Chris Diedling

Most of us assume we will always have control over our own decisions, finances, and future. However, life is unpredictable. If you suffer an illness, injury, or mental decline that leaves you legally “incompetent”, Ohio’s Probate Court can appoint a guardian to take over your affairs—potentially against your wishes.This process, known as probate guardianship, can …

Probate Guardianship – What It Is, Why It Matters & How to Avoid It Read More »

There is no accounting for the many curveballs life can throw your family’s way. One day, you are the happy parent to a child who is full of laughter and sunshine. Next, you may be forced to face up to the possibility that you have to leave your child alone in the world due to …

How Can I Plan for the Care of Minor Children and Dependents? Read More »

As of 2024, the United States has a crude divorce rate of 2.4 per 1,000 marriages, which is substantially above the global rate of 1.6 per 1,000. In other words – divorce is surprisingly common in the U.S., with the issue having an impact on your estate planning. Those issues become more complex if you …

Estate Planning for Blended Families – The Key Tips to Follow Read More »

Probate court. For many people in Ohio engaged in estate planning, helping their beneficiaries avoid the time-consuming process of avoiding these courts is a key priority. That is no surprise—it can often take nine to 18 months to clear probate so your assets are distributed to your beneficiaries, with larger and more complex estates taking …

Disadvantages of TOD and PODs to Named Individuals Read More »

As you age, the prospect of requiring nursing care rises. It is a reality that many Americans have to face – there were around 1.3 million Americans living in nursing homes in 2020 according to the Centers for Disease Control, with that number likely to double by 2050. Around 75,900 of those current nursing home …

What Is a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust? Read More »

What will happen to your assets when you die? It is a big question, yet it is one for which far too few Americans have a solid answer. That was revealed in a 2020 Gallup survey, which showed that only 46% of American adults have a – or any estate planning – that defines what …

Will Versus Trust in Ohio – Helping You Understand the Differences Read More »

The main goal of estate planning is safeguarding your assets, both during your life and in preparation for your loved ones after you pass away. For many, a will is the best way to achieve this protection – it allows you to denote who receives what from the estate and reduces the confusion that can …

Creating a Revocable Living Trust in Ohio – Seven Key Steps to Take Read More »