Rick Stein Rick Stein

After the Loss: A Step-by-Step Guide to Estate Administration in Ohio

When a loved one passes away, the emotional weight can be overwhelming. On top of the grief, you may suddenly find yourself responsible for a complex and unfamiliar process: estate administration. This is the formal process of managing and distributing a person’s assets after their death, and it’s a journey filled with legal duties, financial responsibilities, and potential pitfalls.

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Rick Stein Rick Stein

Trustee Responsibilities in Ohio: Guidance for Trust Administration

Being named a trustee is an honor — but it also carries significant legal and financial responsibility. From managing investments and preparing formal accountings to handling beneficiary communications, trustees in Ohio must balance strict fiduciary duties with family dynamics. If you’re feeling the weight of that responsibility, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to navigate it without guidance.

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Rick Stein Rick Stein

A Veteran's Guide to Estate Planning and VA Benefits in Ohio

You served your country with honor. Now, as you face the challenges of aging, you deserve every benefit your service earned. Learn how the right legal strategy can help you access VA benefits for long-term care while protecting your family’s financial security.

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Rick Stein Rick Stein

5 Ways Professional Legal Counsel Strengthens Your HOA

Serving on an HOA board means navigating complex legal requirements and making decisions that affect every resident. Proactive legal guidance strengthens governance, protects your community, and makes your role more manageable.

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Rick Stein Rick Stein

The Hidden Treasure in Ohio: A Guide to Recovering Unclaimed Funds

What if there was a forgotten bank account, an uncashed insurance check, or a utility deposit you never got back, just sitting in a government vault with your name on it? For millions of Ohioans, this isn’t a hypothetical—it’s a reality. The Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Unclaimed Funds currently holds billions of dollars in lost or abandoned assets, waiting to be reunited with their rightful owners.

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Rick Stein Rick Stein

The Art of Giving: A Practical Guide to Planned Gifting in Ohio

There is immense joy in seeing your hard-earned wealth make a difference in the lives of your loved ones. Whether it’s helping a grandchild with a down payment on their first home, funding a college education, or simply providing financial breathing room, the desire to give is a powerful one. But in the world of estate planning, a gift is more than just an act of generosity—it’s a financial transaction with significant legal and tax implications.

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Rick Stein Rick Stein

The Ohio Guide to Federal Estate Tax: Are You at Risk?

As a successful Ohioan, you've worked diligently to build a significant legacy. The good news? Ohio is one of the 38 states that does not have a state-level estate or inheritance tax. This means your heirs won't pay any taxes to the state of Ohio on the assets they inherit from you.

However, that doesn't mean you're completely in the clear. The federal estate tax is a formidable opponent for high-net-worth individuals across the country

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Margaret Karl Margaret Karl

Medicaid Planning in 2026: Protect Your Assets Before It's Too Late

As healthcare costs continue to rise, especially for long-term care, many Americans are increasingly concerned about how they will afford the care they may need in their later years. Medicaid is a crucial resource for millions of people, providing access to healthcare services, including long-term care.

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