Last Will and Testament in Ohio, Written in Plain English

Clear Steps. Clear Costs. Peace of Mind.

Jennifer Curtis prepares Ohio wills, living wills and powers of attorney by explaining the pros, cons and cost of each document before anything is drafted, so you can finally get your plan done without wondering where to start or what it will cost.

A Plan for the People You Love

Wills, Living Wills and Powers of Attorney for Ohio Families

Most families begin with three documents: a will that says who receives your property and who raises your children, a living will that states your medical wishes, and powers of attorney that name the people who act for you if you cannot. You do not need to be wealthy to need them. You only need people who would otherwise be left guessing.


These documents are the core of a complete estate plan. For the full picture of how they fit with trusts, beneficiary designations and long-term planning, start with our overview of estate planning.

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What Makes a Last Will and Testament Valid in Ohio?

A last will and testament in Ohio directs how your property is distributed, names the executor who settles your estate, and names a guardian for your minor children. Jennifer raised a child with special needs, so she knows firsthand how much thought goes into choosing a guardian and planning for a child who will depend on others for years to come.


For a will to be valid in Ohio, it has to meet these requirements:

  • The person making the will must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind.
  • The will must be in writing.
  • The person making the will must sign it at the end.
  • Two or more competent witnesses must either watch the signing or hear the person acknowledge the signature, and then sign the will themselves.


Ohio does not require a will to be notarized, and you can deposit your signed will with the county probate court for safekeeping. As a wills attorney in West Chester, Ohio, Jennifer oversees every signing so your will is executed correctly the first time.


For some families, especially those planning for a child with special needs or wanting to keep an estate out of probate, one of our trusts is sometimes the better fit.

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How Does a Living Will Work in Ohio?

A living will in Ohio states your wishes about life-sustaining treatment if you are terminally ill or permanently unconscious and cannot speak for yourself. It must be signed and either witnessed by two adults or acknowledged before a notary.


A living will works alongside a health care power of attorney, and most clients sign both at the same time:

  • Your living will records what you want if you reach the end of life and cannot communicate.
  • Your health care power of attorney names the person who makes medical decisions for you whenever you are unable to make them yourself.
  • Your agent follows the wishes in your living will, so the person you choose is never left to guess.


Jennifer walks through both documents in plain language, including who to name and what to talk over with that person before you sign.

Updating an Existing Plan

Life Changes—Your Plan Should Too
Marriage, divorce, birth, death, or a new home—all of these may require updates to your estate plan. JCurtis Law reviews existing documents and helps clients make the necessary changes so their plan still fits their life. Jennifer ensures that updates are properly executed and reflect current Ohio laws.

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An Ohio Power of Attorney Keeps the Bills Paid Without Court

An Ohio financial power of attorney names someone you trust to handle your money and property, from paying bills and managing bank accounts to dealing with real estate. If you are suddenly in the hospital or unable to manage your affairs, that person can step in without your family going to court for a guardianship.


Under Ohio law, a financial power of attorney is durable unless the document says otherwise, meaning it stays in effect if you become incapacitated. An Ohio durable power of attorney is the document that lets the people you choose act for you, rather than a court-appointed stranger.


We have every financial power of attorney signed before a notary, the standard practice that banks and title companies expect before they will accept it.

Life Changes, and Your Plan Should Too

Marriage, divorce, a new child, a death in the family or a new home may all call for updates to your estate plan. An old will from decades ago or a stack of forms printed online may not hold up the way you expect. Jennifer reviews your existing documents and updates them so your plan still fits your life and meets current Ohio law.

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Questions About Ohio Wills and Powers of Attorney

  • Why do I need a will in Ohio?

    A will allows you to decide how your assets are distributed, who manages your estate, and who cares for minor children. Without a will, Ohio law determines these decisions for you.

  • What happens if I die without a will in Ohio?

    If you die without a will, Ohio's intestacy laws control how your assets are distributed, which may not reflect your wishes or family dynamics.

  • Can I update my will later?

    Yes. Wills should be updated when major life events occur, such as marriage, divorce, having children, or significant financial changes.

  • Does having a will avoid probate?

    No. A will does not eliminate probate, but it provides clear instructions that help the process move more smoothly and reduce disputes.

  • Do I need an attorney to create a will?

    While online templates exist, they often fail to account for Ohio-specific requirements or individual circumstances. Working with an attorney helps ensure your will is valid, enforceable, and aligned with your goals.

  • Does a will have to be notarized in Ohio?

    No. An Ohio will is valid when it is in writing, signed at the end by the person making it, and signed by two competent witnesses. A living will is different: it must be either witnessed by two adults or notarized.

  • What is the difference between a living will and a health care power of attorney in Ohio?

    A living will states your wishes about life-sustaining treatment if you are terminally ill or permanently unconscious. A health care power of attorney names the person who makes medical decisions for you when you cannot. Most people in Ohio sign both, so their wishes are written down and someone they trust is ready to carry them out.

  • Who should I choose as my power of attorney in Ohio?

    Choose someone you trust completely, who is organized, and who is willing to take on the role. It does not have to be your oldest child or your spouse, and many people name a backup agent in case their first choice cannot serve. Talk with the person before you sign so they know what you expect.

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Testimonials

What Clients Say About Working With Jennifer

Your Wills Lawyer Near West Chester, Ohio

Helping Butler, Warren and Hamilton County Families Plan Ahead

Jennifer prepares wills, living wills and powers of attorney for clients across Butler, Warren and Hamilton counties, including West Chester, Liberty Township, Mason and Cincinnati. From young parents naming a guardian for the first time to retirees updating a decades-old will, every plan starts with a clear explanation of your options and their cost.



Call us to schedule a consultation at our office at 9078 Union Centre Boulevard, STE 350, West Chester, Ohio 45069.