Planning ahead
Estate planning
- Wills and living trusts
- Powers of attorney and health care directives
- Special needs and irrevocable trusts
- Flat-fee plans, explained before any work starts
Milford estate planning and probate lawyers
Wills, trusts and probate for Milford families on both sides of the Little Miami River, with most estates handled at the Clermont County Probate Court in Batavia.
- Free first consultation
- Flat-fee estate plans
- Offices in Loveland and Blue Ash
Where an estate is filed
Clermont County Probate Court
For most of Milford. A small part is in Hamilton County
Milford sits on
The Little Miami River
And its East Fork
How we meet
In person, phone or Zoom
First consultation is free
How we help Milford families
Whether you are planning ahead or handling things after a loss, you work directly with an attorney who explains every step in plain language.
After a loss
Probate and trust administration
- Guidance for executors, start to finish
- Estates with or without a will
- Settling a trust after a loved one passes
- Will and estate disputes
Which side of the river matters
Mostly Clermont County
Milford sits along the Little Miami River and its East Fork. Most of the city is in Clermont County, with a small portion on the Hamilton County side of the river.
Miami Township addresses
Many homes with a Milford mailing address are in Miami Township, which is also in Clermont County. Those estates go to the Clermont County court in Batavia too.
We confirm the county first
Before anything is filed, we confirm which county the person lived in, so the estate is opened in the right court the first time.
Probate in Milford
Ohio sets the steps: open the estate, file the inventory within three months of appointment, allow six months from the date of death for creditor claims, then distribute and close.
Smaller estates, $35,000 or less, or $100,000 or less when a surviving spouse inherits everything, may qualify for a shorter release from administration.
Sources: Ohio Revised Code 2115.02, 2117.06 and 2113.03.
Visiting the court
Clermont County Probate Court
- 2379 Clermont Center Drive, Batavia, OH 45103
- (513) 732-7243 · probatejuvenile.clermontcountyohio.gov
We prepare and file the forms for you, and keep you updated on every court date.
You meet with an attorney, every time
Every consultation is with one of our estate planning and probate attorneys, backed by a team that keeps you updated between meetings.
“Most families don’t need the most complicated plan. They need the right one, explained in plain English.”
Steve R. Wolterman
Founding Attorney
Wills, trusts and probate for Ohio families since founding the firm in 2008.
- Admitted to the Ohio bar in 2007
- J.D., University of Cincinnati College of Law
- B.S. Finance, Clemson University
- Certified Exchange Specialist (CES)
“Probate is a lot to handle after a loss. My job is to make sure you always know what happens next.”
Cassidy Carstens
Attorney
Focuses on probate administration for estates of all sizes, and on estate planning.
- With the firm since 2015, from secretary to attorney
- J.D., University of Cincinnati College of Law
- Admitted to the Ohio bar in 2023
- B.S. Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati
And the team behind them
Emily Ames
Office Manager
Scheduling, documents and updates between meetings.
Alex Brammer
Client Services Coordinator
Document signings and help getting everything finalized.
Henrietta Heywood
Client Care Coordinator
Answers your calls, schedules meetings and checks in with clients.
“They were not only highly knowledgeable and effective, but discreet, caring and trustworthy with our sensitive situations.”
Milford questions
Which probate court handles an estate from Milford?
Most of Milford is in Clermont County, so most Milford estates are opened at the Clermont County Probate Court, 2379 Clermont Center Drive in Batavia. The small Hamilton County part files downtown. We check the exact address with you before anything is filed.
My address says Milford, but I live in Miami Township. Which court?
Miami Township is in Clermont County, so the estate is opened at the Clermont County Probate Court in Batavia.
Do I need probate if everything is joint or has a beneficiary?
Usually not for those assets. Accounts with a payable on death or transfer on death beneficiary, and property held jointly with survivorship, generally pass without probate. Anything in the person's name alone may still need it.
How much does an estate plan cost?
Our estate plans are a flat fee, and we go over your exact cost at the free consultation before any work starts.
What does an executor do first?
Find the original will, ask us to open the estate with the probate court, and hold off on paying debts or handing out belongings until you are appointed. We give you a checklist at the first meeting.
Communities we serve nearby
Families across Greater Cincinnati work with our Loveland and Blue Ash offices.
Talk with an attorney for free
Tell us what is going on and we will explain your options and the next step.