--- title: "Ohio Estate Planning Attorney | Wills, Trusts & Probate | Legacy Counsel" description: "Fixed-fee Ohio estate planning attorney serving Cincinnati and statewide. Wills, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, TOD planning, probate avoidance, and business succession by Drew Jacobs." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "LegalService", "@id": "https://jacobslegacycounsel.com/#legalservice", "name": "Jacobs Legacy Counsel", "alternateName": [ "Legacy Counsel by Jacobs Counsel", "Jacobs Legacy" ], "url": "https://jacobslegacycounsel.com", "description": "Fixed-fee estate planning for high-net-worth families, founders, executives, and professional athletes. 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Wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, TOD planning, probate avoidance, and business succession.", "provider": { "@type": "LegalService", "name": "Legacy Counsel by Jacobs Counsel LLC", "url": "https://jacobslegacycounsel.com" }, "founder": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Drew Jacobs" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://jacobslegacycounsel.com/ohio-estate-planning-attorney#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Ohio have an estate tax?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No. Ohio repealed its estate tax in 2013. Federal estate tax can still apply to larger estates, and you still need wills, trusts, and incapacity planning." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do you avoid probate in Ohio?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Through a funded revocable living trust, TOD deeds for real estate, and beneficiary designations. 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We recommend a review if you've moved here or acquired Ohio property." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does Legacy Counsel charge for Ohio estate planning?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Every engagement is fixed-fee, quoted in writing after a scoping call." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can you help with family business succession in Ohio?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes — we align operating agreements and buy-sell terms with the estate plan." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://jacobslegacycounsel.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Estate Planning", "item": "https://jacobslegacycounsel.com/estate-planning" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Ohio Estate Planning Attorney", "item": "https://jacobslegacycounsel.com/ohio-estate-planning-attorney" } ] } ], { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://jacobslegacycounsel.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Ohio Estate Planning Attorney", "item": "https://jacobslegacycounsel.com/ohio-estate-planning-attorney" } ] } ] --- A Practice of [Jacobs Counsel LLC](https://jacobscounsellaw.com) Serving NY · NJ · OH — Vol. 2026 [Legacy Counsel ](/) Firm Resources Estate Planning Trusts [Probate & Admin](/probate-trust-administration)[Pricing](/pricing)[Book Call](https://cal.com/drewjacobs/estate-planning)[Start Intake](/get-started) Menu 1. [Home](/) 2. Ohio Estate Planning Attorney Ohio · Cincinnati · Statewide Licensed NY · NJ · OH # Ohio Estate Planning Attorney for Families, Professionals, and Business Owners. Fixed-fee [wills, trusts](/estate-planning), powers of attorney, and transfer-on-death plans for Ohio families, from our Cincinnati-anchored practice. [Start Your Intake](/get-started)[Book a Consultation](https://cal.com/drewjacobs/estate-planning) Drew Jacobs — Admitted in OH, NJ, NY 01 / WHY OHIO FAMILIES NEED A PLAN ## No estate tax does not mean no plan needed. Ohio repealed its estate tax in 2013, but without valid documents your family still faces probate court, public filings, and the risk of court-appointed guardianship. For business owners and families with minor children, the stakes are higher: operating agreements don't replace wills, and out-of-state documents routinely fail at Ohio courts. We draft plans built for Ohio law and Cincinnati practice realities. 02 / CORE DOCUMENTS ## Wills, trusts & Ohio directives. A coordinated document set drafted under Ohio law. Explore our [trusts library](/trusts). ### Last Will & Testament Names guardians, directs distribution, and appoints an executor. ### Revocable Living Trust Avoids probate court and keeps your estate private, once funded. ### Durable Power of Attorney Lets a trusted agent manage finances if you become unable. ### Healthcare Power of Attorney & Living Will Names a healthcare agent and end-of-life treatment preferences. ### Transfer-on-Death (TOD) Planning TOD deeds and registrations for real estate, vehicles, and accounts. ### HIPAA Authorization & Beneficiary Review Releases and beneficiary designations aligned with the plan. 03 / PROBATE AVOIDANCE ## Probate avoidance in Ohio. Ohio probate runs through county probate courts — public, and often taking months if real estate or disputes are involved. A properly funded [revocable living trust](/trusts/revocable-living) keeps qualifying assets out of probate. We also use TOD deeds and registrations for smaller accounts, all handled in one fixed fee. 04 / MINOR CHILDREN ## Planning for minor children & guardianship. The most consequential decisions aren't about money — they're who raises your children and manages their inheritance. We draft guardian nominations and build child-protective trusts that release assets in stages, not a lump sum at 18. Plans include backup guardians, successor trustees, and guidance beyond the account balance. 05 / BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE ## Real estate, family businesses & closely held companies. Business owners need an estate plan that aligns with operating agreements and buy-sells. We coordinate ownership transfer and successor management so the business continues without a probate emergency. For real estate holders, we handle entity structuring, deed work, and TOD strategies across Ohio. 06 / FIXED-FEE ## Fixed-fee Ohio estate planning. Every engagement is a fixed fee after a scoping call — no hourly meters, no surprise invoices. See the [pricing overview](/pricing) for how engagements are scoped, or [contact us](/contact) to discuss your situation. 07 / HOW IT WORKS ## The process. A clear path from first conversation to a funded plan, typically 30–60 days. 1. STEP 01 ### Confidential Intake Secure online intake on assets, family, and goals. 