Zimmer Law Firm provides help to families who are going through the probate process after a death in Mason, Ohio. We also provide legal advice to individuals who are making an estate plan and who wish to avoid probate, as well as in circumstances where guardianship or conservatorship proceedings must be initiated in probate court as a result of incapacity.
Our caring and knowledgeable legal team understands the challenges associated with going through the probate process after a loved one has passed on. We can provide detailed, comprehensive assistance as you establish your goals for avoiding probate or we can make going to probate court easier. To find out more about how Mason, Ohio probate lawyers can help you, give us a call. You can also read on for some Mason, Ohio probate resources that can help you to be as prepared as possible for probate matters.
Life in Mason, Ohio
Mason is a city in southwestern Ohio, located in Warren County. It is just 22 miles from Cincinnati’s downtown area and it had a population of 30,712 people as of the most recent census. Mason is a wealthy community and was named one of the top 100 places in the United States to live by CNN.
For residents of Mason, it is important to make plans to protect assets, prepare for end-of-life issues, and plan to leave a legacy. One of the key things that Mason residents should do when preparing for the future is to consider whether their loved ones will need to go to probate court in the event of incapacity or after a death.
Zimmer Law Firm can provide insight into how probate court proceedings work, when going to probate court becomes necessary, and how probate court can be avoided.
Probate Courts in Mason, Ohio
Mason, Ohio’s probate court is the Warren County, Ohio probate court. It has been in operation since 1835 and is one of Ohio’s oldest courts. The website for the Warren County probate court provides details on the types of services that the court presides over, as well as information that you need to know if you are going to become involved in court proceedings.
This probate court handles a number of cases raised by Mason residents. For example, the probate court is the place to go to settle the estate of a person who has died who did not make plans to pass assets outside of the probate process. This process includes making sure a last will and testament is valid and facilitating the transfer of wealth to new owners.
The court also handles guardianship or conservatorship proceedings in case of incapacity. During guardianship or conservatorship proceedings, the court determines if an individual is actually incapacitated and should be considered a ward. If so, the court will name an appropriate guardian to manage the ward’s affairs.
General Probate Resources in Ohio
Mason residents can also take advantage of resources applicable to all residents within the state of Ohio. For example, Chapter 2107 of Ohio’s code provides insight about wills. Here, you can find information on:
- The legal definition of a will
- What an inheritance and bequest is
- Who is permitted to make a will
- The legally-approved method of making a will
- The agreement to make a will
- The age requirements that are in place for making a will
- Depositing a will and delivery of deposited wills
- Complaints for judgement to declare whether a will is valid
- Hearings on the validity of a will or on modifying or revoking a will
- Rules on who can enforce production of a will
- Rules on when a court has jurisdiction to probate a will
- Rules on when a will can be admitted to probate
- Requirements for providing notice when a will has been admitted to probate
- Details on probating a will
- Rules regarding limitations of will contests
- Information on revoking a will
These are just some of the many laws set forth within this section of Ohio’s code that relate directly to the rules for making wills, probating wills, and contesting wills.
Estate Tax Resources in Mason, Ohio
When someone passes away in Ohio, there are certain circumstances in which estate tax will be charged. Estate tax may be owed on the federal level when a wealthy person has passed away and left assets to someone other than to a spouse. However, an estate must have a substantial amount of taxable assets in order for estate tax to be owed as many smaller estates are exempt. The state of Ohio no longer charges an estate tax, although it previously did.
Resources that can help you to learn about the federal and Ohio estate tax include the following:
- The Ohio Department of Taxationwebsite: This website provides information on estate tax that was previously owed in the state of Ohio. You can also find tax reforms, interest rates, and answers to frequently asked questions.
- The IRS website:This provides information about federal estate tax rules, including how estate tax is computed.
Zimmer Law Firm can provide insight into estate tax issues and, if you will owe estate tax, can help you to take steps to avoid this tax or reduce what you owe.
Getting Help from a Mason, Ohio Probate Lawyer
A Mason, Ohio probate lawyer at Zimmer Law Firm can provide personalized help with all legal issues related to probate. Whether this includes planning ahead so probate can be avoided, navigating probate court proceedings to have a guardian named, or going through the probate process after a loved one has passed on, we can offer the assistance and advice you need. The compassionate and knowledgeable members of our legal team are here for you and will work to make sure probate proceedings go as smoothly as possible and are completed in a timely manner.
To find out more about how our firm can help you with probate issues, join us for a free seminar. You can also give us a call at 513.721.1513 today to learn more about the ways in which we can help you with probate issues and more.