Local Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning Attorneys
You want to ensure your family and assets are taken care of if you aren't able to. How do you do that? Where do you turn?
The attorneys at Schaller, Campell & United, LLC, have decades of legal expertise in creating wills, trusts, and estate planning. We serve clients in Granville, Newark, and surrounding areas.
Get started on putting your affairs in order by calling us today to schedule a legal consultation.
What Legal Issues Will Be Handled with Us
You can expect our attorneys to handle many legal issues, including
Avoiding probate
Asset transfers and allocation
Philanthropy choices
Beneficiary designation
How Do We Set Up An Estate Plan?
Your needs are unique, so setting up an estate plan is tailored to your desires. Part of this process includes:
- Creating your last will and testament
- Forming trust and designating who will administer it
- Establish power of attorney
- Determine health care power of attorney and living will
We will answer your questions and address your concerns along the way. You'll have complete confidence and peace of mind about your assets and how your family will be taken care of.
Wills and Trusts Attorney
Schaller, Campbell, and Untied, LLC is a wills and trusts attorney firm rooted in downtown Newark, OH, serving individuals and families across Licking County with personalized estate planning guidance. Established in 1914, the firm brings over a century of Ohio legal experience to some of the most important decisions families face. Residents throughout Newark, Heath, Granville, and surrounding communities can rely on the firm for clear, practical counsel on protecting what they have built. Ohio law governs how your estate is handled, whether or not you have a plan in place. Working with a knowledgeable wills and trusts attorney in Newark can help ensure your wishes are documented in a legally sound way.
Will Drafting and Trust Formation for Licking County Families
A valid Ohio will must be signed by the testator and witnessed by two competent adults who are at least 18 and not named as beneficiaries. Ohio does not require notarization, though proper execution remains essential to avoid probate challenges. A living trust may allow assets to pass outside of probate, preserve your privacy, and ensure continuity of management if you become incapacitated. The attorneys at Schaller, Campbell, and Untied, LLC can help Newark families determine which approach best fits their goals. Common estate planning documents prepared for Licking County residents include last wills and testaments, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, advance healthcare directives, and guardianship designations for minor children.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens If You Die Without a Will in Ohio?
Dying without a will means your estate passes under Ohio's intestacy laws rather than according to your personal wishes. Assets are distributed to your closest relatives, beginning with your surviving spouse and children. If neither survives you, the estate may pass to grandchildren, parents, or more distant relatives. If no eligible relatives are found, your assets could pass to the state. For Newark residents with property, minor children, or specific wishes for loved ones, a properly drafted estate plan can prevent this outcome entirely.
Will vs. Living Trust: Which Is Right for You?
A will takes effect at death and typically passes through Ohio probate court before assets are distributed. A living trust may allow assets to transfer directly to beneficiaries without court involvement, reducing delays and keeping your affairs private. Both instruments serve distinct purposes, and many comprehensive estate plans incorporate both. A consultation can help clarify which combination fits your family's circumstances.
Can You Write Your Own Will in Ohio?
Ohio does not mandate a specific statutory form, so you may draft your own will as long as it meets the state's execution requirements. However, errors in wording, witness selection, or document structure can expose a will to probate challenges. Working with a local wills and trusts attorney helps ensure your document is drafted with precision and reflects your actual intentions.
Does a Will Need to Be Notarized in Ohio?
Ohio does not require notarization for a will to be valid. However, the will must be properly signed and witnessed to hold up in probate court.
What Is the Difference Between a Will and a Living Trust in Ohio?
A will directs asset distribution after death through the probate process. A living trust holds assets during your lifetime and transfers them to beneficiaries outside of probate, potentially offering greater efficiency and privacy for your estate.
To speak with a wills and trusts attorney in Newark, OH, contact Schaller, Campbell, and Untied, LLC at (740) 349-8505 or request a consultation online.
Start putting your affairs in order by calling our firm today at 740-349-8505.
