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Cleveland Estate Planning Lawyers

Last updated on April 7, 2025

Crafting a comprehensive estate plan requires an experienced Cleveland estate planning attorney. For anything involving an estate – from setting up a will to dealing with probate – you need someone who understands Ohio estate laws.

At our estate planning law firm, our attorneys at Russo, Rosalina & Co., LPA, have spent over 45 years helping more than 135,000 people in and around the Cleveland communities with a wide range of probate and estate planning issues.

What Is The Purpose Of An Estate Plan?

A comprehensive estate plan allows you to manage and protect your assets while ensuring your wishes are honored after your passing. A comprehensive estate plan includes tools like wills, trusts and powers of attorney, which help you direct how your property is distributed and who makes decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated.

It also minimizes the financial and emotional burden on your loved ones. By working with a skilled estate planning attorney, you can reduce taxes, avoid issues with probate, and give your loved ones the best chance to have an efficient and smooth transition to your affairs. An estate plan gives you peace of mind, knowing your family’s future is secure.

Avoid Falling For These Three Common Estate Planning Myths

When you think about estate planning and what it involves, it is easy to assume that it is something that can wait, especially if you are younger. However, a comprehensive estate plan can benefit virtually everyone, regardless of age, wealth or health status. Therefore, it is essential not to let the commonly circulated myths about estate planning discourage you from forming your estate plan as soon as possible.

Some of the most common myths out there about estate planning include:

Estate planning is only for the very rich: The most likely explanation for the persistence of this myth is that financial advisors and attorneys often talk about the importance of using estate planning to minimize and avoid estate taxes, which affects estates of $5.1 million or more. Although this may make it seem that estate planning would be unnecessary for those of more modest means, it involves much more than this. Estate planning also involves ensuring that your assets go to the people you choose, appointing a guardian for your children whom you trust, and communicating your healthcare preferences in case you become incapacitated.
Estate planning is only for the elderly: If you are younger, it may seem out of place or morbid to think about what would happen to your assets after you die. However, death is an eventuality that can strike at any time, even when you least expect it. The news stories of the day are replete with stories of celebrities who died unexpectedly at a reasonably young age without an estate plan. Unfortunately, when this occurs, the estate is left in disarray, forcing the deceased’s loved ones to sort it out (which can also cause bitter inheritance disputes and estate litigation).
I can do it alone: You can find several do-it-yourself resources on the Internet. However, most of them take a one-size-fits-all approach to estate planning. As a result, they may not address the unexpected but possible contingencies that can occur. Because of this, it is essential to involve an experienced estate planning attorney during the process. An attorney can analyze your situation and customize the necessary documents to ensure a plan is in place to avoid problematic scenarios.

Understanding these myths can help you see the value of estate planning and why it’s worth starting sooner rather than later.

For more than 30 years, the law firm of Russo, Rosalina & Co., LPA, has assisted its clients with estate planning issues. Our experienced attorneys can recommend the best plan for your needs.

Why Do You Need To Plan Your Estate At Every Stage Of Life?

People often associate estate planning with the end of one’s life. Rather than wait until you are elderly, it is a good idea to start planning your estate as soon as possible. You have different needs at every stage of your life; your estate plan should reflect this. Estate planning is a continual process, not a one-time thing.

Consider the following reasons for establishing and updating your estate plan. No matter what kind of property you have or your expectations for the future, establishing your estate plan is one of the best investments you can make in your future.

Provide For New Family

Whether getting married or welcoming a child into the world, expanding your family is one of the most exciting parts of anybody’s life. While this joyous new phase preoccupies you, it is understandable that estate planning would be the last thing on your mind. Adding to your family, however, necessitates that you ensure you have provided for them regardless of what happens.

Adapt To Changing Needs

Additions to the family are not the only reason to establish or update your estate plan. Your needs and abilities change gradually, so while you might have had limited assets to account for at age 21, at age 30, you are likely to be in a different situation. You should update your estate plan to account for your changing needs as you age.

Prepare For The Future

Of course, the older you get, the more critical it is that you have an estate plan established. You must provide for your loved ones and ensure your final wishes are honored. Outlining this in your estate plan is a crucial step and the most effective way to prepare for the future.

Providing Estate Planning Solutions To Cleveland Communities

Our legal practice attorneys can help you with any of the following issues:

Wills, trusts and other estate planning components: One of our lawyers will meet with you, learn about your wishes and then tailor the ideal arrangement of trusts, living trusts, wills and other measures to fit your needs.
Health care directives and financial powers of attorney: Health care directives, also known as living wills, set forth your wishes regarding end-of-life care. Various types of powers of attorney can also designate someone you trust to make financial decisions on your behalf should you become incapacitated and unable to make these decisions yourself.
Estate administration: Our attorneys appear before the probate courts throughout northeastern Ohio to administer hundreds of estates each year efficiently and effectively.
Will contests: We help people with all types of adversary actions, including contesting a will, disputes about inheritance and declaratory and concealment actions. Our attorneys represent clients in cases involving capacity challenges such as undue influence and competency issues. We can also help you resolve disputes with a trustee and issues involving breaches of fiduciary duties and pursue concerns regarding asset concealment.

