Ibold & O'Brien | A Legal Professional Association

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Ibold & O'Brien | A Legal Professional Association

A Reputable, Full-Service Law Firm For All Stages Of Life

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Ibold & O’Brien Provides Wills And Trusts

Welcome to Ibold & O’Brien, where we understand that planning for the future is about more than just assets – it’s about peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Since our founding in 1980, our attorneys have proudly served the Chardon, Orwell and the greater Cleveland metro area communities, offering comprehensive guidance in estate planning, including wills and trusts. With more than 150 combined years of legal experience, we are committed to helping you navigate these essential legal documents.

Understanding The Importance Of Wills In Ohio

You may wonder why having a will is crucial. A will is a fundamental testamentary document that ensures your wishes are honored after you pass away. It’s a personal declaration of how you want your property to be distributed and who will take care of your children if they’re minors. We believe a will is important for practically everyone because:

  • It provides clear instructions for the distribution of your assets.
  • It can help minimize disputes among family members.
  • It appoints a guardian for your minor children.
  • It can help expedite the probate process.

A properly drafted will is a cornerstone of a secure estate plan, ensuring that your voice is heard when it matters most.

The Advantages Of Trusts

Trusts are another powerful tool in estate planning. They offer a way to manage and protect your assets both during your lifetime and after. Here’s how trusts can benefit your estate planning goals:

  • Avoiding probate: Trusts can help your beneficiaries bypass the often lengthy and public probate process.
  • Flexibility: You can specify how and when your beneficiaries receive their inheritance.
  • Privacy: Unlike wills, trusts are not part of the public record, keeping your affairs confidential.

With a trust, you gain the control to safeguard your legacy while providing for your loved ones in the manner you see fit.

Types Of Trusts You Should Consider

We can guide you through the various types of trusts to find the right fit for your estate plan:

  • Revocable living trusts allow you to retain control over your assets while living and provide for seamless transfer after death.
  • Irrevocable trusts offer tax benefits and asset protection but require you to relinquish control over the assets placed within them.
  • Charitable trusts let you contribute to charitable causes and can also provide tax advantages.
  • Special needs trusts ensure that a loved one with disabilities can receive an inheritance without affecting their eligibility for government benefits.
  • Testamentary trusts are created upon your death and can be structured to meet the specific needs of your beneficiaries.

Choosing the right type of trust is essential to meet your specific estate planning objectives.

Wills: More Than Just Asset Distribution

When we discuss wills, we’re talking about several types, each serving a unique purpose in estate planning.

  • The last will, which details asset distribution and guardianship decisions.
  • The pour-over will, which works in conjunction with a trust to ensure all assets are included.
  • The living will, which addresses your healthcare preferences should you become incapacitated.

Each of these testamentary documents plays a vital role in a comprehensive estate plan, and we take great care in ensuring that each aspect of your will is crafted to serve your unique needs.

At Ibold & O’Brien, we are dedicated to creating a tailored estate plan that reflects your wishes and protects your legacy. Our lawyers and attorneys work closely with you to ensure that your will and trust align with your personal and financial goals, helping prevent costly and painful disputes among family members.

Create Or Update Your Will; Discuss The Trust(s) That You Have In Mind

Ready to take the next step in securing your legacy? Contact Ibold & O’Brien today to begin crafting your personalized estate plan. Our dedicated team of lawyers and attorneys is here to provide you with the guidance and support you need to ensure your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected.

Don’t wait to establish peace of mind. Call 440-607-5228 or send an email inquiry to request a consultation.