Jeffrey S. Berenholz, LLC

06/09/2026

A will is an important part of an estate plan, but it does not avoid probate on its own.

Many people are surprised to learn that even with a valid will, assets may still need to pass through probate court.

If your goal is to help your loved ones avoid probate, other planning tools may be needed — such as a trust, beneficiary designations, and proper account titling.

The right plan depends on your family, your assets, and your goals.
If you’d like help creating a plan designed to reduce probate
complications, visit JeffBLaw.com or call/text (216) 232-5100.
Answer: B — No, a will does not avoid probate.

06/09/2026

A will does not have to be complicated.

At its heart, a will is simply your wishes written down clearly and legally. It helps answer important questions like:
Who should receive your assets?
Who should handle your affairs?
Who would care for your children if something happened to you?

Without a will, state law makes many of those decisions using a default process that may not reflect what you would have chosen.

That is why even a simple estate plan can make a meaningful difference.

Having a will is not about expecting the worst. It is about giving your loved ones clarity, direction, and less stress during an already difficult time.

To learn more or schedule a consultation, visit JeffBLaw.com or call/text (216) 232-5100.

06/07/2026

Myth or Fact?
When you hear the word “estate,” do you picture grand homes, gardens, and inherited wealth?

Here’s the question:
Do you have an estate even if you don’t consider yourself wealthy?
Take a guess before reading on.

The answer: Yes.
Your estate generally includes what you own — your home, car, bank accounts, retirement accounts, personal belongings, digital assets, business interests — and even responsibilities like debts or loans.

That’s why estate planning is not just for the wealthy. It is for anyone who wants their wishes to be clear and their loved ones protected.

A good plan can help answer important questions: Who should make decisions if you cannot? Who should care for minor children? Who should receive certain assets or belongings?
Estate planning is not about how much you have. It is about making sure what you have is protected, organized, and handled according to your wishes.
Learn more at JeffBLaw.com.

06/07/2026

Estate planning isn’t really about death.

It’s about control while you’re living and clarity for the people you love if something unexpected happens.

A thoughtful estate plan can help make sure the right people are able to step in, make decisions, access important information, and follow your wishes — without unnecessary confusion, delays, or added stress.

It’s not just about what happens someday.

It’s about making life easier, clearer, and more secure for the people who may need to help you.

Learn more at JeffBLaw.com.

06/04/2026

We are grateful for this kind review and for the trust placed in our firm during such an important time.

Estate planning is not only about preparing documents. It is about helping families move forward with clarity when life feels confusing, emotional, or overwhelming.

Thank you, Denice, for sharing your experience. We are honored to have been able to help.

Jeffrey S. Berenholz LLC is proud to provide estate planning, probate, and business legal services in Ohio.

To learn more or schedule a consultation, visit JeffBLaw.com or call/text (216) 232-5100.

05/31/2026

Approximately 1 in 7 people have unclaimed property waiting for them.

Unclaimed property can include old bank accounts, uncashed checks, stocks, insurance proceeds, utility deposits, and more.
This is one reason a complete estate plan should include an organized list of accounts, assets, and important financial information.

Your loved ones should not have to become detectives during a time of grief.

A little organization now can prevent confusion later.

Most people think of estate planning as something that protects the assets they already know about: the house, bank accounts, retirement savings, life insurance, family heirlooms, and personal property.But what about the assets no one remembers?Across the country, state governments are holding billi...

05/30/2026

More than 1 in 3 adults age 50+ who expect to leave an inheritance do not have a will.

That is a major planning gap.

You may know what you want to leave behind. You may assume your family knows, too. But without proper documents, your wishes may be harder to carry out.

A will, trust, beneficiary review, and powers of attorney can help turn good intentions into clear legal direction.

Estate planning helps make your wishes easier to honor.

05/29/2026

68% of people in serious or engaged relationships have no estate planning documents at all.

This can create serious risk for unmarried couples.

Without proper legal documents, a long-term partner may not have authority to make medical decisions in an emergency. They may also have no automatic inheritance rights under many state laws.
Love and commitment are deeply meaningful — but the law still needs clear paperwork.

If you are in a committed relationship, estate planning can help protect the person you love.

05/28/2026

68% of Americans believe pets should be included in an estate plan in some form.

For many families, pets are not “just animals.” They are family.
But without a clear plan, loved ones may be left guessing about who should care for them, how expenses should be handled, and what kind of care you would want them to receive.

Estate planning can help make sure your pets are protected, provided for, and placed with someone you trust.

Because love does not stop at humans.

05/27/2026

48% of Americans have no instructions in place for what should happen to their digital accounts and files after they die.

That includes email accounts, financial logins, photo libraries, cloud storage, social media profiles, and other online records.

Today, so much of life is digital. But many estate plans still focus only on physical property and financial accounts.

A complete estate plan should help your loved ones know what exists, who can access it, and what should happen next.

Your digital life deserves a plan, too.