Estate Planning and Probate

At Harris, McClellan, Binau & Cox, P.L.L., we provide a comprehensive offering of services to help individuals, couples and families with estate planning, probate and estate administration. Our experienced estate, trust, and probate attorneys can assist at any point from the development of an estate plan, through probate and ultimately the administration of the estate, as well as any litigation associated with the process.

Estate Planning

Estate planning is the development of a strategy for providing for the present and future needs of a spouse or loved one, while establishing structures for the distribution of property and assets after death. The estate planning services we offer include, but are not limited to, the development of wills, trusts, powers of attorney and health care instructions each designed to accomplish our client's goals for the future including asset preservation and tax avoidance.

Probate

The Probate courts of Ohio are the venue for the administration of decedent estates, the appointment of guardians for minors and adults who have become incapacitated, the supervision of testamentary trusts (wills), and the dispute or "contest" of issues that arise out of the administration of a will or trust. We advise and represent our client's interest in probate administration and litigation.

Estate Administration

Upon death, the will of a decedent should contain the instructions for disposal of all assets and liabilities, as well as the identification of an "executor". If there is no will, an administrator will be appointed through the Probate court who will serve to accomplish these duties according to the Laws of the State of Ohio. Our attorneys will assist and advise the executor or administrator with respect to fiduciary responsibilities and potential liabilities associated with the marshalling of assets, and ultimately the discharge of debts and division of assets.

Comprehensive Ohio Estate Planning, Probate and Estate Administration Services

Our firm will provide legal counsel and representation in a wide variety of estate planning, probate and estate administration issues including:

Estate Planning

• Will Preparation
• Power of Attorney
• Health Care Power of Attorney
• Establishment and Funding of Trusts-Revocable and Irrevocable
• Estate Planning for Blended Families
• Business Succession Planning
• Business Organization and Strategic Planning
• Asset Preservation and Tax Avoidance Strategies

Probate and Estate Administration

• Opening an Estate in Probate
• Probating a Will
• Advice and Step-by-Step Guidance for Executors
• Advice and Counsel for Trustees
• Trust Administration
• Will Contest and Trust Litigation
• Services Related to Continuing Business Operations/Management, and Business Succession
• Sale or Disposition of Real Property or Assets

Our lawyers practicing principally in the area of estate planning, trust, probate and estate administration law:

• John H. Kozich
• Emily J. Jackson
• Scott R. Mote

From offices in Columbus, our attorneys provide legal advice and representation for clients in Franklin County, Delaware County, Licking County, Fairfield County, Union County, Pickaway County and Fayette County, Ohio. Call us at 614-464-2572 or contact us by e-mail to arrange a consultation with an experienced Columbus estate planning, probate or estate administration attorney.