Estate Planning Checklist for Ohio Residents: What to Do After You Sign Your Documents

You’ve signed your estate planning documents. That is a big step. Believe me, we know how big of an accomplishment getting to signing is. You’ve taken a weight off, checked off a box on the to-do list, you’ve put a plan in place for your family…it feels great.  

But here is something many Ohio residents do not realize. Signing your documents is only part of the process. If you want your plan to actually work when it is needed, there are a few important steps to take next. You’re probably thinking… what?!?! Please, no more to-dos, I’m busy!

We totally understand, so we’re providing this estate planning checklist that will help you protect your assets, avoid probate in Ohio, and make sure everything is set up correctly.

1. Store Your Estate Planning Documents Safely

After signing your will, trust, power of attorney, and healthcare documents, make sure they are stored somewhere secure.

• Keep the originals in a safe place such as a fireproof safe or safety deposit box

• Make sure your executor or trustee knows where to find them

• Provide copies if appropriate

In Ohio, your executor or trustee will need access to these documents fairly quickly.

2. Notify the Right People

You do not need to share every detail of your plan, but the people you named should at least know their role.

This includes your:

• Trustee

• Executor

• Financial Power of Attorney agent

• Healthcare agent

• Guardians for your minor children

A quick conversation now can prevent confusion later.

3. Fund Your Trust (This Is the Most Important Step)

If you created a revocable living trust in Ohio, this step is critical.

You should:

• Transfer real estate into your trust or use a Transfer on Death Designation Affidavit (TODDA)

• Retitle bank and brokerage accounts

• Assign business interests such as LLC ownership

If your trust is not funded, it will not help you avoid probate.

4. Review Your Real Estate 

Ohio allows Transfer on Death Designation Affidavits (TODDA) for real estate, which can help your property pass outside of probate.

Make sure you:

• Record any TODDA with the county recorder

• Confirm the title is correct

• Align your real estate with your overall estate plan

This is one of the most common areas where mistakes happen.

5. Update Beneficiary Designations

Some assets pass outside of your will or trust, no matter what your documents say.

These include:

• Life insurance policies

• Retirement accounts, such as IRAs and 401(k)s

Review your beneficiary designations to make sure they match your estate plan.

6. Review How Your Financial Accounts Are Titled

Take a look at your bank and investment accounts.

You should:

• Confirm ownership aligns with your trust

• Add POD (Payable on Death) or TOD (Transfer on Death) designations where appropriate

This step helps ensure your assets transfer smoothly.

7. Share Your Healthcare Documents

Make sure the right people have access to your healthcare documents.

Provide copies of your:

• Healthcare Power of Attorney

• Living Will
  

You can share these with:

• Your healthcare agent

• Your doctor, if you choose

• Your patient portal, such as MyChart

This makes it easier for your wishes to be followed in an emergency.

8. Keep a Simple List of Your Assets

You do not need anything complicated. A basic list goes a long way.

Include:

• Bank accounts

• Investment accounts

• Real estate

• Digital Accounts

• Key contacts such as your attorney, CPA, and financial advisor

This can save your family a lot of time and stress later.

9. Review Your Estate Plan Regularly

Your life will change, and your estate plan should keep up.

Plan to review your documents:

• Every 3 to 5 years

• After major life events, such as marriage, divorce, a move, or new assets

Keeping your plan up to date is just as important as creating it.

Final Thoughts: Estate Planning in Ohio Is More Than Just Documents

Estate planning in Ohio is not just about signing documents. It is about making sure your assets are properly titled and coordinated.

The biggest mistake people make is not aligning their assets with their plan.

By taking these steps, you can:

• Help your trust work the way it is supposed to

• Reduce the risk of probate

• Make things easier for your family

Ready to Make Sure Your Plan Actually Works?

If you have recently signed your estate planning documents, or if you are not sure everything is properly set up, the next step is making sure your assets are aligned with your plan.

We help Ohio families:

• Fund their trusts properly

• Coordinate real estate and TOD designations

• Align LLCs and business interests with their estate plan

• Avoid common probate mistakes

Schedule a review today to ensure your plan is complete and working exactly as intended.