Russo, Rosalina & Co., LPA

Should you tell your children what they will inherit?

2026-08-11T15:25:13Z

Thinking about a final gift to a child can stir affection, worry and old family tensions at the same time. One difficult decision is not what to leave, but how much to reveal about those wishes now. If you are building a comprehensive estate plan, you may wonder if an early conversation will protect your wishes or create new strain. Understanding the benefits and pitfalls can help you choose the level of disclosure that fits your family.

The answer depends on your family and your goals

In most circumstances, you do not have to tell your children what they will inherit while you are alive. You may disclose the full plan, explain its general structure or keep the details private. Your relationships and each child’s maturity will often shape that decision. The reasons behind your choices may also matter. You can explain those motives without revealing account balances or property values. Before choosing an approach, consider its possible benefits and drawbacks. Potential benefits:

Clearer expectations: Your children learn that your property will pass according to written instructions, not family assumptions. This context can reduce shock when the plan takes effect.
A chance to explain unequal distributions: A larger provision for a child with a disability might otherwise appear unfair to siblings. The same concern could arise when someone receives less after substantial lifetime support.
Better preparation for assigned duties: A child nominated as executor or trustee can learn what the position entails and decide whether the responsibility is suitable. Early notice may also give you time to select an alternate.

Possible pitfalls:

Pressure or premature demands: A disclosed gift might prompt immediate requests for money. Relatives may also begin to question your ordinary financial decisions.
Reliance on an uncertain estimate: Asset values, taxes and care costs often change. A child who treats an expected amount as guaranteed may make financial commitments. Those obligations could later become difficult to meet.
Reduced privacy: Once you reveal the terms, you cannot fully control where that information goes. Your child’s spouse or extended relative might learn details you intended to keep within the immediate family.

These concerns may show that you need not choose between full disclosure and complete silence. You can describe your priorities and key responsibilities while reserving exact values. Whatever you decide to share, record your probate instructions in a valid will. In Ohio, a will generally allows you to identify beneficiaries and nominate an executor to administer your probate estate under its terms. This distinction often matters because an informal promise at the dinner table may conflict with your controlling documents.

Estate planning measures that may preserve your intentions

Your preferred level of openness can complement a sound estate plan. The following steps may support your choices if you share the terms or remain private.

Put your decisions in controlling documents

Sign your will with the formalities Ohio law may require. If a trust suits your goals, create it and transfer the intended assets into it. Clear provisions can name beneficiaries and fiduciaries, then address what happens if a first choice cannot serve or inherit.

Coordinate the documents and ownership records

Review account designations and trust funding because some assets might pass outside a will. Consistent records can reduce the risk that an outdated designation will conflict with your current instructions. Real estate often requires particular attention because ownership documents may override a will. If you execute and record a valid transfer-on-death affidavit, the resulting transfer takes priority over an attempted transfer of the same property through a will or intestate succession.

Prepare fiduciaries without disclosing every gift

Tell a proposed executor or trustee about the role and where to locate essential records. Then confirm that the person is willing to serve. You can provide these operational details without giving every child a copy of the plan or revealing each beneficiary’s share.

A thoughtful choice for your family’s future

You may share a broad outline, explain selected decisions or keep the distribution private. A limited discussion can provide useful context, while confidentiality may reduce pressure during your lifetime. The stronger choice is often the one that reflects your relationships and remains consistent with enforceable documents. Before starting the conversation, decide what your children need to know, what should remain confidential and who must prepare for a formal role. An estate planning attorney can explain how wills, trusts and titles interact, then document your choices with enough precision to reduce later conflict.

Can you include rewards programs in your Ohio estate plan?

2026-04-16T12:57:26Z

Estate plans can address many different types of property and even financial obligations. Testators can name guardians for their children and leave instructions for charitable bequests. They can fund trusts as a means of incentivizing better behavior among their beneficiaries. Typically, it is beneficial to address anything of significant value in an estate plan. Most people focus on physical and financial resources. However, there are also certain intangible assets that they may want to address as well. For example, business reward programs can be incredibly valuable, especially for high spenders and long-term customers. Is it possible to include rewards points in an estate plan?

