How to Avoid Probate in Ohio

Probate is often seen as a ‘scary’ word. Probate is the legal process of passing one person’s assets to others. Probate can take considerable time and cost a lot in expenses and attorney's fees, and it is public record, so many try to avoid it altogether. To avoid probate, there are several steps you can take to eliminate the burden on your loved ones.

The Importance of Prior Planning

Planning involves more than just drafting a will—it's about structuring your assets so they transfer directly to your beneficiaries upon your death, bypassing the probate court.

Wills and Trusts

A well-structured estate plan often includes a will and various types of trusts. While a will can specify your wishes, it doesn't avoid probate on its own. Conversely, assets placed in a trust can bypass probate entirely. Living trusts, for example, allow you to control your assets during your lifetime and specify how they should be distributed after your death.

Regular Review and Updates

Life changes such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the acquisition of significant assets necessitate updates to your estate plan. Regularly reviewing and updating your documents ensures they reflect your current wishes and circumstances.

Naming Beneficiaries

One of the simplest ways to avoid probate is by designating beneficiaries on accounts and policies. These designations override instructions in wills and trusts, ensuring the asset transfers directly to the named beneficiary. Once you pass, all the beneficiary needs to do is submit a death certificate and a form to facilitate the transfer.

Retirement Accounts and Life Insurance Policies

Ensure that all retirement accounts (like IRAs and 401(k)s) and life insurance policies have up-to-date beneficiaries.

Payable-On-Death and Transfer-On-Death Accounts

Ohio allows the use of payable-on-death (POD) designations for bank accounts and transfer-on-death (TOD) designations for securities and vehicle registrations. These designations allow the asset to transfer directly to the beneficiary upon your death, avoiding probate.

Transfer-On-Death Deeds for Real Estate

Ohio law permits the use of transfer-on-death (TOD) deeds for real estate. This allows property owners to name beneficiaries for their real estate, enabling the property to transfer directly to the beneficiary upon the owner's death without going through probate. When utilizing any of the beneficiary options, the beneficiary does not have ownership interest until you pass, reducing any risk from their creditors while you are alive.

Other Strategies and Considerations

In addition to the above, several other strategies can help Ohio residents avoid probate:

Joint Ownership

Property owned jointly, with the right of survivorship, passes directly to the surviving owner(s) upon the death of one owner, bypassing probate. This is common for real estate, bank accounts, and other significant assets.

Gifts

Gifting assets while you're alive reduces the size of your estate, potentially avoiding probate. However, be mindful of potential tax implications and limits on tax-free gifts.

Potential Drawbacks and Limitations

While avoiding probate has its advantages, there are potential drawbacks and limitations to consider. Trusts, for example, can be complex and costly to set up and administer. Joint ownership can lead to unintended consequences, especially if relationships change. It's crucial to weigh these factors carefully and consult with a qualified estate planning attorney to ensure your plan aligns with your goals and provides the desired protection for your assets.

Conclusion

Avoiding probate in Ohio requires careful planning and consideration of various legal instruments and designations. By being proactive with your estate, you can ensure a smoother, more private transfer of your assets to your loved ones. Remember, estate planning is not a one-time task but an ongoing process that should reflect your current circumstances and wishes.

‍