Probate is a court-supervised process that validates a will and oversees the distribution of a deceased person’s assets. While it can be helpful in certain cases, probate often brings delays, expenses, and a lack of privacy. Fortunately, there are legal tools available in Ohio that can help you avoid probate altogether—and preserve more of your estate for your loved ones.

At Fred P. Ramos Law Office, we assist Ohio families with strategies to simplify or avoid probate and protect their legacies.

1. Revocable Living Trusts

A revocable living trust is one of the most effective tools to avoid probate in Ohio. When you transfer ownership of your assets into a trust, they are no longer part of your probate estate. You retain control during your lifetime, and upon your death, the successor trustee distributes the assets according to your instructions—without court involvement.

2. Transfer-on-Death (TOD) Designations

Ohio allows several types of assets to be passed directly to beneficiaries using TOD designations. These include:

• Bank accounts
• Real estate (using a TOD affidavit)
• Vehicles (using a TOD title)
• Stocks and securities

These tools allow you to name beneficiaries who will receive the asset directly after your passing, bypassing probate entirely.

3. Joint Ownership with Right of Survivorship

Property owned jointly with rights of survivorship automatically transfers to the surviving owner upon death. Common with married couples, this method works for real estate, bank accounts, and vehicles. However, joint ownership should be used with care to avoid unintended consequences, such as creditor claims or disputes.

4. Payable-on-Death (POD) Accounts

Similar to TOD designations, POD accounts let you name beneficiaries who will receive the funds after your death. This applies to checking, savings, and retirement accounts and is an easy and low-cost way to avoid probate.

5. Gifting Assets During Your Lifetime

Another method to avoid probate is simply giving assets away while you’re still alive. Lifetime gifts reduce the size of your estate and can help with Medicaid planning. However, large gifts may have tax implications and should be carefully planned with legal guidance.

Working With an Ohio Estate Planning Attorney

Every family’s situation is unique. At Fred P. Ramos Law Office, we can help you evaluate your assets, goals, and concerns to build a custom plan that avoids probate and protects your loved ones. Whether you need to create a trust or update beneficiary designations, our office is here to provide experienced legal assistance to the Ohio public.