Cutler Law Office, LLC

10/11/2026

Cutler Law – Estate/Elder Law Myth #6

“Estate Planning Should Be Quick and Easy”

Estate planning is about much more than creating an online will, printing it, and signing it in front of witnesses. I often tell clients that good estate planning means doing the work now so your children have less to do later.

As parents, we want to make life easier for our children, especially during some of life's hardest moments: a terminal diagnosis, a dementia diagnosis, or the loss of a parent. A thoughtful estate plan can provide guidance, reduce stress, and help avoid unnecessary legal complications during an already emotional time.

A simple online will may seem convenient, but what happens if you become incapacitated or face a long-term illness? A will does not address those situations.

A comprehensive estate plan should answer important questions such as:
- Do I need a will-based plan or a trust-based plan?
- Who will handle my finances if I cannot? (Financial Power of Attorney)
- Who will make medical decisions for me if I am unable to do so? (Healthcare Power of Attorney)
- Do I want my loved ones making end-of-life decisions, or would I rather provide those instructions myself? (Living Will)

These conversations take more time than filling out an online form. They create a clear roadmap for your family. With the right plan in place, your loved ones can focus on dealing with the emotional change in life instead of navigating uncertainty, court involvement, or unanswered questions.

Estate planning is not about finding the quickest solution. It is about creating the right solution for your family.

Quick and easy is not the goal. Peace of mind is.

Experience Matters

For informational purposes only. Not intended as legal advice.

10/01/2026

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉

🏆 Congratulations to Attorney Kimberly Cutler! 🏆

Cutler Law Office is proud to announce that Attorney Kimberly Cutler has been named a 2026 Top Lawyer in Elder Law by Columbus CEO Magazine.

This prestigious recognition is especially meaningful because attorneys selected as Top Lawyers are highly recommended by their industry peers, reflecting the respect and confidence of fellow legal professionals throughout the community.

For years, Kim has been dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate estate planning, elder law, Medicaid planning, probate, and long-term care planning with compassion, knowledge, and personalized guidance. This honor is a testament to her commitment to serving clients with excellence and integrity.

Please join us in congratulating Kim on this well-deserved achievement!

08/10/2026

Friends of CLO - please don't forget to cast your vote for Marysville Journal Tribune's Reader's Choice favorites for 50 categories (including favorite attorney office).

Go to www.marysvillejt.com
Click on the Reader's Choice button on the right hand column.

07/03/2026

07/01/2026

Cutler Law – Estate/Elder Law Myth #5

"My assets will go to my spouse or children and avoid probate because they're named in my Will."

Unfortunately, that's often not true.

A Will is an important part of an estate plan, but assets transferred through a Will generally must go through probate. That's why I often tell clients: "You want to have a Will, but then try not to use it."

For example, if a vehicle, bank account, or home is titled only in your name, simply leaving it to someone in your Will may still require probate. Proper beneficiary designations, transfer-on-death arrangements, and asset titling can often save your family significant time, expense, and stress.

One of the biggest mistakes I see is people attempting a DIY estate plan online. Estate planning is much more than drafting a Will. In some situations, choosing a Will when a trust would have been more appropriate can create unnecessary probate expenses, delays, loss of privacy, or even leave vulnerable beneficiaries without the protections they need.

A good estate plan coordinates your Will or trust, beneficiary designations, asset titling, powers of attorney, and healthcare documents so they all work together.

The goal of estate planning isn't just deciding who receives your assets—it's making sure they receive them in the most efficient and protected way possible.

Experience Matters

For informational purposes only. Not intended as legal advice.

06/25/2026

Join Our Team!

Receptionist – 30 hours a week (daytime office hours)

We are seeking a friendly, professional, and confident Receptionist to be the first point of contact for our law firm. The ideal candidate is someone who genuinely enjoys helping people, can communicate with clients in a kind and compassionate manner, and thrives in a busy office environment.

Responsibilities:
- Answer and direct incoming phone calls professionally and courteously.
- Schedule client consultations and maintain the attorney’s calendar.
- Perform data entry and maintain accurate client records.
- Handle incoming and outgoing mail.
- Assist with general administrative and office support tasks.
- Communicate with clients regarding appointments and requested information.
- Maintain confidentiality of client and firm information.

Qualifications:
- Strong communication and customer service skills.
- Ability to multitask and stay organized in a fast-paced environment.
- Confidence in handling phone calls and interacting with clients.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office.
- Prior receptionist, administrative, or customer service experience is preferred.

Compensation is based on experience. No benefits included.

To Apply:
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter describing your experience and why you would be a great fit for our team. You can email these documents to: [email protected]

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

We are grateful for their sacrifice and extend our heartfelt appreciation to all who have served and the families who continue to carry their legacy.

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day. 🇺🇸

— Cutler Law Office

05/25/2026

Cutler Law – Estate/Elder Law Myth #4

“If a person goes into a nursing home, they take all of his/her assets.”

This is one of the most common fears I hear from families.

The reality is that a nursing home does not simply “take” your assets. However, you are generally expected to use your own income and assets to pay for your care. And with nursing home costs often reaching $12,000 per month or more, the financial impact can be overwhelming for many families.

That’s why planning matters.

Whether you are 45 years old helping a parent navigate a sudden health crisis, or you are planning for your own future, the right planning can make a tremendous difference for your family.

There may be legal options available to help protect assets for a spouse living at home or preserve assets for children and future generations. But timing is critical.

One thing I have learned over the past 24 years is this:
Families are almost never emotionally prepared for the moment nursing home planning becomes necessary. Even after helping clients through these situations for decades, going through it with my own family recently gave me an entirely different perspective.

The earlier you plan, the more options you may have.

Don’t wait until a crisis happens to ask what could have been done differently.

Experience Matters.

For informational purposes only. Not legal advice.

04/25/2026

Cutler Law – Estate/Elder Law Myth #3

“If I’m married, my spouse will automatically own everything when I pass away.”

It sounds logical—if you’re married, your spouse should automatically inherit everything. Unfortunately, that’s not always how it works.

Even when assets are titled in both names, they don’t always pass directly to the surviving spouse. In some cases, probate may still be required.

For example, consider a camper or titled trailer owned in both spouse’s names. These assets do not automatically transfer to your spouse unless the title specifically includes “WROS” (with rights of survivorship). Without that designation, a portion of the asset may have to go through probate before full ownership can pass to the surviving spouse.

And this isn’t limited to one type of asset—different assets follow different rules when it comes to avoiding probate. The key takeaway: transfers are not automatic.

Proper planning is essential to ensure your assets pass smoothly and efficiently to the people you intend.

Experience Matters

For informational purposes only. Not legal advice.