2. STEP 02 ### Strategy Call A working session with Drew mapping options under Ohio law. 3. STEP 03 ### Fixed-Fee Proposal A written scope and flat fee before we begin. 4. STEP 04 ### Design, Sign & Fund We draft, execute, and guide retitling assets into your plan. Compare ## Will or trust in Ohio? Both plans direct who receives what. The difference is how much of the work happens in court, in public, and on someone else's timeline. A trust only delivers these results once it is actually funded. Ohio — will alone vs. funded revocable trust Issue Will alone Funded revocable trust Court process County probate court with inventories and accountings. No probate for assets titled in the trust. Privacy Filings are part of the public record. Terms and asset detail stay private. Incapacity No effect during life; relies on a power of attorney. Successor trustee steps in without court involvement. Estate tax None — Ohio repealed its estate tax. None; used for control and probate avoidance rather than tax. Transfer-on-death tools Frequently used, and frequently uncoordinated with the will. Designations coordinated with a single distribution plan. Cost profile Lower upfront, court-supervised administration later. Higher upfront, administration on the family's schedule. Tax snapshot ## What actually drives the tax in each state. State-level estate and inheritance tax comparison for New Jersey, New York, and Ohio State What drives the tax What planning addresses New Jersey Inheritance tax based on the beneficiary's relationship to you. No state estate tax. Beneficiary class, lifetime giving, and life insurance ownership. New York State estate tax with a cliff once the threshold is exceeded. No inheritance tax. Threshold management, credit shelter design, and gifting strategy. Ohio No state estate or inheritance tax. Probate is court-supervised. Probate avoidance, TOD coordination, and trust administration. Thresholds and rates change, and the federal exclusion is scheduled to move. This is a general orientation, not tax advice — we coordinate with your CPA rather than substituting for one. Free Download ### Will or Trust? A Side-by-Side Comparison The honest comparison — court involvement, privacy, incapacity, out-of-state property, and cost over time — plus when a will alone is genuinely enough in New York, New Jersey, and Ohio. Send it to me Educational material only — not legal advice. Requesting the guide does not create an attorney-client relationship. We do not sell or share your email. ## Cities we serve. Local Pages [ ### Cincinnati Estate Planning Attorney Hamilton County Probate Court, TOD deeds, and family-business succession. Explore Cincinnati → ](/estate-planning-attorney-cincinnati-oh) 08 / FAQ ## Ohio estate planning FAQs. ### Does Ohio have an estate tax? No. Ohio repealed its estate tax in 2013. Federal estate tax can still apply to larger estates, and you still need wills, trusts, and incapacity planning. ### How do you avoid probate in Ohio? Through a funded revocable living trust, TOD deeds for real estate, and beneficiary designations. A trust is usually the most comprehensive tool. ### Do I need an Ohio lawyer if I already have a will from another state? Often, yes — Ohio has specific execution requirements and statutory forms. We recommend a review if you've moved here or acquired Ohio property. ### How does Legacy Counsel charge for Ohio estate planning? Every engagement is fixed-fee, quoted in writing after a scoping call. ### Can you help with family business succession in Ohio? Yes — we align operating agreements and buy-sell terms with the estate plan. [Read the full FAQ →](/faq) Begin the Conversation Cincinnati · Ohio ## Build your Ohio plan with counsel that knows the state. Initial consultations are private and conducted directly by Drew Jacobs — no sales floor, no junior intake. [Start Your Intake →](/get-started)[Book a Consultation](https://cal.com/drewjacobs/estate-planning) **Prospective Client Disclaimer.** Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship. Do not send confidential or time-sensitive information until we have signed an engagement letter. We will review your submission and follow up to discuss whether we can represent you. By submitting, you consent to be contacted about your inquiry. **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. Discussion of tax topics is illustrative; we do not guarantee any tax outcome. 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, and coordinate with qualified local counsel elsewhere. Estate Planning & Legacy Counsel Legacy Counsel by Jacobs Counsel. Fixed-fee estate planning, trusts, wills, and generational wealth strategy for high-net-worth families. [← Visit jacobscounsellaw.com](https://jacobscounsellaw.com) [(646) 343-7227](tel:+16463437227)[intake@jacobscounsellaw.com](mailto:intake@jacobscounsellaw.com) 221 River Street, Floor 9 Hoboken, NJ 07030 Practice - [Estate Planning](/estate-planning) - [Trusts](/trusts) - [Probate & Administration](/probate-trust-administration) - [Pricing](/pricing) - [For Advisors](/for-advisors) States - [New Jersey](/estate-planning/new-jersey) - [New York](/estate-planning/new-york) - [Ohio](/estate-planning/ohio) - [State Guides](/resources/state-guides) Resources - [Blog](/blog) - [FAQ](/faq) - [Estate Planning Quiz](/quiz/estate-planning) - [Checklist](/resources/checklist) Firm - [About Drew Jacobs](/about) - [Contact](/contact) - [Start Intake](/get-started) - [Book a Consultation](https://cal.com/drewjacobs/estate-planning) - [Client Questionnaire](/client-questionnaire) Notices - [Privacy Policy](/legal/privacy-policy) - [Legal Disclaimer](/legal/disclaimer) - [Attorney Advertising](/legal/attorney-advertising) © 2026 Legacy Counsel by Jacobs Counsel. All rights reserved. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. **Jurisdiction.** Drew Jacobs is licensed to practice law in New York, New Jersey, and Ohio . Estate planning is highly state-specific — laws governing wills, trusts, probate, estate and inheritance tax, and asset protection vary materially by jurisdiction. We represent clients whose residence, primary assets, or business interests are situated in NY, NJ, or OH. For matters involving other states, we coordinate with qualified local counsel. Nothing on this site constitutes legal advice or an offer to represent you in a jurisdiction in which we are not licensed.