Many rewards may be transferable

There's nothing in Ohio state statutes that prohibits the inclusion of rewards program benefits in estate plans. Frequently, the simplest way to address them is to include them in a will or in an inventory of intangible resources. However, it is important to note that there may be restrictions on transfers based on the type of reward involved. Airline reward programs are among the strictest. Some of the major airlines outright prohibit the transfer of rewards points to others and may include terms in their membership policies that allow for the immediate cancellation of any outstanding reward benefits at the time of a person's death. Some airlines are more flexible, and checking with the company to learn about its restrictions is typically advisable. Many credit card reward programs are more flexible. The benefits that people can accrue by using their credit cards as they normally do can range from free plane tickets to cash rewards and gift cards. People can potentially accrue thousands of dollars in rewards. Checking with the credit card provider or the company running the rewards program can help validate whether a transfer is possible. There are also some smaller rewards programs operated by individual businesses that are subject to the unique rules those companies adopt. Discussing any current rewards benefits accrued with an estate planning attorney can help people address what can be a valuable but easy-to-overlook intangible asset. Those who address all of their valuable assets while estate planning can feel confident that their beneficiaries can inherit the maximum amount possible.

Why divorce triggers estate plan updates

2026-02-21T00:25:29Z

Divorce is far more than the end of a romantic relationship — it is the untangling of a shared life that was built through shared responsibilities, identities and commitments. The process forces former partners to separate finances, divide property and determine ongoing obligations such as spousal support, debt allocation, and, when children are involved, custody and parenting time. It is important not just to come to closure on these issues but also to make sure your estate plan reflects your new future.

Core documents that require immediate review

Although Ohio state law generally revokes any gifts made within a will or trust to an ex after a divorce, gaps can remain. As such, it is important to carefully review these documents to help better ensure they reflect your wishes. Estate planning documents to update can include:

Will: In addition to gifts, review the document and update information regarding executor appointment and guardian nominations as needed.
Revocable trust: Review the named trustees, distribution instructions, and trust funding mechanisms as assets may have changed as a result of the divorce.
Powers of attorney: These documents generally provide a named individual with authority for banking, real estate, litigation and tax matters. Update the named individual as needed.
Health care directives: Also known as living wills, these documents provide guidance on your wishes for end-of-life care and can name an individual to make decisions on your behalf in the event of incapacitation. It is wise to regularly review and update this document as your wishes can change.
Beneficiary designations: Update named individuals on retirement accounts, life insurance and payable on death accounts.

Completion of these updates should include proper execution formalities, witness requirements and notarization where required. Divorce ends a marriage, not the legal effect of outdated documents. An updated estate plan should mirror current intent, comply with the decree, remove prior authority and secure appropriate beneficiaries. A prompt review provides the strongest protection against accidental transfers and administrative delay as well as unnecessary and costly court involvement.

Why you should hire an estate planning lawyer instead of relying on AI

2025-10-13T17:21:45Z

Technology has transformed how people handle legal matters, and artificial intelligence has made legal information more accessible than ever. You can ask an AI tool to explain estate laws or even generate a simple will in seconds. But when your family’s future, assets and legacy are on the line, you need more than automated answers. You need an estate planning lawyer who understands your values, goals and the human side of the law.

Human judgment in protecting your legacy

AI can process data quickly, but it cannot grasp the nuances of your personal relationships or intentions. Estate planning is not just about dividing property — it is about ensuring that your wishes are honored, your loved ones are cared for and potential disputes are minimized. A lawyer can interpret complex legal language, anticipate potential challenges and craft a plan that fits your specific family dynamics and financial situation. They can help you make informed decisions about wills, trusts, guardianships and health care directives — all tailored to your circumstances and focused on securing your family’s future.

