Getting an early start on estate planning

By Beth Newcomb

Nobody thinks they’re going to die young, until they do. And that’s the thing about death—it doesn’t discriminate. While most of us who’ve advanced in years, have kids or have accumulated any assets typically address estate planning at the onset of life’s events, millennials and Gen-Xers tend to ignore the idea that they might expire before hitting 40. Or, because they handle virtually every aspect of their life virtually, they might recognize the need for a will but go online to download a quick and easy fillable option.

“People who have any assets, even if it is just a car, should visit an attorney to discuss a possible estate plan,” says Jay Nabors, a Cleveland-based attorney who focuses on estate planning. “A plan normally includes a last will and testament, a living will, healthcare power of attorney, and durable power of attorney for finances.”

Jay has seen cases where a young person passes and leaves behind an asset like a car, only to have the parents have to file in probate court to have the car transferred over to them so they could sell it.

And if you’ve downloaded a fillable will from the internet? Jay says it’s an opportunity for big problems. “People get disinherited, things get missed, and the will might not even be valid,” he says. “The best option is to just have a local attorney take care of your estate planning.”

Jay is a partner with Weston Hurd LLP. Typically he sees clients at the firm’s office in downtown Cleveland, in addition to meeting with clients in Strongsville upon request. House calls and select evening appointments are available.

To reach Jay Nabors of Weston Hurd LLP, call him directly at 216-687-3205. His office is located at 1301 E. 9th Street, Suite 1900 in downtown Cleveland. Jay can also meet clients at 11221 Pearl Road in Strongsville.