Planning ahead gives you control over your assets and protects those you care about most. At Ison Law, we help families in Delaware, Ohio, create wills and trusts that reflect their goals and simplify the road ahead. We provide clear answers and practical guidance—nothing more, nothing less.
Whether you’re just starting your estate planning or updating an existing plan, our team can help you make informed decisions that suit your needs.
Understanding the Difference Between Wills and Trusts
A will is a legal document that explains how you want your assets distributed after your death. It also allows you to name guardians for minor children and appoint an executor to manage the process.
A trust, on the other hand, begins working during your lifetime and can continue after death. A living trust helps you manage assets like real estate, bank accounts, and investments while you are alive. You also name a trustee to carry out your wishes in case of incapacity or death.
One of the main advantages of a trust is that it allows your estate to avoid probate. In Ohio, the probate process can be time-consuming and requires the court to oversee the distribution of your property. When your assets are placed in a living trust, they can pass directly to your beneficiaries without court involvement. This means your family avoids delays and gains privacy.
Still, a trust is not always necessary. For smaller estates or straightforward situations, a well-drafted will may be enough. During your consultation, we walk you through what makes the most sense based on what you own, whom you want to protect, and what you value most.
How We Build an Effective Estate Plan
An estate plan should reflect your current life, anticipate future changes, and meet the legal requirements of the state. At Ison Law, we take a step-by-step approach to building your documents.
We begin by helping you choose the right individuals to act on your behalf. This includes:
- An executor, who will oversee the will
- A trustee, if you create a trust
- Someone for power of attorney, to act for you in financial or medical matters if you become unable to do so
Once we draft your estate planning documents, we help you fund your trust—this means moving real estate, accounts, or business interests into the trust’s name. Many people create a trust but forget this critical step. If your trust isn’t properly funded, your estate may still go through probate.
We also help you keep your plan current. Life events like remarriage, the birth of grandchildren, or selling property can all affect your documents. If you created a trust or will years ago, we can review it and ensure it still reflects your wishes and current Ohio law.
Why It Matters to Work With a Local Delaware, Ohio, Attorney
Estate planning is governed by state law. Working with a law firm familiar with Ohio statutes means your documents will be accurate, enforceable, and appropriate for your situation.
In Ohio, property laws, probate timelines, and rules for powers of attorney have specific requirements. A local attorney can guide you through common issues unique to the Delaware, OH area, such as:
- How local probate courts handle estate filings
- What types of real estate ownership affect probate
- Which trusts provide creditor protection under state law
We focus on giving clear recommendations based on your assets and goals. Our job is to help you avoid common planning mistakes and protect your interests.
Get Started with a Free Consultation
If you’re in the Delaware, Ohio area and ready to create or update your estate plan, we offer a free initial consultation. We’ll discuss your situation, your concerns, and the tools that may best fit your goals.
Here’s what to bring with you:
- A list of your assets (real estate, bank accounts, investments)
- Any existing will or trust documents
- Names of people you trust to carry out your wishes
After we speak with you, we’ll assemble a plan that meets your needs—whether that includes a living trust, will, power of attorney, or all three. You’ll leave knowing what steps to take next and what to expect from us.
How We Help Ohio Business Owners
At Ison Law, we support businesses in Dublin through every stage of formation. By focusing on clarity and legal precision, we help make the process less stressful and more effective. Our legal services include:
- A review of your goals to recommend the most appropriate business structure
- Preparation of all required documents and filings
- Registration with the Secretary of State and Department of Taxation
- Guidance on local compliance specific to Dublin
- Ongoing legal support for future developments in your business
You get direct advice, careful handling of documents, and legal clarity from start to finish.