Personalized guidance through complex estate laws

Estate laws vary by state and often involve complicated rules on taxation, probate and asset transfer. Relying solely on AI-generated documents can leave gaps or errors that may cause costly delays or disputes later on. An experienced estate planning attorney can:

Review and structure your will or trust to ensure it complies with state law
Minimize tax burdens for your heirs
Help you plan for incapacity with powers of attorney and advance directives
Address blended family or business ownership concerns
Update your plan as your life or the law changes

Unlike AI, your lawyer takes the time to understand your priorities and designs a strategy that reflects your long-term goals — not just the data you input.

Confidentiality and accountability you can trust

Your estate plan contains some of your most sensitive information — your finances, family details and final wishes. Under Rule 1.6 of the American Bar Association’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct, your discussions with a lawyer are protected by attorney-client privilege. AI platforms, on the other hand, may store or analyze your information to improve their systems. They cannot guarantee true confidentiality or accountability. If an AI tool makes a mistake in your estate plan, you bear the consequences alone. A licensed attorney, however, has an ethical and legal duty to act in your best interest and can be held accountable if they fail to do so.

Peace of mind for you and your loved ones

Estate planning can feel overwhelming — but with a lawyer, you do not have to face it alone. Your attorney can answer your questions, explain your options and ensure that every document reflects your intentions clearly. When it comes to protecting your family’s future, do not trust algorithms with your legacy. Work with an estate planning lawyer who will listen, guide and advocate for you every step of the way.

How green estate planning protects your legacy

2025-07-15T14:49:45Z

When you think about your legacy, you probably think about your family and your assets. But there’s another part of your legacy that most people overlook – the impact you leave on the world itself. Green estate planning gives you a way to protect both. It’s not about overcomplicating your will; it’s about making practical decisions now that reflect your values and leave something better behind. Here’s how green estate planning plays out in your estate plan.

It shapes how your property is passed down and protected

If you own property, especially undeveloped land or open space, green estate planning lets you protect that land from future development. You can create a conservation easement, which places permanent restrictions on how your land can be used, keeping it safe from commercial or industrial projects. Or, you can set up a trust to preserve your land for your family's enjoyment without risking its sale to someone who doesn't share your vision. Either way, you're making sure the places you love stay intact for the next generation.

It reduces the environmental impact of your final wishes

Traditional funerals can leave a large environmental footprint – from chemical embalming to metal caskets and concrete vaults. But green estate planning lets you take a different path. You can include instructions for a natural burial, where your body returns to the earth without harmful chemicals or choose cremation with carbon offsetting. Some people also donate their bodies to science, further reducing waste. These choices reflect your values while giving your loved ones clarity about your wishes.

It lets you support environmental causes through your estate

If you've supported environmental organizations during your lifetime, green estate planning lets you continue that support after you're gone. You can leave charitable gifts in your will, set up a trust that funds eco-focused nonprofits or designate part of your estate for green investments. Some people also pass down shares in environmentally responsible companies, ensuring their financial legacy aligns with their personal beliefs. These decisions turn your estate into a lasting source of support for causes you care about.

Planning for more than just your lifetime

When you think about your estate plan, you are not just deciding what happens after you're gone – you're shaping what kind of mark you leave on the world. Whether you choose to preserve land, support environmental causes or simply reduce your personal impact, green estate planning lets you protect your legacy in a way that reflects who you are. If you're ready to take that next step, it starts with a conversation about what matters most to you.

Divorce vs. dissolution in Ohio: what’s the difference?

2025-07-25T11:28:06Z

There are two ways to end a marriage in Ohio. If you and your spouse can agree on the terms to end your marriage, you can elect to take the amicable route and file a petition for dissolution. In the event either of you are unable to agree on how things should end, you may then have to go through the painful, time-consuming and costly process of a contested divorce.

