Frequently Asked Questions
Estate Planning Questions Answered
Common questions from Columbus Ohio families about wills, trusts, and estate planning.
Do I need an estate plan if I'm not wealthy?
+
Absolutely. Estate planning isn't just for the wealthy — it's for anyone who wants to decide what happens to their belongings, who cares for their minor children, and who manages their affairs if they become incapacitated. Without a plan, Ohio law decides these things for you, which may not reflect your wishes.
What is the difference between a will and a trust in Ohio?
+
A will takes effect after you die and must go through Ohio probate court — a public process that can take months or years. A revocable living trust avoids probate entirely, transfers assets immediately and privately to your beneficiaries, and can also manage assets during your lifetime if you become incapacitated. Many Columbus families benefit from having both.
How long does probate take in Franklin County, Ohio?
+
Ohio probate typically takes 6 to 18 months for a straightforward estate, and longer for complex or contested estates. The Franklin County Probate Court process involves filing the will, notifying creditors, inventorying assets, paying debts, and distributing to beneficiaries. An experienced attorney like Lorelei Lanier can guide you through every step and minimize delays.
What documents does a complete Ohio estate plan include?
+
A comprehensive Ohio estate plan typically includes: (1) a Last Will and Testament, (2) a Revocable Living Trust if appropriate, (3) a Durable Power of Attorney for finances, (4) a Healthcare Power of Attorney, (5) a Living Will / Advance Healthcare Directive, and (6) HIPAA authorization forms. For families with minor children, it also includes guardian designations.
How much does estate planning cost in Columbus Ohio?
+
Lorelei M. Lanier offers a free 30-minute consultation — by phone or in person — and provides a firm, flat-fee price estimate at that time. There are no surprise hourly bills. The cost depends on the complexity of your estate and which documents you need. Most clients find professional estate planning is more affordable than they expected, and far less costly than the consequences of having no plan.
Can Lorelei come to my home in Upper Arlington, Dublin, or Bexley?
+
Yes. For clients who have difficulty traveling, Lorelei will meet you at your home throughout the Columbus metro area. She is known for her flexibility and personal attention — a hallmark of her boutique practice at 2029 Riverside Drive, Upper Arlington, Ohio.
What is Medicaid planning and do I need it in Ohio?
+
Ohio Medicaid planning involves legal strategies to protect your assets from being spent down on nursing home costs, while still qualifying for Medicaid benefits. Irrevocable trusts, proper deed planning, and spend-down strategies can preserve your assets for your family. The earlier you plan, the more options you have. Lorelei can explain Ohio's Medicaid rules and help you develop a protective strategy.
What if I just want to update beneficiaries?
+
Beneficiary designations on life insurance policies, retirement accounts (401k, IRA), and transfer-on-death (TOD) deeds override your will, making them critically important to keep current. Outdated beneficiaries are one of the most common — and costly — estate planning mistakes. Lorelei can review all of your designations and ensure they align with your overall estate plan.
Lorelei's son, Joseph Lotozo, is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and Partner at Edward Jones at the Tremont Center in Upper Arlington. Joe frequently works with estate planning clients on the financial planning side.
Does Lorelei work with a financial advisor?
+
Estate planning and financial planning work hand in hand — your estate plan should reflect your financial goals, and your financial strategy should account for your estate structure. Lorelei's son, Joseph Lotozo, CFP®, is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and Partner at Edward Jones at the Tremont Center in Upper Arlington. Joe frequently works with estate planning clients on the financial planning side, helping families align their financial goals with their estate plans.
Disclosure: Joseph Lotozo is Lorelei Lanier's son. No referral fees or compensation are exchanged between their practices.
How often should I update my estate plan in Ohio?
+
You should review your Ohio estate plan every 3 to 5 years, or immediately after major life events such as: marriage or divorce, the birth of a child or grandchild, a significant change in assets or income, the death of a beneficiary or executor, a move to or from Ohio, or changes in Ohio or federal tax law. An outdated estate plan can be as dangerous as having no plan at all. Lorelei offers estate plan reviews to ensure your documents still reflect your wishes and Ohio's current legal requirements.
What happens if I die without a will in Ohio?
+
If you die without a will in Ohio — called "dying intestate" — Ohio Revised Code § 2105.06 determines who inherits your assets. Typically your spouse and children receive your estate in specific proportions set by law, not by your wishes. If you have no surviving spouse or children, assets pass to parents, siblings, or more distant relatives. The probate court appoints an administrator (rather than an executor you chose), and the process is often slower, more expensive, and more stressful for your family. Creating a will or trust with Lorelei ensures you decide who gets what.
Do I need a trust if I already have a will?
+
A will alone requires your estate to go through Ohio probate — a public, court-supervised process that typically takes 6 to 18 months. A revocable living trust avoids probate entirely, transfers assets privately and immediately, and also protects you during incapacity. Many Columbus families benefit from having both a trust and a "pour-over" will. During your free consultation, Lorelei will explain whether a trust makes sense for your specific situation.
What is a transfer-on-death deed in Ohio?
+
An Ohio transfer-on-death (TOD) designation affidavit — governed by ORC § 5817 — allows you to name a beneficiary for your real estate. When you pass away, the property transfers directly to that person without going through probate. It's a simple, inexpensive tool, but it must be coordinated with your overall estate plan. TOD deeds override your will, so outdated designations can cause serious problems. Lorelei can prepare and record a TOD deed as part of your plan.
Can I do my own estate planning with online forms?
+
While online legal form services exist, Ohio has specific requirements for wills (ORC § 2107), powers of attorney, and healthcare directives that generic templates frequently get wrong. A will that doesn't meet Ohio's witnessing requirements can be declared invalid by probate court — potentially leaving your family with no plan at all. With Lorelei's flat-fee pricing and free consultation, professional estate planning is often more affordable than people expect, and infinitely more reliable.
Should my estate plan and financial plan be coordinated?
+
Absolutely. Your estate plan (wills, trusts, powers of attorney) and your financial plan (investments, retirement accounts, insurance) must work together. For example, beneficiary designations on your 401(k) and life insurance override your will — if they're not aligned, assets may go to the wrong person. Lorelei coordinates with your financial advisor to ensure everything is consistent. Lorelei's son, Joseph Lotozo, CFP®, is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional at Edward Jones at the Tremont Center in Upper Arlington and frequently works with estate planning clients on the financial side.
Does Ohio have an estate tax?
+
Ohio eliminated its state estate tax effective January 1, 2013. However, the federal estate tax still applies to estates exceeding the federal exemption amount (currently $13.61 million per individual in 2024, though this is scheduled to decrease significantly in 2026 unless Congress acts). For high-net-worth families in Columbus, Dublin, New Albany, and Bexley, advanced trust strategies can minimize federal estate tax exposure. Lorelei can assess whether your estate may be affected.
