The Sauter Law Firm

04/04/2022

The Sauter Law Firm is hiring a Legal Administrative Assistant! See this post for details.

02/17/2022

A real clause in a real will that we are really drafting:

"I direct my Executor or any representative of my Estate to take possession of a portion of my cremated remains and arrange that an artificial diamond be created from these remains. The Executor or any representative of my estate must then cause the resulting artificial diamond to be mounted into a sword of the Executor or representative's selection. The costs of arranging for the creation of the diamond and resulting forging of the sword will be borne by the Estate with the same payment priority as funeral costs, per the Ohio Revised Code section in effect at the time of this will's administration.

Sometimes the law is fun. 🙂

(Permission was received from the client to share this post)

01/18/2022

This is an issue near and dear to me. My practice's first case was a traumatic brain injury victim that did not want (or need) guardianship.

This is a really, really good article. It is detailed. But it misses one important item:

Wards have far more agency to hire counsel than many people, including lawyers, realize. Third parties like, family members, can hire counsel on behalf of a ward "stuck" in a guardianship. Attorneys representing wards directly can lean on the ward's constitutional right to counsel and the fiduciary role of the court to get paid.

Wards can get lawyers. There is hope. There are alternatives.

npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/01/09/1065301762/britney-spears-left-her-guardianship-but-others-who-want-independence-remain-stu

If a judge rules a person can't make their own decisions, the next step can be a legal guardianship or conservatorship. Some states allow less restrictive options, but advocates say it's not enough.

01/17/2022

"Do I need a trust?" is one of our most frequently asked questions. In this blog, The Sauter Law Firm gives a guiding hand in understanding the basics on revocable living trusts and situations where one may be recommended. If you are considering creating or updating your estate plan , please call 513-341-5078 for a free consultation.

A revocable living trust is an estate planning tool that is generally used in situations where the client would like to have more control over their assets after death. A revocable living trust is a type of legal document that holds property for a particular purpose. Property of a trust is held “i...

01/14/2022

Our firm is seeing a lot more nursing facility lockdowns amid the Omicron surge. Unfortunately, this restrictive environment makes it easier for bad actors to exploit vulnerable adults.

Now is the time to check on your loved ones. If you see something, say something. If you need help or advice you can contact our firm, the Ohio Ombudsman's Office, or ProSeniors (for persons over the age of 60).

Stay safe out there everyone.

Older Americans are falling victim to fraud, physical violence and neglect as isolation from family and institutional staffing shortages erode safeguards.

12/27/2021

January is one of the busiest times of the year for us, as people always want to create or update their estate plan after the holidays. Here, The Sauter Law Firm explains the importance of both the health care power of attorney and financial power of attorney in an estate plan. If you are thinking about creating an estate plan or updating an existing one, please feel free to call us at 513-341-5078 and set up a free consultation!

What would happen if you became incapacitated and could no longer make medical decisions or financial decisions? This question frequently comes up during estate planning consultations and for good reason. Medical decisions and financial decisions can be quite intimate and most people would want a cl...

12/03/2021

Have you ever wondered if you need a Living Will or a Health Care Power of Attorney? The Sauter Law Firm explains these essential estate planning documents in the blog posted below. If you are thinking of creating an estate plan or updating an existing one, please feel free to call us at 513-341-5078 and set up a free consultation.

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you or a loved one became incapacitated or were facing end-of-life decisons? These decisions can be some of the most important choices that one will ever have to make. The goal for most people is to ease the burden on loved ones and ensure that your wishes...

11/18/2021

The Sauter Law Firm is very pleased to announce that we will be posting blogs bi-weekly. Our first series will be on estate planning in which we explore essential documents that are necessary to an estate plan. If you or a loved one have been contemplating creating an estate plan or updating an existing one, please feel free to call us at 513-341-5078 to schedule a free consultation.

Almost everybody has experienced the passing of a loved one. This can be one of the most challenging experiences in a person’s life. Having a properly drafted will can ensure that your wishes are followed and dramatically reduce the stress and pressure of loved ones after you pass. Wills are an im...

06/03/2021

Great news to share. The Sauter Law Firm is looking to hire an associate or third-year law student for its expanding estate planning practice. Details are attached to this post.

Applications can be emailed to [email protected]

02/09/2021

Looking for information about common aging issues? Did you know the federal government offers hundreds of pamphlets on topics like:

"Money Smart for Older Adults"
"Help for agents under a power of attorney"
"Four things older adults need to know about debt collection"
"Reverse mortgages: A discussion guide"

And dozens and dozens more. Consider reviewing these resources if you have questions about planning for retirement. If you have questions, you can always contact the Sauter Law Firm for a free consultation to see if we can help.

Working with older adults

01/12/2021

Happy New Year! During this cold winter January, don't forget to check in with friends and family you haven't spoken to in a while, especially those living in nursing facilities or group homes. Its been an isolating prior year for many of us and a phone call or socially distant visit can make a huge difference in the life of someone living in these settings.