As a parent, sending your child off to college is a proud milestone—but also a major legal turning point. Once they turn 18, you lose your automatic rights to make medical or financial decisions on their behalf, even in an emergency. That’s why it’s essential to have the right legal documents in place before move-in day. In this post, we'll walk you through the must-have estate planning documents every Ohio parent should consider for their new adult.

As an estate planning attorney here in Cincinnati, I’ve had countless conversations with people who say, “I probably should get a will done… eventually.” And I get it—estate planning isn’t exactly at the top of most people’s to-do lists. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to be wealthy or nearing retirement to start estate planning.

As an attorney serving seniors and families throughout Cincinnati, we want you to be aware of important changes coming to Social Security this month. Starting April 14, 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is rolling out new rules that affect how benefits are filed, how payments are managed, and how overpayments are handled.

If you’re a parent or caregiver of a loved one with special needs, I know one of your biggest questions is this:“What will happen when I’m no longer here to take care of them?”

If you or a loved one are facing the possibility of nursing home care, you might be feeling overwhelmed by the costs. In Cincinnati and across Ohio, long-term care expenses continue to rise, and many families worry about how to afford quality care without losing everything they’ve worked for. This is where an elder law attorney in Cincinnati can make a real difference. With the right legal strategies, you can protect your assets, qualify for Medicaid, and ensure the best possible care for yourself or your loved one.

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make when setting up a trust is who to name as your trustee. It’s a role that requires a great deal of responsibility, trust, and integrity—this person (or entity) will be managing your assets and ensuring your wishes are carried out long after you’re gone. That’s a big deal.

When setting up an estate plan, many Ohio families choose a revocable living trust to avoid probate and simplify things for their loved ones. But here’s a common mistake I see: They forget to include a pour-over will.

As parents, we do everything we can to protect our children. We buckle them into car seats, make sure they eat healthy, and teach them to look both ways before crossing the street. But one thing many parents overlook is estate planning with kids—a critical step in securing your child’s future if something unexpected happens.

As estate planning attorneys in Cincinnati, we talk to people every day who want to make sure their loved ones are taken care of after they’re gone. One of the biggest questions we get is: Should I have a Will or a Trust? The answer depends on your goals, but the biggest difference between the two is how your assets are handled after you pass away.

Many people hear the word “trust” and immediately think of something only the wealthy need—but trusts can benefit everyday families too. As an attorney specializing in estate planning and elder law in Cincinnati, Ohio, I’m here to demystify the differences between revocable and irrevocable trusts to help you make informed decisions about your family’s future.

When it comes to estate planning, many Ohio families assume that drafting a will is enough to protect their loved ones. It’s easy to see why—there are countless online tools promising quick and inexpensive DIY wills. But here’s the truth: a DIY will can create more problems than it solves.

When people think about estate planning, they often focus on what happens after they pass away. But just as important—if not more so—is planning for what happens during your lifetime if you become unable to manage your own affairs. One of the most powerful estate planning tools to address this is a Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA). Without it, your loved ones could be left navigating a legal maze just to help manage your finances, pay bills, or handle critical decisions.