These services demonstrate our commitment to supporting clients through every aspect of estate planning. We serve clients throughout Cuyahoga County, Lake County, Lorain County, Medina County and Summit County. Our attorneys possess the qualifications to help people with probate and estate issues involving international law, including matters in Italy.

When Is It A Good Time To Update Your Estate Plan?

Regular reviews of your estate plan ensure that your plan remains current and effective. But you should especially review your estate plan after any significant life change, including:

Marriage
Divorce
The birth of a child
The receipt of a large inheritance

Major life events can impact your financial situation, goals and wishes, ultimately affecting your estate plan. Additionally, changes in laws or your health might necessitate updates.

At Russo, Rosalina & Co., LPA, our attorneys can help you assess your circumstances and provide all the information you need to make informed decisions regarding your estate plan.

Deciding Who Will Take Over: Powers Of Attorney

Designating a power of attorney is essential to a comprehensive and secure estate plan. It consists of a legal document that gives someone the authority to act on your behalf. In Ohio, many estate plans include two types of power of attorney: finances and health care. These powers of attorney are durable, which means the power of attorney holds after incapacitation. The court will appoint a guardian to make those decisions if no named power of attorney exists.

Our experienced estate planning attorneys can help draft customized power of attorney documents to suit your needs and safeguard your interests. A power of attorney ensures peace of mind by protecting you and your loved ones.

Long-Term Care Planning

As people age, some may need to move to a long-term care facility or hire an in-home nursing aide. Long-term care costs can be vast, and no one wants to burden their family members with that responsibility. Taking steps to be proactive about planning for long-term care needs can alleviate some of the stress and burden on loved ones and ensure that you or your loved one can get the care they deserve.

At Russo, Rosalina & Co., LPA, our Cleveland estate planning attorneys will get to know your needs, hopes, and plans for the future and discuss your long-term care options. A long-term care plan can include asset protection and Medicaid planning measures, including irrevocable trusts and long-term care insurance. We will analyze your assets and other financial information to determine your best options and tailor a plan to protect you and your family.

Wills And Trusts: The Cornerstone Of Most Estate Plans

Wills and trusts are often the most utilized tools in estate planning. For many clients, deciding who you wish to inherit your estate is a common goal and purpose.

A will allows you to dictate your wishes about the distribution of your estate after your death, including designating a guardian for minor children, distributing property and naming an executor. The courts will decide under Ohio state laws if a will is not in place. These decisions may not reflect your wishes, so you must include a will in your estate plan to protect your interests.

Unlike a will, which holds legal authority only after death, a trust can manage assets both during a person’s lifetime and after death. When creating a trust, the grantor transfers assets to a trustee, who manages the assets for the named beneficiaries. When you transfer assets into a trust, they do not need to go through the probate process, making it easier on your loved ones and shielding assets from public records. Our attorneys can assist you with various types of trusts. We will sit down with you and determine which is best for your goals.

Revocable And Irrevocable Trusts

Revocable and irrevocable trusts are different types, with advantages and uses depending on your needs. You can change a revocable living trust at any time, but you cannot change an irrevocable trust.

A significant advantage of a revocable trust is the flexibility that comes with it. While you may be sure now that your wishes will not change, you may want to add or remove a beneficiary, for example. With a revocable trust, you can make that change without creating an entirely new one. However, a revocable trust does not protect the assets in your trust as an irrevocable trust does.

Estate Planning In A Digital World

Including online financial accounts and a social media presence within an estate plan may not be as easy as you think.

Like most areas of law, estate planning has evolved over the last few generations. Instead of simply passing along the land, a home, personal property and some savings, estates are now composed of complex retirement assets, investment portfolios, online accounts and information stored within the cloud. In addition to these assets, loved ones must navigate the social media presence left behind. The Wall Street Journal recently discussed the complexities of including digital assets within an estate plan, ultimately calling for estate plans to include provisions that specifically address these assets.

Even when you manage these assets, issues can still arise. In a recent article, legal professionals from Ohio thoroughly discussed the problems that can occur with digital assets. The piece noted that the two primary hurdles are identification and access.

The Identification Issue

Simply knowing what digital assets exist can be a difficult task. Because of the nature of digital assets, it is wise to have a detailed inventory. This list should include the following:

Hardware: List items such as computers, laptops, hard drives, discs, phones, tablets and other pieces of hardware. Also, note the hardware’s location. For example, list whether the laptop or hard drive is kept within a residence or a safe deposit box.
Software: List any programs used to manage finances or business interests in estates, including business assets.
Online files and accounts: This list can include financial accounts, such as brokerage and investment sites, social media accounts and emails. Have a list that covers your online presence.

These are just some of the more common digital assets that may be present in an estate. Take the time to review your online presence and account for these assets carefully. These assets also often change, so review and update the inventory regularly.

