There are several important federal tax law changes effective in 2026 that may impact your current estate plan. The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” has significantly altered the landscape, and we recommend reviewing your estate plan to ensure it continues to meet your goals. Key 2026 Tax Law Changes • Federal Estate & Gift Tax Exemption: The lifetime federal estate and gift tax exclusion amount has been increased to $15 million per individual or a combined $30 million for a married couple in 2026. This increase, indexed for inflation, permanently replaces the scheduled 2025 sunset provision of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act …
Eight Coolidge Wall Attorneys Named 2026 Ohio Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
Coolidge Wall is pleased to announce that eight of its attorneys have been selected by their peers for inclusion as 2026 Ohio Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars®. Super Lawyers: Patricia J. Friesinger: Creditor Debtor Rights Daniel J. Gentry: Business Litigation Joshua R. Lounsbury: Workers’ Compensation David P. Pierce: Business Litigation Richard A. Talda: Business Litigation Rising Stars: Robert D. Ballinger: Real Estate Kara T. Ruffolo: Business/Corporate Ashley E. Warwar: Estate Planning and Probate In addition, David Pierce was recognized as a Top 50 Cincinnati Super Lawyer. Dayton attorneys are included in the Cincinnati listing. Every year, Super Lawyers evaluates lawyers …
Coolidge Wall Announces Election Of Two Shareholders
Dayton, Ohio – The law firm of Coolidge Wall Co., L.P.A. is pleased to announce that Elliott V. Haller and Ashley E. Warwar have been elected as new shareholders of the firm. “We are proud to welcome Elliott and Ashley as new shareholders,” said Daniel J. Gentry, President, and CEO of Coolidge Wall. “They bring incredible skills and capabilities to our clients and are ready to move forward in their new roles within the firm. They are both actively engaged in the Dayton community and embody the character and caliber of the attorneys who have practiced at our firm over …
New Associate Michael Ruffolo Joins Coolidge Wall
Dayton, Ohio – Coolidge Wall Co., L.P.A. is pleased to announce that Michael Ruffolo has joined the firm as an associate in its Corporate & Business, Estate Planning and Probate, and Tax Departments. Within corporate/business, Michael provides services to clients pertaining to mergers and acquisitions, corporate formations, business and operations, general business counsel, and corporate governance. In tax, he assists clients on federal, state, and local tax issues. Michael’s estate planning practice includes assisting clients in all aspects of the preparation and administration of estates. Michael graduated from the University of Dayton School of Law in 2023 with a certified concentration in …
The Passage of Time Can Minimize the Effectiveness of Your Estate Plan
Estate planning is the process for how you transfer your personal and investment assets, business interests, and wealth in general to heirs and others. This process can be very important for anyone who wants to be certain that their loved ones are adequately provided for and taken care of, and that the process is streamlined and cost effective. When done properly, estate planning aims to allow you to pass on your assets as you see fit, minimize the tax issues associated with transfer of wealth, avoid probate court proceedings to transfer title to certain assets, and provide protections for your …
Choosing the Right Fiduciary: ‘Tis a Reason to be Folly
“Where ignorance is bliss, ’tis folly to be wise.” This oft quoted line originates from Thomas Grey’s “Ode on a Distant Prospect at Eton College.” In modern parlance, this line is bifurcated and inserted casually into playful conversation. The saying “ignorance is bliss” is most often associated with a state of being lethargic with one’s mind and yet fulfilled, nonetheless. A closer look at Mr. Grey’s poem suggests a theme that is less about reconciling one’s choices by resorting to apathy. Instead, it serves as a gentle reminder that acting wisely and with conviction in the present may serve to …
Estate Planning for the 18 Year Old
When my son, Sam, celebrated his 18th birthday, I gave him (surprise!) his very own set of estate planning documents. They were not as popular as, say, a Land Rover, but they were definitely at the top of “my” list. Why? Because he was now an adult and I was now persona non grata. My son’s 18th birthday terminated many legal rights that I had previously taken for granted. He was now an adult. I could no longer consult with his doctor due to HIPAA regulations (although the billing office had no such qualms). I was unable to endorse Grandma’s …
New Rules Governing Adult Guardianships
In 2014, the Columbus Dispatch published a five-part investigative report highlighting guardianship abuse in Ohio. During the course of the series, the Dispatch identified lawyer Paul S. Kormanik as a Court appointed guardian of over 400 incompetent adults. Mr. Kormanik did not meet with his wards on a regular basis, if at all, and was quoted as saying that nursing homes acted as his eyes and ears. The series “Unguarded” uncovered a system that left the elderly, the mentally disabled, and the mentally ill vulnerable to abuse, exploitation, and neglect. In response to the series, the Ohio Supreme Court initiated …
Is Your Estate Plan Up-To-Date?
In Being Mortal, an incredibly rich and revealing book about what people care about as they age, Dr. Atul Gawande described how impressed he was by the importance people placed on maintaining control of their lives. Estate planning helps you maintain control during, and after, your life by allowing you to make decisions now to carry out your wishes later. Just as our lives and circumstances change frequently, so does the law. We visit our dentists and doctors regularly for a “check-up.” When did you last schedule a “check-up” of your estate planning documents? Are your documents up-to-date (or are …
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