Estate Planning for Single Adults in Ohio: Why It Still Matters

November 14, 2025

Estate Planning for Single Adults in Ohio: Why It Still Matters

When people think about estate planning, they often picture married couples or families with children. However, single adults in Ohio have just as much—if not more—reason to plan ahead. Without a legal spouse or immediate heirs, the state decides what happens to your assets, medical care, and personal affairs if something unexpected occurs. Taking time to prepare an estate plan ensures that your wishes are respected and your loved ones are not left with confusion or conflict.


Protecting Your Assets and Your Wishes


 If you die without a will in Ohio, your property is distributed according to the state’s intestacy laws. This means your assets could end up with relatives you might not have chosen, or even escheat to the state if no heirs are located. By creating a will or trust, you can choose exactly who inherits your property, from close friends to charitable organizations.


Medical and Financial Decision-Making


 If you become incapacitated, someone must make medical and financial decisions on your behalf. Without a healthcare power of attorney or financial power of attorney, the court may appoint a guardian—someone you didn’t choose. Naming a trusted person to handle these responsibilities ensures that your preferences guide critical decisions.


Planning for Digital Assets and Pets


 Many single adults overlook nontraditional assets like digital accounts, cryptocurrency, or even pets. Through an estate plan, you can assign access to your online accounts, designate a caretaker for your pet, and outline specific instructions for these unique aspects of your life.


Avoiding Probate Delays


 Proper planning can also help your estate avoid or simplify probate—the court-supervised process of distributing assets after death. Establishing a living trust or naming beneficiaries on accounts can streamline the process, saving time and legal costs for those you leave behind.


At Roderick Linton Belfance, LLP, we can provide legal assistance to the Akron public. Our team helps single adults in Ohio create customized estate plans that reflect their wishes and provide peace of mind for the future.

Smiling couple looking at a tablet together, woman's arm around man. They are inside, near a white wall.
December 29, 2025
Learn whether you can file bankruptcy in Ohio without your spouse and how individual filings affect income, joint debts, and credit. Roderick Linton Belfance, LLP assists Akron residents with personalized bankruptcy guidance.
By Aj rlbllp.com November 17, 2025
Resolving Disputes Efficiently: How Mediation and Arbitration Benefit You Disputes, whether in business, family, or civil matters, can be stressful, time-consuming, and costly. At Roderick Linton Belfance, we proudly have a team of former judges who lead our mediation and arbitration group. We understand the importance of resolving conflicts efficiently and equitably. Increasingly, clients are turning to mediation and arbitration to settle legal matters. Our unique blend of judicial knowledge and practical legal insight positions us to guide clients through these processes, ensuring their interests are protected while saving time and resources. Why Choose Mediation and Arbitration? Traditional litigation is sometimes necessary, but it is not always the best path for every dispute. Court cases can drag on for months or even years, leading to mounting legal fees and emotional fatigue. Mediation and arbitration offer alternatives that are often more flexible, private, and expedient. At Roderick Linton Belfance, our three former judges bring a wealth of knowledge in this area. Their backgrounds presiding over a wide range of cases give them an unparalleled understanding of legal complexities and dispute dynamics. As mediators, they facilitate constructive dialogue, helping parties reach mutually agreeable solutions. As arbitrators, they apply their judicial expertise to deliver impartial decisions based on the facts and evidence presented. Clients benefit from our former judges as they are adept at identifying the core issues in a dispute, anticipating potential roadblocks, and encouraging productive negotiation. Their reputations for fairness and authority often foster trust and cooperation among all parties involved. Mediation: Collaboration Over Confrontation Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process where a neutral third party helps adverse parties find common ground. Unlike a judge or arbitrator, the mediator does not impose a solution; instead, they guide the conversation and help generate creative outcomes for settlement. Mediation can be especially effective in family law, employment disputes, and business disagreements, where preserving relationships is important. Arbitration: Efficient and Binding Decisions When parties need a binding resolution but wish to avoid the rigidity and publicity of court, arbitration offers a compelling alternative. In arbitration, an impartial arbitrator, often a former or retired judge, considers the evidence and arguments before rendering a decision. This process is typically faster and less formal than court litigation. Our former judges are frequently called upon as arbitrators due to their deep legal knowledge and reputation for impartiality. For clients, arbitration can mean a quicker, more predictable outcome with less disruption to their personal or business lives. At Roderick Linton Belfance, we are committed to helping clients resolve disputes cost-effectively, efficiently, and with dignity. Leveraging the wisdom of our three former judges, we tailor our strategies to each client’s unique situation. Whether through mediation, arbitration, or a combination of both, our goal is to secure the best possible outcome while reducing the stress and expense of traditional litigation. If you are facing a legal dispute, consider the advantages of mediation and arbitration. With the guidance of one of our attorneys and the insight of our former judges, you can move forward with confidence, knowing that your interests are in capable hands. Call us at 330-434-3000 today.
Scales of justice, gavel, and law books on a wooden surface, representing legal proceedings.
October 9, 2025
Learn how to legally remove a business partner in Ohio. Roderick Linton Belfance, LLP helps Akron business owners navigate partnership disputes, buyouts, and removals while protecting their company’s future.
September 8, 2025
Family structures are as diverse as the stories that shape them. Grandparents often play a profound role in the lives of their grandchildren—providing emotional support, wisdom, and stability. Yet, when families face legal disputes, the rights of grandparents can become complicated and confusing, especially in Ohio. At our Akron law firm, we understand the importance of these bonds and are committed to helping grandparents navigate their rights within the family law system.
Blue police lights on top of a white police car.
August 21, 2025
Learn what white collar crimes are in Ohio, including fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering. Roderick Linton Belfance, LLP provides legal assistance to Akron residents facing white collar crime charges.
A scale of justice is sitting on a wooden table next to a gavel.
July 29, 2025
"Learn how personal loans and payday loans are handled in Ohio bankruptcy. Steven J. Heimberger, Attorney at Law, helps Akron residents navigate debt relief through Chapter 7 and Chapter 13."
A large house with two garage doors and a driveway in front of it.
June 24, 2025
Concerned about losing your home during bankruptcy in Ohio? Learn how the homestead exemption and your bankruptcy chapter can help you protect your house. Roderick Linton Belfance, LLP assists Akron homeowners through the process.
By aj June 4, 2025
Ohio has recently enacted new legislation aimed at reducing the incidences of Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI) offenses. Dubbed “Liv’s Law”, these changes bring about significant alterations to penalties and legal implications for individuals convicted of OVI. This blog aims to share these developments and how they may impact the community and our client’s lives.
A judge is holding a gavel in front of a statue of justice.
May 16, 2025
Learn which debts can be discharged in Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Ohio, including credit cards, medical bills, and more. Roderick Linton Belfance, LLP helps you navigate debt relief.
May 6, 2025
Spring Cleaning Your Legal Affairs: Why Now is the Time to Update Your Estate Plan