Will for Single Individual
(Basic) (OH)

Summary

This template is a simple will for an unmarried client in Ohio to pass probate assets to their children or other beneficiaries. This template includes practical guidance, drafting notes, and alternate and optional clauses. This will is for use in circumstances where the testator leaves the entire estate outright to designated beneficiaries and does not wish to create testamentary trusts. It is appropriate for a straightforward testamentary plan of an uncomplicated asset scheme. A simple will serves several important purposes as part of a larger estate plan in Ohio. The will gives the testator the power to make decisions about their assets, name an executor, and allow the testator to set forth their intent as to which heirs will inherit which property from the testator upon death. This basic will is not designed to achieve tax savings. You should explore with your client whether other instruments such as trusts may better achieve their wealth transfer intentions and better address tax issues. Further, this will does not keep the testator's assets out of probate court, as a living trust would do. Discuss with your client whether probate avoidance is a high priority and select the appropriate estate planning tool accordingly. See Estate Planning Strategies and Devices (OH). For an in-depth discussion of wills in Ohio, see Purposes and Uses of a Will (OH); Requisites, Instrumentation, and Will Provisions (OH); and Revocation, Revival, Amendments, and Will Contests (OH). For a basic will for a married individual, see Will for Individual with Spouse or Partner (Basic) (OH). For a will with trusts, see Will for Single Individual (Pot Trust for Children) (OH) and Will for Single Individual (Separate Share Trusts for Children) (OH).