PROBATE AND ESTATE PLANNING

PROBATE
Our experience with related court procedures and knowledge of Ohio laws can help you carry out your duties as an executor, trustee, or guardian efficiently and cost-effectively. From initial steps to final accounting, we can handle the entire process for you. Our administration services include:

• Probate Administration
• Guardianship Representation
• Contested Estates

Our mission is to give families the care and attention they deserve as we help them through the probate process. We try to do so with as little litigation and emotional upheaval as possible. If you need an attorney to help settle a family member’s estate, give us a call: (419) 684-5933, or contact us by email.



ESTATE PLANNING

Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Survivorship Deeds
Our philosophy is that everyone needs an estate plan. Such a plan is critical regardless of the size of your assets or your marital status. A carefully constructed, flexible estate plan is useful to avoid excess taxes and to ensure that your wishes are carried out. A will and trust are also critical if you have minor children. These documents will make clear who is to have custody of your children upon your death. This is important whether you are married or divorced. In my experience, I have seen many families in distress at the passing of loved ones who did not leave them comprehensive plans for the handling of their estate.

Estate Planning, Tax Planning, Estate and Gift Tax Planning
Roger Stark will be your partner in estate planning. He works closely with each client to create a plan that fits his or her needs and will adapt to changing life circumstances such as divorce, or the birth of a child. He will help your family avoid battles over who gets what and how proceeds from your home, car and other family assets should be distributed. Roger Stark shares his expertise in this field, and you too can benefit from his experience, skill, and one-on-one approach.

More than simply protecting your assets, estate planning is an essential tool to protect yourself and your loved ones. We work with you to develop a clear plan to assure that your wishes and intentions are fulfilled while also helping to reduce taxes. Our estate planning services include:

• Wills
• Trusts
• Powers of Attorney
• Living Wills

The following is a list of events that warrant setting up an appointment with your estate planning attorney:

• First Marriage – In most instances when a couple marries, they will want wills that leave their estates to each other and nominate each to serve as executor of the other’s estate. If one spouse is wealthy, he/she may want to consult with their attorney regarding a prenuptial agreement (sometimes referred to as an ante nuptial agreement).

• Children – When children come into the picture, you will want to make sure your will addresses who should be guardian for your minor children if your spouse is unavailable. Also, if you have accumulated some assets and/or you own life insurance, you may want a trust for the benefit of your children if your spouse fails to survive you.

• Divorce – In the event that you divorce, you will want to change your estate planning documents, and make sure that you update all beneficiary designations. For an example If you are Divorced and fail to change the beneficiary on your life insurance, your ex-spouse may be able to receive your life insurance.

• Plans to Remarry – If you have been married before and plan to remarry, you may want to discuss the various issues raised by a blended family. A blended family makes estate planning more complicated and communication with your family may be very important. It may be advisable to create a prenuptial agreement.

• Significant Changes in Your Assets – A change in the value of your assets, the type of assets, or titling of assets may lead to a change in your tax planning strategy and/or the disposition of assets.

• Significant Changes in the Law – Over time, the laws affecting probate, estate planning and tax planning change. It is a good idea to periodically review your estate plan and personal information with your attorney in the event of such changes.