Cincinnati Wills Attorney

Trusted Cincinnati Wills Lawyer

Many people get uncomfortable when asked to think about the end of their life, and that makes sense. It is human nature to avoid considering our own mortality. However, preparing ahead of time for what happens when you are gone is one way you can protect your loved ones and preserve your legacy. If you need to draft a will as part of your estate plan, reach out to an experienced Cincinnati wills attorney for help.

About Hoberg Law

At Hoberg Law, our priorities are preparation, planning, and protection. Whether we like it or not, life happens, and it is important to be prepared for life’s inevitabilities long before we expect them to come to fruition. We have been helping our Cincinnati-area clients draft wills and other estate planning documents for more than 20 years, and we are equipped to help you, too.

When you step into our office, conveniently located at 4030 Smith Road in Cincinnati, you can be confident that your interests are top of mind for us. We can discuss your goals and desires for your estate and help you draft a will that supports your wishes and preserves your hard-earned assets for your loved ones.

What Is a Will?

A will is a legal document that gives instructions for what you want done with your property, money, and any other assets after your death. If you have any dependents under your care at the time of your death, such as minor children, your will can also include instructions regarding their guardianship and care after you are gone. According to Ohio law, the only requirements for making a will are that you are over 18 years old, of sound mind, and not under duress.

Wills are highly personal because everyone’s assets and estate look different. In your will, you can name assets individually and specify who you want to receive them. You can also leave instructions for dividing assets among beneficiaries. For example, if you have a home or a vehicle you own, you could instruct in your will that the home or vehicle should be sold and the money divided among specific family members.

As of 2025, only about 30% of Americans reported having a will. In the absence of a will, a person’s assets are usually distributed by the state government following a standard succession of surviving family members. This means that your assets could end up being given to an estranged family member if they come before preferred family members in the standard line. Creating a will is the easiest and most straightforward way to prevent situations like this.

Creating a will is also a courtesy to your surviving family members. If you make your wishes known through a legal document, your family members are not left guessing what you would have wanted, and you may help them to avoid interpersonal conflict if they disagree about what to do with your property.

Why You Should Hire a Wills Attorney in Cincinnati, OH

Although it is possible to create a will on your own, it is always a good idea to hire a wills attorney to help you. After a person dies, their will is often subject to intense legal scrutiny to confirm that it is legal and valid. If the validity of your will is questioned, your assets may not be distributed in the way you have instructed.

Enlisting the help of an experienced wills attorney is a responsible move because a document drafted and reviewed by a lawyer is more likely to be correctly constructed and watertight. Furthermore, the probate and estate distribution process can become complicated in ways you may not be able to predict without a deep understanding of Ohio’s estate planning laws. Your lawyer should be able to spot and rectify potential problems before they hurt your family.

FAQs About Cincinnati, OH Wills Laws

How Is a Will Different From a Trust?

A will is a legal document giving instructions for how you want your property divided and who should care for any dependents after you pass away. A trust is a financial arrangement that allows you to transfer ownership of specific assets to a third party (the trust) to be transferred to your beneficiaries after your death. Wills and trusts often work together in a comprehensive estate plan.

Are Non-Notarized Wills Valid in Ohio?

Yes. Unlike some other states, Ohio generally does not require wills to be notarized to be considered valid. Ohio does require that a will be in writing, but it can be in a person’s handwriting or a formal legal document. Wills must also be signed, either by the person making the will or by another person at the instruction of the person making the will. Wills must also be attested by two witnesses.

What Happens if an Ohio Resident Dies Without a Will?

If an Ohio resident dies without a will, called an intestate death, state law dictates that their assets pass through probate (as they would if the person did have a will) and then be distributed to their next of kin. The distribution order is laid out in Section 2105.06 of the Ohio Code, but generally begins with the surviving spouse, if there is one, and progresses through surviving children, surviving parents, and so on.

Can I Change My Will After I Have Enacted It?

Yes. As long as you are living, you can modify your will however and as many times as you would like. It is a good idea to consult with an attorney if you need to modify an existing will. The requirements for modifying a will are the same as the requirements for making one. You must be of sound mind and not under duress, and the new will must be signed and attested in order to supersede the old one.

Contact a Trusted Cincinnati Wills Attorney at Hoberg Law Today

Making a will can be a daunting task, but the benefits to your loved ones after you are gone may be immeasurable. You can take the guesswork out of distributing your estate and help to preserve family relationships as well as the legacy you have worked so hard to build. Contact Hoberg Law today to begin the process of drafting a will.