Probate and Estate Administration

Cincinnati, Ohio, Probate Lawyers

Proceedings supervised by the probate court often take place in an emotionally charged atmosphere and deal with financially and emotionally sensitive issues. At Drew & Ward, attorneys in our probate practice provide steady guidance, practical solutions, and thorough legal services to clients involved in estate administration, probate of wills, guardianship proceedings, and prenuptial planning.

“Results in a probate matter can have a profound impact on a client’s financial security and family relationships. I believe in being attentive to client needs and priorities, while advising them of their options and possible outcomes."

Attorney Michael D. McNeil

Our Cincinnati, Ohio, probate attorneys represent clients, including those from out of state, in probate courts throughout Hamilton County, Butler County, and Warren County, Ohio; and Kenton County, Boone County, and Campbell County, Kentucky.

Matters the lawyers, assisted by probate paralegal Verna West, are prepared to handle include:

• Representation of executors of estates, handling all aspects of probate and estate administration, including identification and notification of heirs and designees, probate filings, filing estate income taxes, supervision of the distribution of assets and payment of debts
• Guardianship proceedings, contested guardianships
• Adoptions
• Prenuptial agreements
• Trust reformation
• Issues related to intestacy (when a person dies without a will)

If a decedent established a well-constructed estate plan, probate is a smooth process. (It is extremely rare for a will or trust drafted by our attorneys to be challenged.) However, when a dispute does arise about trust management, breach of fiduciary duty by a trustee or the executor of an estate, or the legitimacy of a will or trust, our probate litigation practice provides powerful representation in the interests of our client.

Our Probate Team: Attorneys Richard G. Ward, Richard H. Ward, James H. Coogan, Frederic L. Goeddel, Anthony G. Covatta, Michael D. McNeil, Robert M. Smyth, Mark W. Jordan, Nancy J. Frazier and Sybil B. Mullin; supported by probate paralegal Verna West

If you would like to arrange an initial consultation about our probate and estate administration services, please contact our Cincinnati office. Our lawyers will work with you to define your goals, identify significant aspects of your unique situation, and explain your alternatives.

Related practice areas: estate planning, wills and trusts, probate litigation, charitable trusts and foundations, business succession planning, gift and estate taxation, prenuptial agreements, division of marital assets, family law, real estate, employment law, mergers and acquisitions, and medical group representation