United States: Wills/ Intestacy/ Estate Planning

The Calm Among the Storm – In each post of this blog series, Schneider Bell attorney Veronica Garofoli answers a real question she sees from families, fiduciaries, financial advisors, and CPAs — focused on the moments when a situation first becomes unstable, and what actually protects people under Ohio probate and trust law.

When a parent passes away and leaves behind the family home, inheriting that property involves more than sentiment—it requires navigating estate administration, sibling negotiations, property valuations, and potential buyouts. Understanding the legal and financial complexities of keeping an inherited house can help families avoid costly disputes and make informed decisions about whether to retain or sell the property.

When it comes to estate planning, even the rich and famous are not immune to costly mistakes. This examination of celebrity estate planning mishaps reveals how iconic figures have fallen victim to oversights leading to legal battles, unintended heirs, and millions in tax losses, offering valuable lessons for legal professionals and individuals alike.

One way to prepare for those circumstances is to hold real estate in a personal trust. For homeowners who already have a trust or are considering one, how the property is titled can have a significant impact on who has the authority to deal with it later.

The Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2026-03, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Investment Companies with Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions, on September 9, 2026. While the update is aimed at investment company accounting, it could benefit estate planners and valuation professionals who regularly defend marketability discounts on closely held and restricted stock.

As the Silent and Baby Boomer generations transfer an estimated $84.4 trillion in wealth through 2045, estate planning attorneys anticipate a surge in probate disputes driven by complex family structures, cognitive decline, and DIY estate documents. This analysis examines the key factors fueling the Great Wealth Transfer litigation wave and explores proactive strategies families can employ to minimize future conflicts.

Managing Partner Meighan Harmon and Associate Reed Chisenhall explore the critical distinctions between marital and non-marital property, examining how assets brought into marriage are classified and protected. The discussion delves into commingling effects, tracing requirements, proper recordkeeping practices, and the role of prenuptial agreements in safeguarding separate property.

As the creator economy continues to expand, individuals who derive income from digital platforms face a critical estate planning question. For those who already have an estate plan, that plan may not adequately address the unique challenges of managing, valuing and transferring digital businesses, leaving these increasingly valuable assets vulnerable to confusion, lost revenue and family conflict.

When an aging parent leaves a significant portion of their estate to their caregiver, families often question whether the bequest reflects genuine intent or undue influence. Washington courts have recently addressed this tension, upholding legitimate caregiver inheritances while also recognizing red flags that warrant closer scrutiny, including isolation, control over legal processes, cognitive decline, and dramatic departures from long-standing estate plans.