PLANNED GIVING
SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG 1
ESTATE PLANNING – PLANNED GIVING A Cleveland Jewish News Advertising Special Section
ESTATE PLANNING
2 CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG | SEPTEMBER 18, 2026
Roetzel & Andress celebrates 150th anniversary A. KEVIN CORVO
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kron-based law firm Roetzel & Andress is celebrating its semiquincentennial of its founding as a twolawyer partnership is downtown Akron. That same year, the United States celebrated its centennial, Alexander Graham Bell patented the telephone and the country’s presidential election between Republican Ohio Gov. Rutherford B. Hayes and Democratic New York Gov. Samuel Tilden was disputed. In the 150 years since, the telephone, in various iterations, remains an essential part of daily life and presidential elections are still disputed, and in that time, Roetzel & Andress grew into a law firm that today has nearly 200 practicing attorneys in Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Kentucky and Washington, D.C. Roetzel & Andress Chairman Bob Blackham, who joined the firm 32 years ago and has served as chairman for the past 12 years, is focused on leading the firm into the second half of its second century. “For 150 years, this firm has grown with Akron, not just in size but in responsibility. Our lawyers have advised businesses, supported public institutions and helped shape civic life here for generations,” Blackham, a graduate of the Cleveland State University College of Law, said. “That continuity matters especially in a community our firm is proud to call home.” The firm’s attorneys have included Cletus Roetzel, a former Summit County prosecutor known for his successful
prosecution of the “Black Hand” crime syndicate, a precursor to the mafia that in the early 20th century reportedly carried out bounties on police officers who investigated those crimes. Roetzel joined the firm in the 1930s and became one of Akron’s most respected trial lawyers. Samuel Andress joined in the firm in 1927 and returned to the firm after World War II, practicing as a corporate attorney who helped grow the firm’s business practice and its reputation for client service. Roetzel’s history also includes pioneers such as Ruth Moore, who began working at the firm in 1910 and went on to become one of Ohio’s first female attorneys. As Roetzel looks to the future, its focus remains grounded in the same principles that have guided the firm for 150 years: serving its clients, investing in its people and contributing to the strength of the communities it calls home, according to Blackham, who graduated from Vermillion High School and earned his undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University in Columbus. But Blackham, 67, did not go to The Ohio State University with the intent of becoming a lawyer. Rather, he was attracted to the then-novel concept of computer science, but redirected after taking courses that introduced him to sociology and criminology. “I became interested in Constitutional law and that inspired me to become an attorney,” Blackham, who as a trial lawyer took about 30 cases to a verdict while at Roetzel & Andress, said.
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“For 150 years, this firm has grown with Akron, not just in size but in responsibility. Our lawyers have advised businesses, supported public institutions and helped shape civic life here for generations. That continuity matters especially in a community our firm is proud to call home.” Bob Blackham Roetzel & Andress In his auspice as chairman of the firm, he has stepped back from the courtroom to focus on the firm itself and ensuring it continues delivering “superior client service” while serving partners and shareholders, Blackham said. In recent years, Roetzel & Andress has continued to strengthen its Akron presence while adapting to the evolving needs of clients and communities, according to Blackham. In 2024, the firm welcomed more than 40 attorneys from Brouse McDowell, further reinforcing its Akron roots and broadening its ability to serve businesses, public entities and nonprofits across the region. But such growth is “deliberate,” Blackham said and occurs only when the firm has determined that any merger or acquisition fits with its guiding principles and values. “We are very careful because we have such a great thing going here. … Longevity is not accidental,” Blackham said. “It comes from placing relationships first with clients, colleagues and the communities we serve, and from making decisions with the next generation in mind.” Blackham is also involved with the integration of artificial intelligence into the firm’s work products. With offices in Akron, Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Detroit, Chicago, Lexington, Fort Myers, Fla., Washington, D.C., and other cities, the firm is yet poised for further growth, though there is no timeline for it, according to Blackham. “Our goal isn’t a number, it will happen only if it enhances our service to our clients,” Blackham said. A. Kevin Corvo is a freelance journalist.
PLANNED GIVING
SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG 3
ESTATE PLANNING
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KATERYNA KOPYLCHAK kkopylchak@cjn.org
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hen creating a will, deciding who receives property and other assets is only part of the process. Another important decision is choosing an executor. “An executor has several responsibilities, beginning with locating the last will and testament and filing it with the local probate court to receive legal authority to administer the estate”, Starke Sheldon P. Starke, an attorney at law, for legal services in employment, entertainment and professional licensing with Sheldon P. Starke in Beachwood, said. From there, the executor must gather and secure the deceased person’s assets, notify beneficiaries and creditors and contact appropriate government agencies, such as the Social Security Administration. The executor is also responsible for paying debts and taxes owed by the estate. “Gathering assets is a biggie,” Starke said. “That could be a big job or a very small one depending upon what property was owned.” An executor may also obtain multiple copies of the death certificate and establish a bank account for the estate. Money belonging to the
estate can be deposited into the account while bills, taxes and other expenses can be paid from it. Once the debts and taxes have been handled, the executor provides an accounting of the estate’s finances to the probate court and beneficiaries before distributing inheritances. “The law imposes very strict rules on an executor, honorable rules that you don’t violate, because otherwise you could have liability as an executor,” he said. “Their duty is to use the absolute best interest of the estate and its beneficiaries, but never for any financial gain.” Because of the responsibility involved, choosing an executor should involve more than selecting someone a person trusts. How that individual will communicate and work with beneficiaries after the person’s death should also be considered. “You’ve got to find the person who you will trust when you’re not here,” Starke said. “But it’s not just a matter of trust. It’s also a matter of a living, working relationship that you’re leaving when you leave the world.” For example, someone creating a will may trust a relative completely, but should also consider whether that person can work effectively with children, a surviving spouse or other beneficiaries. Choosing someone who is difficult to work with could create unnecessary conflict while the estate is being administered. “The selection of an executor is integral to the smooth development and operation and closing of an estate,” he said.
