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Ohio Last Will and Testament

An Ohio Last Will and Testament (a "Will") is a legal document that sets forth your preferences related to asset distribution after death, such as who will inherit your home, personal belongings, or money.

The person making a Will is known as the "testator," and the individual or organization being appointed to oversee the testator's estate after death is known as the "executor." Designed for residents of Ohio, this free Last Will and Testament can be used in Cuyahoga County, Hamilton County, Summit County, and in all other parts of the state. Each Ohio Will from Rocket Lawyer can be tailored to address your particular circumstances. As a result of having this essential document, your loved ones will have a point of reference for your preferences.

It's very easy to document your wishes with a free Ohio Last Will and Testament template from Rocket Lawyer:

1. Make the document - Provide a few simple details, and we will do the rest
2. Send and share it - Review it with a lawyer, if desired
3. Sign and make it legal - Optional or not, having two disinterested witnesses is ideal

This method will often end up being much more affordable and convenient than hiring and working with the average lawyer. If needed, you can prepare a Last Will and Testament on behalf of a relative, and then help them sign it once you've drafted it. Please remember that for this document to be legally valid, the testator must be a mentally competent adult when they sign. If the testator is already unable to make their own decisions, a court-appointed conservatorship generally will be necessary. When dealing with this situation, it would be a good idea to talk to a lawyer.

Every person over 18 years old should have a Last Will and Testament. While it is challenging to acknowledge, your loved ones will need to know your preferences for guardianship (if applicable), your property, and/or assets if you pass away. Here are a few common situations in which you may find it useful to make or update your Will:

• Your marital status has changed
• You are aging or dealing with ongoing health issues
• You have a new biological or adopted child
• You own or recently bought/sold real estate

Whether this Ohio Last Will and Testament is being created as a result of a change in your life or as part of a forward-looking plan, witnesses and notarization are highly encouraged for protecting your document if a third party questions its credibility.

Writing a Will is normally straightforward, but you could still need legal advice. Depending on whom you contact, some attorneys will not even accept requests to review a document that they did not write. A better approach might be to request help from attorney services at Rocket Lawyer. As a Premium member, you have the ability to ask for advice from an attorney with relevant experience or pose other questions related to your Will. We are here for you.

The fees associated with meeting and hiring a law firm to write a Last Will and Testament might add up to anywhere between two hundred and one thousand dollars, depending on where you are. When using Rocket Lawyer, you are not just filling out a Last Will and Testament template. If you ever need help from a lawyer, your Rocket Lawyer membership provides up to 40% in savings when you hire an On Call attorney.

After creating this Last Will with the help of Rocket Lawyer, you will be able to get to it wherever and whenever you choose. With a Premium membership, you may make edits, print it out, and/or sign it. Your Ohio Will has a series of directions on what you can do next. Make sure to store the signed original in a safe location where it can't get wet or otherwise damaged. It is important that at least one person knows where it can be found after you pass away.

The specific guidelines and restrictions for Wills vary in each state; however, in Ohio, your Will must be signed by two witnesses. As a general principle, witnesses should be at least 18 years old. Witnesses cannot also be beneficiaries. Furthermore, it is recommended that your Last Will be acknowledged by a notary public to reinforce its authenticity.

See legal references for a Will in Ohio: § 2107.03

A Last Will and Testament doesn't need to be filed with the court until the testator passes away. Filing the Will (in addition to any other forms needed by the county) allows for probate to begin.