Planning ahead gives families clarity, protection, and peace of mind. At Brumbaugh Law Firm, we help Ohio families create wills and trusts that protect their homes, guide loved ones, and keep estates out of probate whenever possible.
For more than twenty years, we have served families across Erie, Lorain, and Ottawa Counties, offering clear guidance, practical planning, and compassionate support at every step. As one client shared:
“The Brumbaugh team is fantastic to work with. They were efficient, responsive, and overall a great team. Our family is very appreciative for their hard work and will definitely recommend them and use them again in the future.”
If you are updating an existing plan or building one for the first time, our goal is simple.
Create a plan that works for you, your family, and your future.
What Is a Will and Why It Matters in Ohio
A will is the foundation of a clear estate plan. It explains who receives your assets, who will serve as executor, and who will care for minor children. Every will in Ohio must pass through the county probate court, which oversees the entire process.
A will helps families:
- Name guardians for children
- Choose an executor they trust
- Direct how property should be distributed
- Prevent confusion or conflict during an already emotional time
Without a will, state law decides these matters. This can create outcomes that do not reflect your wishes or your family’s needs.
What Is a Trust and How It Protects Your Assets
A trust is a private arrangement that holds and manages your assets during life and after death. Unlike a will, a properly funded trust avoids probate completely. This can protect your privacy, reduce costs, and simplify the process for everyone involved.
Ohio families use trusts to:
- Avoid probate
- Protect the family home
- Prepare for long-term care
- Manage inheritance for children or grandchildren
- Keep decision-making in the hands of trusted individuals
Revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, and Medicaid-aware trusts are common tools we use to help families safeguard assets and maintain control.
Will vs. Trust: Which One Fits Your Goals
- Will: Requires probate, names guardians, directs distribution.
- Living Trust: Avoids probate when funded correctly, manages assets during incapacity, offers privacy.
- Irrevocable Trust: Adds protection from long-term care costs and spend-down pressure.
- Both Together: Provides the strongest overall plan for most Ohio families.
Our team helps you understand the differences so you can choose confidently.
Out Trust and Will Services in Ohio
We offer services across Ohio, including:
- Last Will & Testament Drafting
- Living Trusts
- Estate Planning
- Trust Administration
- Probate Services
- Power of Attorney
- Advance Healthcare Directives
- Asset Protection Planning
- Special Needs Trusts
- Guardianship/Conservatorship Petitions
- Document Review & Updates
Get Trusted Legal Support Today
For straightforward legal advice and representation, contact Brumbaugh Law. Call (419) 504-4674 to schedule your consultation.
What Sets Brumbaugh Law Firm Apart
Education-first model.
You learn before you decide. Attend our free “3 Secrets” workshop and discover the importance of having a fully loaded estate planning toolbox .
Structured pathway.
Workshop to blueprint to signing. A clear process that takes families from uncertainty to a completed plan.
Holistic elder-care lens.
Planning considers legal, medical, and family realities. We have members on our team with social-work backgrounds that deepen our understanding of elder-care transitions.
Medicaid crisis competence.
We help families protect homes and savings during unexpected long-term care events.
No-drama boundary.
We work with cooperative families and avoid contentious litigation so your plan stays focused and peaceful.
Complete plan package.
Trusts, wills, POAs, living wills, HIPAA releases, deeds, and full funding support.
Community-embedded trust.
Strong relationships with local nursing homes, hospitals, civic groups, and senior programs.
Transparent fit check.
Every client starts with a triage to determine whether estate planning, pre-Medicaid, or crisis planning is the right path.
Local access.
Serving across Ohio with in-person workshops, signings, and family meetings.
Empowerment at the core.
Clients leave knowing how to avoid probate, reduce risk, and keep care decisions in the family.
How We Help Ohio Families Plan With Confidence
- Learn first. Attend our “3 Secrets to Estate Planning and Asset Protection” workshop.
- Plan clearly. We design a plan that reflects your goals and local realities.
- Make it work. We help align and fund your assets so your plan functions when your family needs it.
Families choose Brumbaugh Law because our process is clear, practical, and grounded in education. You leave knowing exactly what your documents do and how they protect you.
Local Probate Facts & Planning Considerations
- Erie County Probate Court handles wills and estates at 323 Columbus Ave., Sandusky.
- Lorain County Probate Court handles these matters at 225 Court St., Elyria.
- Probate fees in Ohio often total 3–5% of the estate value.
- With median home values above $200,000 in many local areas, avoiding unnecessary probate costs can protect a meaningful portion of your estate.
Understanding how probate works in your county makes planning more urgent and more effective.
Get to Know Brumbaugh Law Firm
Founded in 2002 by Michael Brumbaugh, our firm is built on education, compassion, and clarity. Families trust us because we explain intricate matters in simple terms and create plans that work in real life. Our mission is to help you stay independent longer, protect what you own, and leave your family secure.
Why Families Choose Brumbaugh Law Firm
Families across Ohio choose Brumbaugh Law Firm because our process is clear, compassionate, and built around education. We help you understand your options, remove uncertainty, and create a plan that works in real life.
“Brumbaugh’s team was an immense help to me.” — Julie Lalli
From guidance on documentation to Medicaid preparation, families appreciate how we walk with them through every step. Our education-first model helps you understand what needs to be done, what can be done, and how to move forward with confidence.
“Exceptional, compassionate, and thorough legal support.” — Stephen Cross
Clients value the empathy and professionalism our team brings to both planning and elder-care guidance. We listen closely, explain everything clearly, and prioritize your family’s peace of mind.
“They protected a large portion of the estate.” — Richard Schneck
Our Medicaid crisis experience helps families preserve homes and savings during difficult transitions. We understand the financial and emotional pressure many families face, and we respond with practical, proven solutions.
“They go above and beyond.” — Tina Marie
Our team treats every client like family. You can expect timely communication, clear answers, and ongoing support. We stay involved so you never have to navigate planning or elder-care decisions alone.
Local Resources We Work With in Ohio
- Ohio Department of Aging – Columbus (serves statewide)
- Ohio Department of Medicaid – Long-Term Services & Supports
- Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP)
- Ohio Benefits Long-Term Services & Supports (Ohio Benefits / Ohio Helps)
- Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging (O4A)
- Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio (AAA 1) – Cincinnati / Southwestern Ohio
- Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (AAA 6) – Columbus / Central Ohio
- Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging (AAA 10A) – Cleveland / Northeastern Ohio
- Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities (AAA 10B) – Akron/Canton region
- Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio, Inc. (AAA 4) – Toledo / Northwestern Ohio
Talk to a Trust and Will Lawyer in Ohio
If you are ready to create or update your estate plan, we are here to help. You will receive straightforward guidance, a practical plan, and support you can rely on for years.
Schedule a consultation or attend our next workshop. Your peace of mind starts with a conversation.
