Probate Attorney in Eaton, Ohio
Experienced Eaton, Ohio Probate Lawyer
Eaton is an Ohio city in Preble County—and the county seat. Eaton lies about 24 miles west of Dayton, and, as of the 2010 census, Eaton’s population was about 8,400. Eaton was named for General William Eaton who is known for leading a diverse army in a difficult march from Egypt to Tripoli to meet U.S. Naval forces.
Once Eaton was established, it grew quickly, and by 1846, there were more than 1,000 residents. This growth was largely due to Eaton’s strategic location—at the junction of two turnpikes. Unfortunately, an outbreak of cholera hit the small town in 1849, causing more than half the population of the town to flee. Of the remaining 600 or so residents, 120 died from the disease.
Eaton slowly recovered from the cholera outbreak, only to have another catastrophic event just a decade later when a fire destroyed thirteen of the main business establishments in the town. The town of Eaton is well-known for Crystal Lake and Seven Mile Creek, along with Seven-Mile Park, Washington Landing Park, Water Works Park, and Fort St. Clair. Every year, Eaton hosts the annual Preble County Pork Festival as well as the Preble County Fair.
Residents and visitors alike enjoy Safari Junction, which is just down the road from Eaton. Safari Junction, established in 2009, offers hands-on interactive and educational animal encounters. As a family-owned and operated business, Safari Junction offers hands-on animal experiences with both farm animals and exotic animals of all types. Family picnics are enjoyable, set on designated areas of the beautiful 10-acre Safari Junction Park.
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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 is the Probate Process?
If you are involved in settling an estate, you may be feeling overwhelmed, wondering what you need to do. Perhaps you are an executor named by a person in his or her will who has assumed the role of handling the probate. If there is no will, the Ohio probate court will appoint an administrator. The general probate process includes:
- A petition will be filed in the county where the deceased person lived at the time of their death. The executor will be officially acknowledged and will then be the representative of the estate. If a will exists, it will be presented to the court, along with a death certificate. The probate case is now considered officially open.
- Notice will then be given to all next of kin and beneficiaries.
- All the assets of the decedent will be inventoried; assets that are subject to probate will be presented to the court, including bank accounts, real estate, stocks and bonds, retirement accounts, and personal effects and collections.
- All money owed to the estate will be collected (paychecks owed, rents to be collected). Outstanding debts will be paid from the estate. It is important that the executor ensures there are sufficient assets to cover all debts—otherwise, the state will prioritize creditor claims. All taxes must be paid from the estate, including a final income tax return.
- Once all monies owed have been collected, and all debts paid, the remaining assets will be distributed. The rightful heirs will get their inheritance, then the estate will be closed.
- If there are any challenges to the will, the executor must deal with those challenges, with help from his or her attorney.
How an Eaton, Ohio Probate Attorney from Lovett & House Can Help
Our Lovett & House attorneys have years of experience handling all types of estate plan issues, including probate. We handle all aspects of estate and trust administration, representing both beneficiaries and fiduciaries. Our goal is to make the probate process as simple and transparent as possible, in an effort to avoid family disputes. When a dispute becomes unavoidable, we are very experienced in representing those who find themselves entangled in disputes. If you have questions regarding a probate matter, or you have been named as the executor for a decedent, Lovett & House can help you. Contact Lovett & House today at (937) 909-0770 for legal assistance.
