiaries in case your primary choices are unavailable. Once you review and approve the drafts, you sign the documents in the presence of witnesses and a notary, and in the case of trusts, you transfer ownership of assets into the trust by updating deeds, account titles, and beneficiary designations.After your estate plan is complete, you will have a signed will that directs how your property is distributed through probate, or a funded trust that allows assets to pass directly to beneficiaries without court involvement. Your durable power of attorney will authorize someone to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated, and your healthcare directive will specify your medical treatment preferences and name the person who can make healthcare decisions on your behalf. These documents remain in effect unless you revoke or amend them, and you should update your plan after marriage, divorce, the birth of children, or significant changes in your financial situation.This service also includes review and amendment of existing estate plans, trust administration guidance for trustees managing inherited assets, and coordination with financial advisors or accountants when tax planning is involved. The firm does not provide ongoing trust management services or serve as executor or trustee, but works with clients to ensure appointed individuals understand their responsibilities.

What is the difference between a will and a trust?
A will directs how your assets are distributed after your death through probate court proceedings, while a revocable living trust holds assets during your lifetime and passes them directly to beneficiaries without probate. Trusts offer privacy, avoid court delays, and provide management if you become incapacitated, but require transferring asset ownership into the trust.
How often should I update my estate plan?
You should review your estate plan after marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of children, the death of a named executor or beneficiary, significant changes in your financial situation, or if you move to a different state. In Central Ohio, many clients update their documents every five to seven years to ensure they reflect current laws and family circumstances.
What happens if I die without a will in Ohio?
Your assets will be distributed according to Ohio intestacy laws, which prioritize your spouse and children but may not reflect your actual wishes, and the probate court will appoint an administrator to manage your estate. Without a will, you cannot name a guardian for minor children or specify who receives particular items.
Why do I need a power of attorney if I already have a will?
A will only takes effect after your death, while a durable power of attorney authorizes someone to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated during your lifetime. Without a power of attorney, your family may need to seek a court-appointed guardianship to access your accounts or sell property on your behalf.
When should I create an estate plan?
You should create an estate plan as soon as you own significant assets, have minor children, get married, or want to ensure your healthcare and financial decisions are made by someone you trust. Waiting until retirement or serious illness often complicates planning and limits your options.

Protect Your Family Through Thoughtful Planning

Wills and Trusts in Columbus for families preparing estate plans and updating documents after major life changes.

What Happens When You Create a Will or Trust

Common Questions About Wills and Trusts in Ohio

What is the difference between a will and a trust?

How often should I update my estate plan?

What happens if I die without a will in Ohio?

Why do I need a power of attorney if I already have a will?

When should I create an estate plan?