Estate Planning for Cincinnati Families
Wolterman Law Office has helped Cincinnati-area families plan ahead since 2008. We write wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney and health care directives in plain language, and we quote one flat fee before any work starts.
Whether you are putting a first will in place, updating an old plan after a marriage, divorce or new grandchild, or setting up a trust so your family can skip probate, we explain your options and recommend only what you need.
What Goes Into an Estate Plan
- Will. Says who receives what and who cares for your minor children.
- Revocable living trust. Lets most assets pass to your family without probate court.
- Durable power of attorney. Names someone you trust to handle money matters if you cannot.
- Health care power of attorney and living will. Make sure your medical wishes are followed.
- Special needs trust. Provides for a loved one without affecting their benefits.
- Estate and gift tax planning. For larger estates and family businesses.
What Estate Planning Costs
Not knowing the price is one of the most common reasons people put off planning. Every Wolterman plan is quoted as one flat fee after your free consultation, so you know the full cost before any work starts. Larger estates, business interests and special needs planning can cost more, and we tell you that up front.
For typical Ohio ranges and where our prices fall, read how much a trust costs in Ohio.
Talk With an Attorney for Free
Your first consultation is free, in Loveland, Blue Ash, by phone or by Zoom.
How It Works
- Free consultation. We learn about your family, your property and your goals.
- Flat-fee quote. We recommend the documents you need and quote one price for all of it.
- Review and sign. We walk through the drafts with you, make changes, and you sign with the required witnesses and notary.
Will or Trust?
A will is often enough for younger families and simpler estates. A trust usually makes sense if you own a home, want to keep your estate out of probate court, own property in more than one state, or want more control over how and when heirs receive money. Compare the two in our guide to wills vs. trusts for Ohio families.
Probate in Hamilton County
When a Cincinnati resident passes away without a trust, the estate usually goes through the Hamilton County Probate Court. If you have been named executor, our probate attorneys handle the filings and court requirements and guide you through each step. See how the Ohio probate process works.
Who You Will Work With
Your plan is handled by our estate planning and probate attorneys: Steve R. Wolterman, managing attorney and Cassidy Carstens.
Serving Cincinnati and Nearby Communities
We meet clients at our offices in Loveland and Blue Ash, or by phone and Zoom. Families come to us from across the Cincinnati area, including Montgomery, Madeira, Indian Hill, Mariemont, Mason and Milford.
“Steve Wolterman and his team were wonderful to work with. First they helped us with our estate planning. They made the process comfortable and easy.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does estate planning cost in Cincinnati?
Every plan is quoted as one flat fee after your free consultation, before any work starts. Our guide to trust costs in Ohio shows typical ranges and where our prices fall.
Do I need a will or a trust?
A will says who receives your property and who cares for your minor children, but it still goes through probate. A revocable living trust lets most assets pass to your family without probate court. We walk through both in your consultation and recommend the one that fits your family and property.
Do I need a lawyer to make a will in Ohio?
Ohio does not require a lawyer to write a will, but a will must meet Ohio signing and witness rules to be valid. Working with an attorney helps you avoid mistakes that can send an estate to court or leave property to the wrong person.
What happens if I die without a will in Ohio?
Your property passes under Ohio's intestacy law instead of your wishes, and the probate court appoints someone to manage your estate. Minor children may have a guardian chosen by the court.
Do I have to come to an office?
No. You can meet with us in Loveland, in Blue Ash, or by phone or Zoom. Many clients do the first conversation by phone and come in only to sign.