Local attorney J.C. Elgin sheds light on estate planning and the probate process

Jonathan (JC) Elgin, District Attorney and Shareholder of JC Elgin Co., LPA specializes in estate planning, probate, bankruptcy and civil matters. With his roots in Shelby and a strong educational background from The Ohio State University and Ohio Northern University Pettitt Law School, Elgin returned to his hometown to attend to the legal needs of the local community.

Estate planning Allows individuals to decide what happens to their estate after their death. Whether a person makes a will or not, Ohio has a default plan for asset distribution in the absence of specific instructions.

“Planning your estate is essential to ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and to prevent any undue burden on your loved ones,” Elgin said. Whether it is avoiding bequests or minimizing tax implications, estate planning provides a sense of security for individuals and their families.

Elgin highlighted four main reasons why people seek estate planning services. First, it facilitates the management process for loved ones. Secondly, it helps avoid probate courts and potential complications. Third, some individuals use estate planning for tax purposes, due to fluctuations in the estate tax threshold. Finally, others need estate planning to put themselves into Medicaid resources without sacrificing all of their assets for nursing home expenses.

“Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy, it’s for anyone who wants to protect their family’s future. Having a clear plan ensures that your hard-earned assets go to the right people and lead to the issues that matter most to you,” said Elgin.

When doing estate planning, four basic documents are considered: last will, health care power of attorney, financial power of attorney, and living will. A last will determines how a person’s property will be distributed after their death, while powers of attorney specify the individuals who can make decisions on someone’s behalf if they become incapacitated. The neighborhood will provide instructions to clinicians regarding end-of-life decisions.

“With proper estate planning, you have the opportunity to designate someone you trust to handle your medical and financial decisions if you are unable to do so yourself. This ensures that your wishes are respected even if you become unable to communicate,” Elgin said.

For more complex situations, individuals may need advanced estate planning, such as establishing trusts to protect their assets or cater to specific situations such as providing for a disabled child or asset protection for a financially irresponsible child.

Regarding the probate process, Elgin explained that it begins after someone dies. The probate process is the orderly dissolution of a deceased individual’s debts and assets, under court supervision. If the person has a will, the inheritance court makes sure that the document meets legal requirements and the designated person (“the executor”) follows the instructions of the will and state law in terminating the deceased person’s affairs. In the absence of a will, the inheritance court will designate a person (the “administrator”) to distribute the assets according to the state’s default plan.

Bob Williams, a happy client of JC Elgin Co., LPA, has nothing but high praise for the work that JC Elgin does for him.

“I chose J.C. Elgin to carry out our bequests for us because he was immediately kind and trustworthy the first time we met at a benefit in Shelby,” said Williams. “He is never in a hurry and is very professional, thorough and sensible. I have recommended him to many people.”

Elgin’s expertise in estate planning and probate provides valuable legal services to the community, ensuring peace of mind and a secure future for its clients. His commitment to his hometown and passion for the law continue to serve the Shelby community well. With a wide range of legal knowledge and a dedication to helping individuals secure their assets and make informed decisions, Elgin stands as a trusted ally to the residents of Shelby and beyond.

For more information about JC Elgin Co., LPA, visit their website website Or call 567-275-1040.