Estate Planning, Wills & Trusts, and Probate Law
Planning your estate is one of the best things you can do not only for yourself, but for your family members and loved ones as well. Estate planning involves safeguarding your family by managing your property, distributing assets with minimal tax consequences, planning for your health concerns and end-of-life care, while providing for the financial support of your children and dependents.
The Estate Planning Attorneys of Ziegler & Schneider have the experience to provide you with legal assistance for all aspects of estate planning and administration.
Learn how the Z&S Estate Planning Attorneys can help you safeguard your future and your family’s stability.
Our Estate Planning Attorneys can assist you with
- Wills & Trusts
- Probate
- Business Succession Planning
- Retirement Planning for Individuals
- Living Wills & Powers of Attorney
- Special Needs Trusts
More about the Estate Planning Services at Z&S
Ziegler & Schneider’s attorneys are experienced in practicing in the probate courts of Northern Kentucky and Southern Ohio. Probate documents such as the Application for Administration and Appointment of Personal Representative, preparation of Inventories and Periodic and Final Accountings, inheritance tax returns, and federal and state tax returns are an integral and frequent part of their practice.
Probate is the name of the procedure for settling the affairs of a deceased person who dies with or without a will. The process involves resolving financial affairs, collecting assets, paying debts, and distributing the remaining assets according to the terms of the will or, when there is no will, according to the laws of the state where the deceased person resided at the time of his or her death. Ziegler & Schneider Estate Planning Attorneys can guide you through every step of the probate process. Under certain circumstances, a full probate procedure may not be necessary. We can help you determine if you qualify for the procedure known as Dispensing with Administration.
For many clients involved with family or closely held businesses, succession planning for these businesses, including minimizing transfer and death taxes, is the most important part of an effective estate plan. Ziegler & Schneider attorneys are experienced in assisting with the transfer of a business interest during life; as well as by Will or by Trust at death. Consultation regarding the preparation of documents such as stock redemption agreements, buy-sell agreements, non-compete agreements, deferred compensation and other retirement agreements are regularly provided by Ziegler & Schneider’s attorneys.
The development of a plan for one’s estate and retirement involves not only the preparation of Wills and Trusts (including Special Needs Trusts for disabled beneficiaries), Life Insurance Trusts, and Testamentary and Living Trusts, but also involves consultation and where necessary, preparation of documents pertaining to IRA’s, 401(K) plans, pensions, profit sharing plans, powers of attorney, health care powers of attorney, life insurance, long-term care contracts, and living wills.
Also known as a Healthcare Directive, Living Wills are an official document which sets forth your wishes regarding health measures. A Healthcare Power of Attorney allows you to designate someone as your healthcare agent to make medical decisions on your behalf, while a Durable Power of Attorney allows a person you designate to handle your affairs when you cannot. The Durable Power of Attorney document takes effect immediately and continues in full force and effect if you become incapacitate. It is revocable at any time if you are mentally capable, or upon your death.
Specialized trust for mentally and/or physically disabled beneficiaries
Meet the Z&S Estate Planning Group
What Our Clients Say
I’ve had the pleasure of working on a case with Matt for the last year. He is as professional as they come, very bright, and very deliberate in his words and actions. You can count on him to provide sound, well-reasoned advice. He has a cool, calm, relaxed temperament as well. He is a highly respected and highly skilled advocate.
—Justin Sanders
Matt (Smith) helped my mother update her estate documents following a series of medical issues. He was kind, patient, and compassionate. He listened to her desires, clearly explained her options, and prepared the requested documents in a timely manner. He reviewed exactly what was being implemented with direct and understandable language. My mother was pleased with Matt’s caring professionalism and that her end-of-life wishes would be honored.
—Bill Noggin
Matt (Smith) was prompt, professional, and resolved a last-minute legal issue for my company perfectly. I was pressed for time, and needed a quick resolution to a situation. Matt reviewed the matter via email, and within a few hours responded with an amazingly on-point analysis and recommended an effective course of action. I was fortunate to have been referred to him, and highly recommend him for business law.
—Client Review
Matt Smith and the team Z&S Law have been tremendous in helping my business and family thru a 2-year transition phase, their response time has been impeccable! I would highly recommend Matt Smith and his team at Z&S for all business and personal legal needs.
—Brian Bush
Resources
How an Attorney Can Protect You During a Real Estate Transaction
Buying a home will likely be the biggest financial transaction of your life. You should be protected by an attorney who is trained in the complexities of real estate law. Having legal counsel...
Estate Planning: Wills & Trusts
Planning your estate is one of the best things you can do not only for yourself, but for your family members and loved ones as well. Estate planning involves safeguarding your family by managing...
House Bill 11: Uniform Power of Attorney Act (2006)
On April 25, 2018, Governor Bevin signed House Bill 11 into law. House Bill 11 establishes Chapter 457 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes adopting portions of the Uniform Power of Attorney Act (2006)....