Cincinnati Estate Planning Attorney for Families, Professionals & Business Owners.
Fixed-fee Ohio estate plans for Cincinnati families and business owners, using the state's transfer-on-death tools and fitting Hamilton County practice — conducted directly by Drew Jacobs.
Drew Jacobs — Admitted in NY, NJ, OH
Estate planning, grounded in Cincinnati.
Cincinnati clients range from long-tenured East Side families with appreciated real estate to a growing professional class downtown and around UC.
Hamilton County probate runs through the Hamilton County Probate Court. Ohio's Transfer-on-Death Designation Affidavit is a strong tool, but stand-alone TOD deeds coordinated poorly often create as many problems as they solve.
What we handle for Cincinnati clients.
Coordinated document sets drafted under Ohio law. See our trusts library.
Wills & Guardian Nominations
Ohio-compliant wills with guardian nominations and clear distribution.
Revocable Living Trusts
Keeps Cincinnati real estate and brokerage assets out of probate.
Ohio Powers of Attorney & Healthcare Directives
Statutory financial and healthcare POA plus Living Will.
Transfer-on-Death (TOD) Planning
TOD deeds and registrations for real estate, vehicles, and securities.
Family Business & Closely Held Interests
Operating agreements and buy-sell terms aligned with the estate plan.
Beneficiary & Account Alignment
Coordinated review of retirement and insurance beneficiary designations.
What makes Ohio different.
See the full Ohio Estate Planning overview for statewide detail.
Ohio repealed its estate tax in 2013 and has no inheritance tax — but federal estate tax can still apply, and Hamilton County probate still applies to assets outside a trust or beneficiary designation.
Ohio's Transfer-on-Death Designation Affidavit (ORC 5302.22) is a useful probate-avoidance tool, but used in isolation it can create problems with mortgages and multiple beneficiaries. We use it where it fits.
A properly funded revocable living trust remains the most comprehensive answer for families with multiple properties or minor children.
Who we work with in Cincinnati.
We engage where there is meaningful matter fit — not a volume practice.
Cincinnati families with minor children
Guardian nominations, child-protective trusts, and incapacity planning.
East Side & Indian Hill families
Households needing clean intergenerational transfer of real estate.
Hamilton County business owners
Integrating the family business into the estate plan.
Cincinnati professionals & executives
Coordinating retirement assets, equity, and family planning.
The process.
A clear path from first conversation to a funded plan, typically 30–60 days.
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STEP 01
Confidential Intake
Secure intake on assets, family, and goals.
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STEP 02
Strategy Call
Working session with Drew mapping Ohio options and a clear recommendation.
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STEP 03
Fixed-Fee Proposal
Written scope and flat fee, including any deed work.
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STEP 04
Design, Sign & Fund
Drafting, execution, and retitling — including TOD affidavits and trust funding.
Cincinnati estate planning FAQs.
Where does probate happen for Cincinnati residents?
The Hamilton County Probate Court — a public process. A properly funded revocable living trust typically avoids it for the assets it holds.
Should I use a TOD deed or a revocable trust for my Cincinnati home?
It depends on the facts. A TOD deed suits simple single-property situations; a trust is usually better for multiple properties or minor children.
Does Ohio have an estate or inheritance tax?
No. Ohio repealed its estate tax in 2013. Federal estate tax can still apply, and probate avoidance and incapacity planning still matter.
Can you handle my family business and my estate plan together?
Yes — we coordinate operating agreement and buy-sell documents with your wills and trusts.
How are engagements priced?
Every engagement is fixed-fee, quoted in writing after a scoping call.
Go deeper.
Related ResourcesOhio Estate Planning
The full Ohio estate planning overview.
Read more →Ohio Estate Planning Guide
A deeper guide to Ohio rules, documents, and process.
Read more →Trusts Library
Revocable, irrevocable, and advanced trust structures.
Read more →Probate & Trust Administration
Guidance for executors and trustees after a death or incapacity.
Read more →Build your Cincinnati plan with counsel that knows Ohio.
Initial consultations are private and conducted directly by Drew Jacobs — no sales floor, no junior intake.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. The information on this page is for general informational purposes and is not legal, tax, or investment advice. Drew Jacobs is licensed to practice law in New York, New Jersey, and Ohio. Estate planning is highly state-specific; we represent clients whose residence, primary assets, or business interests are situated in NY, NJ, or OH, subject to matter fit and conflict clearance, and coordinate with qualified local counsel elsewhere.