At Brumbaugh Law Firm, we help Ohio families create clear and lasting plans that protect their assets and make sure that every decision reflects their wishes. Estate planning gives you control over what happens to your home and your loved ones.
According to Neilsberg (2025), 18.81% of Erie County residents are age 65 or older, making estate planning a part of responsible family management in communities such as Sandusky, Huron, and Perkins Township.
Without proper estate planning, families face long probate delays, unnecessary costs, and disputes that can quickly drain what was meant to be preserved.
As one client shared, “Brumbaugh Law has been an incredible source of support for my family. They provided excellent, conscientious legal care for my father before he passed, handling every detail with professionalism and genuine compassion.”
What Is Estate Planning and Why Does It Matter in Ohio
Estate planning is the process of deciding in advance how your assets, healthcare, and personal wishes will be handled if you become ill or pass away. It ascertains that your family is protected and that your plans stay in your hands, not the court’s.
In Ohio, estate planning is important because every county has its own probate system. Without proper documents, families often face months of legal delays and thousands in probate fees.
Unfortunately, many families only start planning after a sudden death or accident involving a loved one. High-profile cases across Ohio show how a lack of preparation can lead to drawn-out disputes and heavy court intervention. A thoughtful estate plan prevents that by giving your family direction and legal authority from day one.
At Brumbaugh Law Firm, we help clients throughout Ohio protect what they’ve worked for and give their families lasting peace of mind through clear, well-crafted estate plans.
Our Estate Planning Services in Ohio
Our services include:
- Wills
- Trusts
- Powers of Attorney
- Health Care Directives
- Probate Avoidance Planning
- Asset Protection Planning
- Business Succession Planning
- Guardianship Designations
- Special Needs Planning
- Deed Preparation
- Property Transfers
- Beneficiary Designation
Call (419) 504-4674 To Speak With Our Team
It’s never too early to start planning. Our attorneys are ready to walk you through every step, from protecting your home to qualifying for care. Contact us today to move forward with confidence.
Why Choose Brumbaugh Law for Your Estate Plan
Since 2002, we’ve helped families protect homes, reduce taxes, and avoid probate through customized estate planning.
We focus on education first. Through our free “Three Secrets of Estate Planning” workshop, families learn how to use wills, trusts, and powers of attorney to secure their future before making any decisions.
Our approach goes beyond paperwork. We support families through both the legal and emotional aspects of planning. We also partner with local and regional organizations such as Firelands Regional Medical Center, the Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio, and the Erie County Probate Court.
We don’t believe in one-time transactions. Our membership program provides ongoing plan reviews and updates so your documents always reflect your current goals and Ohio’s changing laws.
At Brumbaugh Law Firm, we help families take control of their legacy, protect what matters most, and plan with confidence.
Learn About Brumbaugh Law Firm
Since 2002, Brumbaugh Law Firm has been helping families across Ohio make confident decisions about elder care, long-term planning, and protecting what matters most.
While our roots are in Sandusky and Erie County, our services extend throughout the state, including Cleveland, Toledo, Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati, supporting Ohio families with estate planning, Medicaid guidance, and elder law solutions.
Our mission is to help Ohio residents stay independent longer while making sure their care and wishes are fully coordinated. We understand that planning for the future involves both legal and emotional decisions.
That’s why our team includes a licensed social worker, giving us the ability to address not just the paperwork, but the human side of aging, caregiving, and transition.
If you’re planning ahead for retirement, applying for Medicaid, or handling caring for an aging loved one, Brumbaugh Law is here to help, wherever you call home in Ohio.
Our Estate Planning Process
Our process is designed to remove confusion and replace it with understanding, so your family knows exactly what to expect and how to act when the time comes.
Step 1: Education and Discovery
We begin with education, not paperwork. Families who attend our free “Three Secrets of Estate Planning” workshop learn how probate works in Ohio.
Step 2: Review and Design
During your meetings, we review your goals, family structure, and financial picture. We identify what needs protection and design a plan that balances simplicity with flexibility.
Step 3: Legal Preparation and Funding
Once your plan is designed, we prepare the legal documents that make it real. This includes wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, living wills, and healthcare directives.
Step 4: Coordination and Ongoing Support
Our work doesn’t end when you sign your documents. We coordinate with financial institutions and local offices, such as the Erie County Recorder’s Office, to make sure that all relevant information is accurately recorded.
How Estate Planning Protects Your Family and Assets In Ohio
Estate planning protects your family by making sure your wishes are honored, your loved ones are provided for, and your assets are shielded from unnecessary loss.
In Ohio, estates that go through probate can take months to settle, often requiring approval from local probate courts such as the Erie County Probate Court, Franklin County Probate Court in Columbus, or the Cuyahoga County Probate Court in Cleveland.
By creating a revocable living trust and keeping beneficiary designations current, many families can avoid probate altogether, saving time, money, and stress.
Estate planning also protects what you’ve worked hard for. Tools like irrevocable trusts and Medicaid planning strategies can protect your home and savings from long-term care expenses.
This protection is especially vital for Ohio retirees who depend on fixed incomes or long-term care programs supported by the Ohio Department of Aging and local Area Agencies on Aging.
Planning also helps prevent family disputes and confusion. At Brumbaugh Law Firm, we guide Ohio families through every step of the process, from Sandusky to Columbus and beyond, helping you make informed decisions that provide long-term stability and clarity for the people you love.
Local Partners and Resources In Ohio
We collaborate closely with the organizations and institutions that serve families throughout Ohio.
- Erie County Probate Court (Sandusky) – Handles wills, estates, and guardianship cases.
- Franklin County Probate Court (Columbus) – Oversees probate and estate administration in Central Ohio.
- Cuyahoga County Probate Court (Cleveland) – Provides estate, trust, and guardianship services for Northeast Ohio.
- Ohio Department of Aging – Offers statewide senior support, long-term care resources, and caregiver assistance.
- Ohio Area Agencies on Aging – Regional offices connecting families to home care, benefits, and elder services.
- Edgewood Manor & The Commons of Providence (Sandusky) – Local assisted living and skilled nursing partners.
- Serving Our Seniors (Erie County) – Advocacy and assistance programs for aging adults.
Plan Your Next Step With Brumbaugh Law
Planning your estate should bring peace of mind, not stress. Brumbaugh Law Firm offers secure online consultations for families anywhere in Ohio, making it easy to start from the comfort of your home.
During your consultation, our team will review your goals, explain your options for wills, trusts, and asset protection, and create a clear path to secure your legacy.
Visit our website or call our office today to reserve your virtual appointment or join our workshop. Take the first step toward protecting your family’s future.