Divorce vs. Dissolution

Ohio is an equitable distribution state. In short, no party is going to walk out of a marriage 90/10 or 80/20. For the most part, each party is entitled to half of what is considered part of the marital pool. How you arrive at this division is entirely up to you. If you and your spouse can agree on the division of assets as well as any and all other issues in your marriage, a dissolution is certainly the smarter and more cost-effective choice. Examples of some of the issues to consider when contemplating the termination of your marriage:

Children (custody, visitation, child support)
Disclosure and division of assets
Income
Retirement accounts
Spousal support (when applicable)
Business ownership interests (when applicable)

Once have a rough idea of how you intend to address the issues in your marriage, you will want to find a seasoned attorney who will work through the issues and ultimately prepare a separation agreement and in the case of minor children, a shared parenting agreement, if necessary. You and your spouse would review and sign the agreements along with a petition for dissolution which then is filed with the domestic relations court. Customarily, you have a hearing within 4-6 weeks at which time your dissolution can be finalized. If you and your spouse are unable to amicably resolve the outstanding issues in your marriage, one party may then have to file a complaint for divorce. As a result, you will spend the better part of a year or longer fighting over among other things, how to end your marriage, who pays who what, how assets are divided and how to deal with parenting of any minor children. Most often, you will realize that after roughly 1.5 years or more and thousands, sometimes tens of thousands of dollars later spent on attorneys, you are more than likely in the same position you would have been had you elected to amicably resolve your marriage through a dissolution. Bottom line…seek the assistance of an attorney who will guide you properly and has your best interests at heart, rather than his/her own, as you will find that attorney fees can the biggest difference in the end!

4 traits to be wary of when naming an estate executor

2024-10-09T10:39:42Z

One important part of creating an estate plan is choosing an executor to make decisions on your behalf if you are incapacitated or fulfill your wishes when you are gone. The person in this role takes on significant responsibilities. He or she can also have a considerable impact on the estate administration process, so it is important to think critically about who you assign to this position. Before you appoint an executor, consider the following traits that could be red flags. Disorganized Estate administration can be complicated, especially when the estate goes through probate. An executor has several duties, from notifying creditors to distributing assets. A disorganized person could overlook or miss critical details resulting in costly consequences and delays. Combative An executor typically must contact heirs and beneficiaries, make decisions on whether to sell a decedent's property and distribute the remaining property. These are not always easy decisions. This is especially true if there is no definitive guidance from the decedent. As such, clashes can arise between the executor and others. Someone who is combative can cause or exacerbate family tension, complicating the probate process. Easily overwhelmed Administering an estate in Ohio can be overwhelming. Included in the responsibilities a person has for administering the estate are contacting beneficiaries, paying taxes, closing accounts and filing legal documents. This can be overwhelming for a person, especially if he or she is uncomfortable multi-tasking or being resourceful. Careless The person you choose to execute your wishes should be able to keep accurate records and comply with legal requirements. If someone is inexact or indifferent, he or she can cause avoidable problems with the estate. Someone who is careless may also fail to appreciate the gravity of their role. This can be upsetting for your loved ones if he or she does not seem to care about appropriately carrying out your wishes. Your executor should be organized, responsible and detail-oriented. If you have questions or concerns about who to assign to this role, you can seek the input of an estate planning attorney.

Helping your child avoid a dog bite

2019-11-01T05:11:32Z

What child can resist the soft fur and wagging tail of a dog? Whether you have one at home or not, most kids will try to pet first and ask for permission, later.

With fall around the corner, you and your family may be starting to enjoy walks around the neighborhood. Of course, you will likely be joined by the neighborhood dogs and their families as well.

Here’s what you can do to help your child stay safe while meeting new dogs.

Talk before you walk

Once your child spots a new friend, they may not be listening to your panicked warnings. Talk to your child about what to do when they see a new dog. Before every walk, go over what to do until the right behaviors become a habit.

When you talk to your child, remind them to have good dog manners, such as:

Asking the owner’s permission before approaching a new dog
Walking up to a new dog slowly
Letting the dog sniff your child’s hand before touching
Avoiding being face to face with a dog
Thanking the owner, whether your child gets to pet the dog or not

Keep in mind, no matter how cautious you are around dogs, they are animals and may act in unpredictable ways. If a dog owner lets your child pet their dog, watch carefully so that you can intervene if the dog starts to show signs of aggression.

