Beavercreek Wills Attorney
Creating a Will in Beavercreek, OH
According to a 2021 Gallup poll, slightly less than half of all U.S. adults said they have a will that describes how they would like their assets and estate to be handled following their death. These results are similar to three prior polls on this subject since 1990. As expected, those age 65 and older are the most likely group to have a will, at about 75 percent. For those younger than 30, only about 20 percent say they have a will or any type of estate plan. The poll points to wide disparities by education and race—more college-educated and white Americans have wills than non-whites or individuals with only a high school education. Having an experienced Beavercreek will attorney can make the process of preparing a will much simpler and stress-free.
Not only do many Americans not have a will, but it also appears that estate planning and wills are something many of us prefer not to discuss. According to Brookdale Senior Living, almost a third of American adults have no idea whether their own parents have a will, and among those that do know, at least 40 percent have no idea what’s in the will. In the end, more than three-quarters of American adults believe estate planning is important for everyone, yet fewer than half have taken steps to engage in estate planning.
Your Family's Peace of Mind is Priceless
Read Our Former Clients' Five-Star Reviews
Our compassionate and through approach to Estate Planning makes a real difference in our clients' lives. Read reviews in their own words below.
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"The Best Customer Service"George and his crew provide the best in customer service and have an outstanding work ethic. They have always been there to help us when needed!- Mark S.
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"He Made It Easy"Bill was very friendly, knowledgeable, and kind. He made Estate Planning fun, fast and easy. We both feel relief to know our wishes are spelled out and our assets are protected!- Sherry C.
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"Peace of Mind"He explained each step 100 percent. He takes the time to talk WITH you, not TO you. I am so thankful I went to his seminar and took advantage of the free consultation.- Rosa S.
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"Made It Easy to Understand"George Lovett made our estate planning easy to understand and informative. He used our personal information to create a plan that was tailor-made to us.- Pamela O.
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"Expertise & Attentiveness"We were very pleased with the service, expertise, and attentiveness we received. We are glad that we choose Lovett & House for this.- Pat D.
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"A Pleasure to Work With"George Lovett has helped my family tremendously. He always explained our options and took care of us with the utmost professionalism.- Marlene W.
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"Easy to Understand"They made it easy to update our estate planning needs. All our questions were answered in easy to understand language and we didn't feel overwhelmed.- Rita S.
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"Very Helpful"he Estate Trust planning was easy to do with the Lovett & House. George H. Lovett and William H. House were very knowledgeable and helpful.- Judith A.
What are the requirements for an Ohio Will?
Each state has certain requirements which must be met for a will to be valid. In the state of Ohio:
- You must be at least 18 years old or older
- You must be of sound mind and body
- You must not be making the will while under duress or undue influence from another person
- Your will must be in writing
- You must sign your will and that signature must be witnessed by two disinterested parties
The “sound mind and body” is important because the state wants to protect those who are sick, or perhaps too elderly to make clear decisions about the end of their lives and their property. It is also important that no undue influence is exerted over a testator to persuade them to change their will. While some states do not allow holographic (handwritten) wills, the state of Ohio does, so long as the will meets all other requirements. Having the testator’s signature witnessed by two disinterested people simply adds a necessary layer of authenticity to a will.
Who Needs a Will?
Unfortunately, far too many people believe a will is only for those with lots of money or property. This is simply not true. If you want to ensure your loved ones get the assets you want them to have when you die, those wishes must be legally binding. If you do not have a will, the state of Ohio will step in to take over your estate. The probate court will first appoint an administrator for the will, then, according to Ohio law, the court will distribute assets after they have paid all debts and taxes associated with the estate.
If there are minor children without another parent and there is no will, then a guardian will be named. Joint bank accounts or property held or occupied in common by married couples automatically go to the survivor. Accounts with a transfer-on-death provision will also pass to the designated person without going through probate. So, the answer to the question of “who needs a will?” is—everyone!
How a Beavercreek Will Attorney from Lovett & House Can Help With Your Will and Estate Planning Needs
Attorney George Lovett is certified as a specialist in estate planning, trust, and private law by the Ohio State Bar Association. The Lovett & House Co., LPA attorneys have the skills, knowledge, and expertise to help you plan your estate and prepare a will that is unique to you and your needs. When necessary, we can even generate a same-day emergency will for those in a Beavercreek nursing home or hospital when special situations arise. We want to help you get your life in order and gain peace of mind.
Contact Lovett & House Co., LPA today to get your future in order and gain peace of mind.
