If you moved to Ohio from another state, this matters even more. An out-of-state will is generally recognized here, but Ohio has its own execution rules, its own spousal rights, and probate-avoidance tools other states don't offer. (We cover this choice in more detail in our blog, Will vs. Trust in Ohio.)

Real estate

• Your home and any other property: rentals, vacation homes, land
• How each is titled (your name alone, jointly with a spouse, in an LLC)
• Approximate value and mortgage balance
• Property in another state? In the Cincinnati area, a home in Ohio and a property in Kentucky or Indiana is common, and it can mean a second probate proceeding if it isn't planned for.

Financial accounts

• Checking, savings, CDs, and money market accounts
• Brokerage and investment accounts
• Who's listed as owner and whether any account has a payable-on-death (POD) or transfer-on-death (TOD) beneficiary

Retirement accounts

• 401(k), 403(b), IRA, Roth IRA, pension
• Current beneficiary designations (a recent statement or a screenshot from your online account works)

Life insurance and annuities

• Policy type, death benefit, owner, and named beneficiaries
• Employer-provided group life coverage, which people often forget

Business interests

• Ownership percentage in any business, partnership, or LLC
• Operating agreements, shareholder agreements, or buy-sell agreements

Other valuables

• Vehicles, boats, and recreational equipment
• Collections, jewelry, firearms, or items with sentimental value you want to go to a specific person
• Digital assets, such as cryptocurrency, online businesses, and accounts with meaningful value

Debts

• Mortgages, home equity lines, car loans, significant credit card or personal debt

That last category can feel uncomfortable to address, but it’s critical that you talk about it anyway. Those are exactly the situations where the right structure, like a trust with a thoughtful trustee or a special needs trust, protects people you love from outcomes a simple will can't prevent.

Does my executor, guardian and power of attorney agent need to be the same person?

No. The relative who would be the best parent to your children isn't necessarily the one you'd trust with an investment account. Consider who is organized, trustworthy, willing, and reasonably close by. And ask them before you name them. A corporate or professional fiduciary is an option for some roles, and our trust and estate administration team works with both family and professional fiduciaries.

• Who do you want to provide for, and is anyone intentionally being left out?
• Do you want to avoid probate? Is privacy important to you?
• Should your children receive everything at once, or would staggered distributions make more sense?
• Are you in a blended family and want to provide for your spouse while making sure your children from a prior relationship eventually inherit?
• Do you have charitable goals?
• Are you worried about long-term care costs? If nursing home expenses are a concern, that's an elder law and Medicaid planning conversation, and the earlier you start it, the more options you have.
• Do you own a business that needs a succession plan?
• What are your wishes for end-of-life medical care?

• “Do I need a trust, or is a will enough for my situation?”
• “Can I avoid probate?”
• “What happens to my property if I become incapacitated?”
• “Which of my assets would go through probate as things stand today?”
• “Are my beneficiary designations working with my plan or against it?”
• “How are fees structured, and what's included?”
• “How often should I review my plan?”
• “Will I be paying inheritance tax on my estate?”

How long does a first estate planning meeting take?

Most initial consultations last about an hour, though complex estates, business interests, or blended family situations can take longer. Coming prepared with the information above usually makes the meeting shorter and more useful.

What if I can't find all my documents before the meeting?

Go anyway. Bring what you have and make a note of what's missing. Your attorney can help you track down deeds, beneficiary forms, and account information. Waiting until everything is perfectly organized is one of the most common reasons people never finish their plan.

Should my adult children come to the meeting?

Usually not to the first meeting. Your attorney needs to hear your wishes without outside influence, which also helps protect your plan against later claims of undue influence. Many clients choose to share their plan with their children once documents are signed.

Do I need to bring my deed?

It helps, but isn't required. Your attorney mainly needs to know what real estate you own and how it's titled. In Ohio, that information is typically available through your county auditor's or recorder's office if you can't find your copy.

Why do beneficiary designations matter so much?

They determine who will inherit your estate. Retirement accounts, life insurance, and accounts with POD or TOD designations pass directly to the named beneficiary, outside your will. If those designations are outdated (say, still naming an ex-spouse), they can override the rest of your plan. Bringing current designations lets your attorney make sure everything works together.

Is estate planning only for wealthy people?

No. If you have minor children, own a home, or want someone you trust making medical and financial decisions if you can't, you need an estate plan. For many Ohio families, the most valuable documents are the powers of attorney and the living will, not complex tax planning.

What documents will I likely end up with?

A typical plan includes a will, a financial power of attorney, a healthcare power of attorney, and a living will. Many clients also add a revocable living trust, and some need specialized trusts for asset protection, a beneficiary with special needs, or business succession.

Should I bring information about out-of-state property?

Yes. Real estate in another state can require a separate probate proceeding there. A trust or other planning tools can often prevent that, but your attorney needs to know about the property to plan for it.

How often should I update my estate plan after this first meeting?

Review it every three to five years and after any major life event: marriage, divorce, a birth or death in the family, a move, a new business, or a significant change in assets. Read more: Is It Time to Review and Update Your Estate Plan?