Northeast Ohio Concealment Of Asset Lawyers

Russo, Rosalina & Co., LPA, is well-equipped to help you pursue a case alleging estate fraud or to defend these types of allegations. We have an established estate and probate practice that is here to help you through the most difficult times.

Our firm is a name that you know and a name you can trust. People from all over Ohio pursue us because of our experience and knowledge. If you have an estate fraud issue, please contact our offices today to schedule a consultation with our skilled attorneys.

Experienced Guidance For Estate Fraud Disputes

At Russo, Rosalina & Co., LPA, we understand the complexities surrounding estate fraud cases. Sometimes these estate dispute matters can involve criminal charges and can alter the way family members relate to one another. Some types of estate actions involve:

• Concealment of assets
• Fiduciaries who fail to adhere to their responsibilities
• Liquidating assets pre-death without the knowledge of the author of the will or trust
• Attempting to change the terms of the estate document without consent of the courts

Estate fraud cases often involve following a detailed paper trail. Our lawyers know how to prepare these cases effectively, and we will do everything we can to protect and preserve the estate in question. If you have been accused of estate fraud, we will not only aggressively defend you, we will attempt to preserve your reputation as well.

What Is Concealment Of Assets In An Ohio Estate?

Concealment of assets generally occurs when someone hides, removes, transfers or wrongfully keeps property that belongs to an estate. This conduct can prevent an executor, administrator or beneficiary from identifying property that should become part of the estate administration. It can also lead to disputes over who owns or controls the property.

Because these disputes often involve financial records and competing ownership claims, the details behind each transaction matter. We can review those details with you and help determine whether you have grounds to pursue or defend against a concealment claim.

What Are Common Examples Of Estate Asset Concealment?

Estate asset concealment can take several forms, and the conduct may occur before or after someone dies. Common examples may include:

• Withdrawing money from an account without proper authority
• Moving estate funds into a personal account
• Hiding valuable property from an executor or administrator
• Transferring property to keep it outside the estate
• Failing to disclose assets during the estate administration process

A questionable transaction does not always mean someone concealed an asset. Reviewing account records, ownership documents and the timing of transfers can help clarify what happened.

We Can Help Identify Warning Signs Of Concealed Assets In An Ohio Estate

You may first suspect concealed assets when financial information does not match what you expected to find. Possible warning signs include:

• Unexplained withdrawals or transfers
• Missing bank, investment or property records
• Sudden changes in account ownership
• Valuable property that disappears before the estate inventory
• A fiduciary or family member who refuses to provide financial information

These warning signs do not prove wrongdoing on their own. However, they may give you reason to examine the estate records more closely. Since 1978, our firm has served northeast Ohio clients in estate and probate matters. We can review the available information with you, identify potential gaps and determine what steps may protect the estate.

How Does Ohio Law Handle Concealment Of Estate Assets?

Ohio law provides a probate court process for disputes involving property that someone may have concealed, embezzled, conveyed away or wrongfully possessed. Under Ohio Revised Code Section 2109.50, certain interested parties may file a complaint involving property of an estate, testamentary trust or guardianship.

The probate court can then examine the person accused of concealing or holding the property. If the court determines that the person wrongfully concealed, embezzled, conveyed or possessed estate property, additional remedies may apply under Ohio law. Because these proceedings often depend on financial records and evidence of ownership, we can help you evaluate the circumstances and prepare your claim or defense.

Contact Us Today

No matter what kind of estate or probate administration matter you need help with, we can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss your legal matter. You can reach us at our Mayfield Heights office at 440-663-1535 or our Parma office at 440-847-8289.