Estate Planning / Trust / Probate
Wealth Transfer Planning
If not properly planned, the transfer of wealth from one generation to the next can be significantly impacted by the imposition of estate and gift taxes. Our attorneys stay apprised of the ever-changing field of estate and gift taxes. We will work with you to implement tax planning strategies to ensure your hard-earned wealth is transferred according to your wishes while taking advantage of the most tax-efficient strategies available today. Our knowledgeable attorneys use the latest trusts mechanisms, gifting techniques and other tax-saving vehicles to allow you to transfer wealth to your children and grandchildren at the lowest tax cost.
- Practiced by:
- Thomas Lodge
- Scott R. DeBonis
Estate and Trust Administration
The death of a loved one is an overwhelming experience. You need not, however, be overwhelmed by the administration of his or her estate or trust. Our experienced attorneys will walk you step-by-step through the administration process to ensure your loved one’s assets are properly transferred as efficiently as possible. Whether administering an estate through the perils of the probate court, or carrying out your loved one’s wishes as expressed in a trust, let our years of knowledge and experience relieve your administrative burden.
- Practiced by:
- Thomas Lodge
- Scott R. DeBonis
- Christopher R. Patrick
- Dominic F. Carano
- Brittany Watson
Business Succession Planning
The success of your business is a testament to years of hard work. Don’t let a lack of business succession planning erode your life’s achievement. Our experienced attorneys will create a business succession plan specifically designed to achieve your unique business and retirement goals. The wise use of lifetime gifts, Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts, Sales to Intentionally Defective Grantor Trusts, Self-Directed Trusts and other business succession planning techniques will ensure your business and family continue to prosper after your death or retirement. Allow us to ensure that your last business decision is your best business decision.
- Practiced by:
- Thomas Lodge
- Scott R. DeBonis
Asset Protection
Each client has his or her own individual liability concerns. Every business or profession presents its own unique set of risks. Our experienced attorneys will tailor an asset protection plan specifically designed for your individual needs using corporations, limited liability companies, irrevocable trusts and the new Ohio Legacy Trust. You’ve worked hard for your success. Allow us to protect your hard-earned assets and to ensure your family’s future in today’s litigious society.
- Practiced by:
- Thomas Lodge
- Scott R. DeBonis
Wills and Trusts
Your will or trust is the foundation upon which your estate plan is built. Our estate planning attorneys will use years of knowledge and experience, and the latest planning techniques, to design a solid foundation for your estate planning desires. Your will or trust will be as unique as the person it represents. Our estate planning attorneys will tailor your will or trust to suit your individual estate planning goals and to reflect your unique family and business circumstances. Every effort will be taken to achieve your estate planning goals free of will contests and challenges to your trust.
- Practiced by:
- Thomas Lodge
- Scott R. DeBonis
- Christopher R. Patrick
- Dominic F. Carano
- Brittany Watson
Elder Law
You’ve lived a prudent life and saved diligently for retirement. Now, rising health care costs and the high cost of nursing care threaten your financial independence and the legacy you wish to leave to your children. Our attorneys have the knowledge and experience to proactively plan for future Medicaid concerns using lifetime gifting plans and private annuities. If time is not a luxury and Medicaid is an immediate concern, our attorneys will walk you through the Medicaid application process to ensure you promptly qualify for the benefits to which you are entitled while maintaining as much of your nest egg as you are allowed by law.
- Practiced by:
- Scott R. DeBonis
- Christopher R. Patrick
- Brittany Watson
Pre-Marital Agreements
Pre-marital agreements provide certainty in an uncertain world. Whether a client is a professional, a business owner, or is marrying later in life, a properly drafted pre-marital agreement will provide certainty in the event of death or divorce. Don’t put your years of hard work and success at risk. Speak with our attorneys to discuss the security a pre-marital agreement can provide you.
- Practiced by:
- Thomas Lodge
- Scott R. DeBonis
- Christopher P. Lacich
Estate and Trust Litigation
Our experienced attorneys make every effort to ensure our client’s estate planning goals are achieved free of claims and challenges. Lesser estate plans are often, however, the subject of greed and litigation. We maintain a unique team of estate, trust and litigation attorneys to zealously represent you through the ensuing court battles and remain determined that your loved one’s wishes are carried out.