Cincinnati Probate Lawyer

Howard M. Schwartz focuses his practice on probate, estate planning and business law. He has extensive experience in a wide variety of probate and estate administration matters, wills, trusts, succession planning and advanced directives. He routinely handles probate matters in Hamilton County Probate Court, Butler County Probate Court, Clermont County Probate Court and Warren County Probate Court. Additionally, he represents individuals, private businesses, and professionals in matters involving succession planning, entity formation, contracts, sales transactions, buying/selling small businesses, and commercial transactions.

Howard has repeatedly received an AV rating under the Martindale Hubbell lawyer rating system. An AV rating means his attorney peers have recognized him with their highest rating for legal ability and ethical standards. Howard is Of Counsel to Flagel & Papakirk LLC. Previously, Howard served as Managing Partner of Sirkin Pinales & Schwartz LLP for thirty years.

Howard received his B.S.E.E. from the University of Cincinnati and his J.D. from Salmon P. Chase College of Law. He was admitted to the Bar of the State of Ohio and U.S. District Court in 1975. Howard is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association and the Cincinnati Bar Association and is currently the chairperson of its Certified Grievance Committee. Additionally, he is on the Board of the Mayerson JCC and is its immediate past president.

Probate & Estate Administration

What is probate?

Probate is a legal proceeding to administer certain kinds of property (called probate property) owned by someone who has died (the decedent), and to see that claims, expenses and taxes are properly paid, and that the remaining estate is distributed to those entitled to receive it under the decedent's will or Ohio law. Probate property is all property titled in the decedent's name with no designated beneficiary or survivor tenant. It is distributed only under the decedent's will or according to laws of the decedent’s domicile. A probate proceeding takes place in the probate court of the county where the decedent lived.

More about probate »

Wills & Estate Planning

Howard's estate planning practice focuses on helping clients achieve comprehensive estate planning goals. Plans are specifically designed for the needs of the individual client or family. The estate planning services range from the creation of simple wills and trusts to the origination of intricate estate and business succession plans. Howard provides estate planning advice to a diverse group of clients, including professionals, executives, large and small family groups and business owners.

Howard represents personal representatives and beneficiaries throughout the probate process, including opening and closing estates and guardianships, counseling executors and trustees regarding tax planning, the division of assets, and the funding and long-term management of trusts, as well as the preparation of estate tax returns.

In addition, he works with his clients to minimize disputes but, when necessary, provides aggressive litigation services to protect the client's rights.

• Wills
• Trusts
• Advanced Directives
• Living Wills

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