The Access Problem

Once the executor, fiduciary or other individual locates the assets, they must be able to access them. When a password is required, two problems arise:

First, the security of the password is compromised whenever it is written down.
The second issue involves constantly changing passwords. It is vital to keep the list current, as an expired password is useless.

The digital asset owner must consider the risks and benefits of ensuring these assets are accessible to fiduciaries versus the potential risk of the password getting stolen. It is wise to reduce this risk by storing the password in a safe and secure location that only a trusted few know.

Legal Counsel Can Help

Unfortunately, even completing these two steps may not be enough. It is also wise to include provisions within your estate plan, whether within a will or trust, that allow another individual to access these assets. The laws governing estate plans often evolve, and the language needed to meet these needs may change. As a result, it is wise for those considering an estate plan or revising an existing plan to contact an experienced Ohio estate planning lawyer. This legal professional will discuss your options and work to ensure that an estate plan is tailored to meet your unique needs.

What To Look For In A Cleveland Estate Planning Attorney

Choosing the right attorney is critical for estate planning, as you must work with someone who gives your case the time and consideration it deserves. At Russo, Rosalina & Co., LPA, our lawyers treat every client with the utmost respect, investing themselves in the matter to design the right estate plan for each client.

What estate planning means for you may be far different than it means for someone else, and our team works hard to consider your specific needs and desires for the plan. With over 30 combined years of experience, our attorneys understand what it takes to meet each client’s goals and provide an estate plan that makes end-of-life decisions and the transfer of assets as easy as possible. They take the time to create a custom strategy tailored to your needs and address all your questions and concerns.

Key Areas To Consider

In addition to experience, below are a few key things to look for in an estate planning attorney:

A strong, firm focus on estate planning: You need someone who knows the nuances of this complex area of law.
Options to update and maintain your estate plan: It’s wise to do this frequently, especially after significant life events like a marriage, a divorce, or the birth of a child or grandchild.
An attorney who makes you comfortable: Estate planning involves discussing personal life details, and you need someone who puts you at ease and demonstrates compassion and a willingness to help.
Experience with all options and considerations: This is far more than writing a will. You may need to determine end-of-life directives, a legal power of attorney, a medical power of attorney, revocable and irrevocable trusts, business succession planning and more.

Focusing on these qualities can guide you to the right professional for your estate planning needs.

What Does An Estate Planning Lawyer In Cleveland Do?

Like with any legal matter, hiring an attorney to help you ensure that everything is done correctly can make a huge difference in your results. Estate planning attorneys deeply understand the laws that affect how your estate will be valued, distributed, and taxed under state and federal law.

When you work with an estate planning attorney, you can create an individualized estate plan based on your unique needs instead of generic online forms. You will also be able to have your questions answered and your options thoroughly explained to you. We can prepare essential forms and documents, such as wills, and prepare trusts and power of attorney documents for health care or financial decisions.

It is never too early or too late to start an estate plan and to meet with an estate planning attorney. We can help you at any stage of the process, from explaining your options to assisting with estate administration.

Questions To Ask When Choosing An Estate Planning Attorney In Northeastern Ohio

Choosing an estate planning attorney is an important decision. You should consider many factors, including location, reputation, years of experience and fees. During an initial consultation, you can ask questions to help you determine if an attorney is the right fit for you.

Some questions to ask when choosing a Cleveland estate planning attorney include:

How much will it cost?
What is included and not included in your fee?
What happens in the first meeting?
What if I want to make changes later?
How much of your practice is focused on estate planning?

Asking these questions can provide clarity and confidence in your choice of attorney.

At Russo, Rosalina & Co., LPA, our experienced attorneys are here to answer your questions about us and the process. Whether you need help drafting a will or navigating a probate dispute, we have the skills and knowledge to help you.

How Can A Cleveland Estate Planning Attorney From Our Firm Help You Plan For The Future?

An estate planning lawyer from Russo, Rosalina & Co., LPA, can guide you through creating a personalized and comprehensive estate plan that meets your unique needs. We help you understand your options so that you can make informed decisions. We can draft documents like wills, trusts and powers of attorney.

Our estate planning attorneys advise minimizing taxes and avoiding probate to facilitate a smooth transfer of your assets to your beneficiaries. We also assist in setting up health care directives and guardianships if needed. By working with us, you can confidently plan for the future, ensuring your loved ones receive care according to your wishes.

Our experienced Cleveland estate planning lawyers can analyze your situation to help you decide on the best trust to suit your needs. With years of experience assisting clients with protecting their assets and futures, you can trust us to provide you with trustworthy and honest legal guidance.

Consult A Cleveland Estate Planning Lawyer Today. We’ve Been Serving Northeastern Ohio For Decades.

You don’t need to know precisely what you need for your estate plan. Our experienced lawyers can help you figure that out. To schedule a personal consultation with one of our probate and estate planning lawyers, you can send us a message or call us at our Mayfield Heights office at 440-663-1535 or our Parma office at 440-847-8289. Our team at Russo, Rosalina & Co., LPA, is here to assist you with all your estate planning needs, ensuring your future and safeguarding your loved ones.