What is a Life Estate Deed in Ohio?

November 26th, 2025

An essential part of estate planning is creating the necessary documents to ensure your assets are secure during your lifetime and that ownership will transfer to the correct parties upon your death. As part of your estate plan, you may consider using a life estate deed to transfer property ownership. When a life estate deed is used, the property owner retains a “life estate,” meaning they continue to own and can live on the property for the rest of their life. The property transfers to an individual of their choosing upon their death.

A life estate deed can be a useful estate planning tool that allows a property owner to transfer property to a named beneficiary while retaining the right to use the property for the remainder of their lifetime. While a life estate deed is similar to a transfer on death deed, there are key differences that you must understand to decide which estate planning tool is right for you.

What Is a Life Estate Deed?

A life estate deed is a way to transfer property from one person (the Grantor) to another person (the Grantee, also known as th… Read More

Partition of an Inherited Home After Probate Explained

September 23rd, 2025

After a loved one passes away, their assets usually go through a legal process called probate. Probate helps ensure that the person’s debts are paid and that their assets are passed on according to their will or Ohio law. Sometimes, more than one person inherits the same property, like a family home. When this happens, disagreements can arise about what to do with that home. If the co-owners cannot agree, the next step might involve something called a partition of an inherited home.

At Gudorf Law Group, LLC, we often help families navigate the partition of inherited property in Ohio. This can be a stressful and emotional time, especially if the property has sentimental value. Understanding how partition works and when it becomes necessary can help you make informed choices and protect your best interests.

What Does Partition of Inherited Property Mean?

Partition of inherited property is a legal process used to divide jointly owned property among heirs or beneficiaries. In Ohio, if two or more people inherit a home and can’t agree about what to do with it, any one of them can file a lawsuit to forc… Read More

What Is a Survivorship Deed?

July 28th, 2025

If you're considering transferring your property to a loved one without going through the lengthy probate process, a survivorship deed could be the ideal solution. This simple legal tool ensures that your property passes directly to a co-owner upon your death, without the need for court intervention. At Gudorf Law Group, LLC, we help Ohio residents understand how a survivorship deed works and how it can simplify their estate planning.

Survivorship Deed Explained

A survivorship deed is a legal document that allows two or more people to own property together with the agreement that when one co-owner passes away, their share automatically transfers to the surviving owner(s). This automatic transfer eliminates the need for probate court, making the process faster and less costly for the surviving owner.

In Ohio, survivorship deeds are commonly used by married couples, but they can also be beneficial for parents, siblings, and even close friends who want to ensure a smooth transfer of property. If you're asking “what is a survivorship deed?”, think of it as a way to avoid the delays and costs of probate when passing down property. It ensures that your prope… Read More