Cincinnati · OH · Vetted Directory

Top Estate Planning Lawyers in Cincinnati

Estate planning in Cincinnati is more affordable than many people fear, partly because Ohio repealed its estate tax in 2013, so most families owe no state death tax at all. A solid plan still matters: without a will, Ohio's intestacy law decides who gets what, and your estate goes through Hamilton County Probate Court, which is public and can take months. A lawyer helps you put a will, powers of attorney, and often a revocable living trust in place so your wishes are followed and your family avoids surprises. Below are vetted Cincinnati firms that handle wills, trusts, and probate.

$0
Ohio Estate Tax
2 witnesses
Required for a Will
Hamilton Co.
Probate Court
$300-$1,200
Simple Will Package

Updated May 22, 2026

When you need a Cincinnati estate planning lawyer

A young single person with few assets may get by with a basic will. You should talk to a Cincinnati estate planning lawyer when:

  • You own a home or other Ohio real estate you want to pass on without probate.
  • You have minor children and need to name a guardian and set up how money is managed for them.
  • You have a blended family, a child with special needs, or someone you want to provide for carefully.
  • You own a business or rental property that needs a succession plan.
  • You want to avoid Hamilton County probate and keep your affairs private through a trust.

What estate planning costs in Cincinnati

Most Cincinnati estate lawyers charge a flat fee for a will or trust package rather than billing hourly, so you know the price up front. Ohio's lack of an estate tax keeps planning simpler for the vast majority of families.

$300-$1,200
Simple will package
$1,500-$4,000
Revocable living trust
$0
Ohio estate tax
$250-$450/hr
If billed hourly

Because Ohio has no estate tax and most firms quote a flat fee, a Cincinnati estate plan is usually a known, one-time cost. For the national picture, see our estate planning guide, or browse all Cincinnati lawyers.

How an estate plan comes together in Cincinnati

  • Inventory and goals: list what you own and who you want to provide for; the lawyer flags Ohio-specific issues.
  • Choose the tools: a will alone, or a revocable trust to keep your home out of Hamilton County probate.
  • Sign with witnesses: Ohio requires a will to be signed by you and two witnesses (Ohio Rev. Code 2107.03).
  • Add powers of attorney: a financial power of attorney and a health-care directive cover you while you are alive.
  • Fund and update: retitle assets into a trust if you use one, and revisit the plan after a marriage, birth, or move.

Cincinnati firms that handle estate planning

1

Zimmer Law Firm

CincinnatiBoutiqueestate planning, elder law

A Cincinnati firm focused on estate planning and trusts, led by Barry Zimmer. A strong choice for families who want a practice devoted to wills, trusts, and Medicaid planning.

Free ConsultationBoutique
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2

Niehaus Law Office, LLC

CincinnatiSolo / smallestate planning, elder law

A Cincinnati firm handling estate planning, trust administration, and nursing-home Medicaid planning. A good fit for older clients juggling estate and elder-law questions together.

Free ConsultationSolo / small
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3

Finney Law Firm, LLC

CincinnatiMid-sizeestate planning, real estate

A full-service Cincinnati firm with an estate planning and administration practice alongside real estate and business work. A reasonable pick when your plan involves property or a business.

Free ConsultationMid-size
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4

Cornetet, Meyer, Rush & Stapleton

CincinnatiMid-sizeestate planning

A Cincinnati-area firm where attorney Elliott Stapleton handles estate plans, including blended-family situations. A fit for clients who want a planning-focused lawyer with strong reviews.

Free ConsultationMid-size
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5

Barron Peck Bennie & Schlemmer

CincinnatiMid-sizeestate planning, probate

A Cincinnati firm covering estate planning and probate administration. A good option for families who may also need help settling an estate in Hamilton County Probate Court.

Free ConsultationMid-size
Request Free Consult

See the full ranked write-up in our Top 10 estate planning lawyers in Cincinnati guide. Firm details are gathered from public sources; ratings not shown are not yet aggregated.

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Estate Planning in Cincinnati — FAQ

Does Ohio have an estate or inheritance tax?
No. Ohio repealed its estate tax effective January 1, 2013, and it has no inheritance tax. The federal estate tax only applies to very large estates (roughly $13.99 million per person in 2025), so the vast majority of Cincinnati families owe no death tax.
How much does a will cost in Cincinnati?
Most Cincinnati estate lawyers charge a flat fee of about $300 to $1,200 for a basic will package that includes powers of attorney and a health-care directive. A revocable living trust runs higher, often $1,500 to $4,000, because it takes more drafting and funding.
Do I need a trust or is a will enough?
It depends on your goals. A will is simpler and cheaper, but everything in it still goes through Hamilton County Probate Court. A revocable living trust costs more up front but can keep your home and accounts out of probate and private. A lawyer can tell you which fits your situation.
What happens if I die without a will in Ohio?
Ohio's intestacy law decides who inherits, usually your spouse and children in set shares, and the probate court appoints someone to administer the estate. That may not match your wishes, and it gives you no say over guardians for minor children.
How long does probate take in Hamilton County?
A typical Ohio probate runs about six months to a year, longer if the estate is complex or contested. Assets held in a properly funded trust, or with beneficiary or transfer-on-death designations, can pass outside probate much faster.

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