Most people say they want to avoid probate because they think it is expensive or slow. The real reason usually becomes clear later. Probate takes control away from families at the exact moment they need simplicity and privacy the most. In Ohio, avoiding probate is possible, but only if the plan is built correctly. The problem is that many people believe they have avoided probate when they have not. What probate actually means in Ohio Probate is the court-supervised process th

Many typical estate plans include a revocable living trust . A trust allows assets to be managed during incapacity and distributed after death without going through probate, assuming the trust is properly funded. Not every plan needs a trust. Whether one is appropriate depends on assets, family structure, and goals. When included, the trust usually functions as the primary distribution vehicle, with the will playing a supporting role. The trust document alone does nothing un

Most people asking this question are not trying to optimize legal theory. They are trying to avoid problems for their family. In Ohio, the difference between a will and a trust often determines whether loved ones deal with court involvement, delays, and loss of control at the worst possible time. The confusion usually comes from assuming both documents do the same thing. They do not. What a Will Actually Does in Ohio A will only matters after death. It is a set of instructio