Some dogs perceive children as a threat

There are more than enough stories of small children getting bit by dogs to be shy about letting your child approach a new dog. Part of preventing a dog attack, however, is understanding why a dog might be aggressive in the first place.

While your child may seem sweet and innocent to you, when a dog meets a child that is about the same size, the dog may see the child as a threat. Some dogs are not raised with children or do not encounter them often. A dog will assume that the small child is going to start a fight for dominance, and the dog may try to win.

Distracted driving a huge problem on American roadways

2025-07-25T14:26:54Z

The worst thing about distracted driving accidents is that they’re totally preventable.

In 2017, there were at least 14,000 distracted driving crashes in Ohio, resulting in more than 50 fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), if you’re driving while talking on your phone, you can miss 50% of the activity around you. This “inattention blindness” can overlook pedestrians and other vehicles, and it can be deadly.

With 1.2 mobile devices for every American, distracted driving is a huge problem. In Ohio, trying to educate commuters about the dangers of distracted driving isn’t enough. So law enforcement is cracking down.

What is distracted driving?

The fact is, when you’re traveling at 60 mph, the road requires your full attention. Distracted driving includes any behavior that interferes with your attention. Some of these behaviors include:

Going mobile. The use of mobile devices is a very common example of distracted driving. These include cell phones, GPS devices and mp3 players.
Staying cool. Adjusting temperature controls is a distraction.
Drinking anything. If you’re unscrewing a bottle cap or blowing on hot coffee, the road doesn’t have your full attention.
Listening to music. If you’re listening to music on your car stereo (at a reasonable volume), fine. But if you’re listening to music with your earbuds in, you can be very distracted.
Tending to pets. Pets in the car can be an enormous distraction. Tend to your pets after you’ve stopped the vehicle.
Sightseeing. If you’re focusing on anything but the road in front of and around you, you’re distracted.
Snacking. Save your snacks for your destination.
Chatting. If you have passengers, they should aid your attention instead of distracting from it.
Grooming. Many commuters try to save time by grooming in the car. This is a very bad idea, as most of your attention is misdirected.

In Ohio, any number of the above behaviors can result in a $100 ticket. Drivers can avoid the fine by completing a distracted driving course. Education is key here. The more educated drivers are to the dangers of distracted driving, the fewer unnecessary injuries and deaths.

Again, distracted driving is an epidemic on American roadways. It’s also a totally preventable problem. Keep your eyes on the road.

How detailed does my will have to be?

2019-11-01T05:11:29Z

You spend a lifetime working for what you want and carrying out your goals. As you get older, you may start thinking about the future you will leave behind for your family. While some of your assets may be simple to pass on, you may wonder about the other, smaller assets you will leave behind.

Creating a will can be an intimidating idea task. You may look around your home and be overwhelmed at the thought of a document that communicates who should get what after you pass away.

This is what you should think about as you are preparing to write your will.

I have a lot of stuff

Over the years you may have built up a collection of trinkets from vacations, or you may have a diverse collection of crafts from a hobby you enjoy. No matter how many items you own, it is possible to write a will that is clear and allows you to pass on your assets to the people in your life who will value them the most.

If the number of items is overwhelming, think of then in categories rather than individual pieces. Also consider that collections may have more value as a group, rather than distributed evenly among your loved ones.

You are in control

While it may seem like a formulaic process, creating a will is primarily up to you. If you want to itemize everything you own and list who will get each item, you can. You can also categorize your assets more globally so that you can leave categories of items to specific people.

The biggest priority is for your executor to understand your will so that they know what to do after you pass away. Your executor will no longer be able to ask you for clarification, so it is best to get the details clear as you are creating your will. Talk to them about what your goals are for your estate, so they know what to do when it is time to distribute your assets.