Estate Planning, Probate, Trust Administration and Tax

At Crabbe, Brown & James, our attorneys work with clients of all sizes and net worth to address and plan for the challenges relating to transfers of wealth and estate planning. We help individuals, traditional and non-traditional families, and businesses navigate complex issues of tax, probate, and trusts.  We represent our clients in these matters before the courts, the Internal Revenue Service, the Ohio Department of Taxation, and other governmental agencies. We create comprehensive and reliable plans for our clients that cover life, death, marriage, retirement, and any other unanticipated situations that might come their way, all while paying considerable attention to each client’s unique assets and personal objectives.

Our attorneys are highly knowledgeable, experienced, and well-versed in the complex laws and regulations that accompany tax planning, probate, and estate transfers.  Above all, we strive to honor our clients’ particular needs as we design and structure estate plans.  We prepare customized legal documents for flexible and seamless transitions, taking into account tax obligations, charitable intentions, short-term and long-term goals, ever-shifting family dynamics, evolving economic circumstances, and potential changes in the law.

At Crabbe, Brown & James, we pride ourselves on the highest level of professionalism and our unparalleled client service, and we do not take for granted the personal and sensitive considerations that planning for the future may require. More importantly, we value the trust and confidence that our clients bestow on us as we navigate their end goal.  We are very mindful of the fact that our clients entrust us not only with sensitive financial information, but also with their innermost desires for their family.

Estate Planning and Business Succession Planning

Our attorneys are experienced in listening to our clients’ wishes and designing an estate plan specifically suited for them.   We assist clients in implementing their estate plans and work with other professional advisors such as accountants, insurance agents, and financial advisors to ensure that each estate plan is fully carried out.  We also assist clients in transitioning their businesses to the next generation.

Income Tax Advice and Compliance

We provide tax advice in the areas of income, gift, estate, and generation-transfer taxes.  We also prepare and file tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service and the Ohio Department of Taxation and represent clients in disputes with taxing authorities.

Probate

We represent individual and corporate executors and administrators in estate administration proceedings in all counties in Ohio.  We are very mindful of probate legal fees that an estate may incur.  As such, we do not unduly prolong the probate process.  We have opened and closed estates in as little as 1 to 3 days, transferring title to assets in the name of the decedent to the decedent’s heirs.  Our clients have told us, time and time again, that they appreciate the efficiency and compassion with which we provide them the service they need, at one of the most vulnerable time in their lives.

Trust Administration

One of the goals of estate planning is the avoidance of probate.  For clients who do not require probate as a result of our fully-implemented estate plan, we assist in the administration of trusts as needed.  We serve as general counsel to trustees and advise them on issues related to funding and distribution.