“An executor has several responsibilities, beginning with locating the last will and testament and filing it with the local probate court to receive legal authority to administer the estate.” Sheldon P. Starke
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SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG 5
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6 CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG | SEPTEMBER 18, 2026
ESTATE PLANNING
Gift-giving offers more than presents for children MARTHA SOROHAN msorohan@cjn.org
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he law defines a gift as any transfer to an individual, either directly or indirectly, where full consideration is not received in return. Parents’ giving gifts to children before they die has both advantages and disadvantages, Mike Manly, director, tax advisory and wealth management at GFP Financial Wealth in Cleveland, said. An immediate advantage is helping children with major expenses such as education, buying a home or starting a
business. Not only can parents experience the enjoyment and fulfillment of seeing their children benefit, Manly said, but the gift can teach financial responsibility and provide guidance on building wealth. Removed as an asset from the parents’ estate, the gift could potentially reduce estate taxes. “Future appreciation of the assets will occur outside of the parents’ estate, which can provide additional estate tax benefits,” Manly said. Gifts in the form of tuition or medical expenses are not subject to gift tax if made directly to the educational or medical institution, and there is no cap. Gifts to 529 plans
differ. “Gifts to 529 plans are not considered as going directly to an educational institution,” Manly said. Disadvantages of such gifts to children begin with parental loss of control over the assets. “Children can utilize the funds in ways that may not meet the approval of the parents,” Manly said. “Gifts that Manly are not equal among the children could create family conflicts.” Gifts could affect eligibility for government programs such as Medicaid or financial aid for education, while funding investment accounts for minor children may lead to the imposition of the Kiddie Tax for the child, Manly said. “When the investment income – such as dividend and interest produced from the gifted funds – exceeds certain thresholds, the children will be taxed at their parents’ presumably higher marginal income tax rate,” Manly said. “With gifts, the children’s cost basis in the assets remains the same as the parents’ cost basis; therefore, future capital gains are passed on to the children. Inherited assets receive a stepped-up basis which can significantly reduce capital gains that will be realized if the children sell the assets.” In 2026, an individual may give up to $19,000, and couples up to $38,000, to any person without triggering gift tax or using one’s lifetime exclusions. Gifts may be provided to an unlimited number of individuals. For 2026, the federal lifetime gift and tax exemption is $15 million per individual and $30 million for married couples, Manly said. Gifts exceeding the annual exclusion require the filing of Form 709, gift tax returns, by each individual, which Manly says adds an administrative burden for the parents. “Spouses who combine their annual exclusions when gifting are also required to file a Form 709,” Manly said. Because all gifts must be reported at fair market value, an appraisal or other formal valuation may be required. Selling property to children for less than full market value can be considered a gift and require filing a gift tax return as well. Manly said that when considering a gift of cash or property, parents should consider that the lifetime estate and gift exemption includes assets passed to heirs at death as well as gifts made during life that exceeded the annual exclusion amount. Manly recommended that parents who want to limit the use of gifted funds place them in an irrevocable trust which can restrict how and when they are available to beneficiaries. In general, a gift that retains too many incidents of ownership is not considered a gift, he said. He recommends working with an attorney when creating trusts that benefit children to ensure that trust provisions function as intended. Finally, Manly said that parents’ giving now can help children save for retirement. “If the child currently works, the parent can fund a Roth IRA for the child based on the amount of income earned by the child, up to $7,500, which would be reported on Form W-2 or Form 1099,” he said. “Gifts to Roth IRAs provide a great opportunity to teach children about investing and by starting early can provide years of income tax-free growth.”
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Families with special needs children must plan carefully for the future MARTHA SOROHAN msorohan@cjn.org
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state planning for parents with children who are disabled or who have special needs takes extra care and planning. The first and most important thing to consider is who would care for the child or children if one or both parents die, according to Rob S. Chaloupka, senior associate probate attorney/ Chaloupka estate planning and administration with N.P. Weiss Law in South Euclid. The next steps will depend on how much, if any, government benefits the child now receives or will receive in the future, he said. “Depending on the individual circumstances, it will likely be important to
set up a plan to provide for the child while also ensuring they remain eligible for the help they need,” he said. Choosing an estate planner who specializes in this field is also important, said Chaloupka, a parent of a special needs child who focuses in this area of estate planning. “There is a lot of crossover between special needs planning for elderly adults and for children, but in my experience, the best planners for families with disabled children are those who focus on younger families and have some personal knowledge of what’s involved,” Chaloupka said. Chaloupka said that if the parents named in their will one or more guardians for the child or children, the probate court will give that nomination a lot of weight. “But, ultimately, it is the judge’s decision who will serve as a legal guardian for a minor child left behind when the parents pass,” he said. Laws differ from state to state, even with
Medicaid. Although a federal program, Medicaid is administered at the state level, so Ohio’s Medicaid rules differ from those in Michigan, Pennsylvania or Texas, for example, according to Chaloupka. “If the family lives in Ohio, and it’s anticipated that the child will remain in Ohio for the foreseeable future, it’s important to make sure you’re working with someone who is familiar with local laws and regulations,” he said. He also pointed out that typically, government benefits follow the special needs child, not the parents. “Whoever is acting as the child’s legal guardian would be responsible for maintaining and distributing those benefits,” Chaloupka said. According to Chaloupka, money left directly to the child by parents, grandparents or anyone else in their own estate plans can have a major effect on government benefits such as Medicaid. “Many of these benefits have strict
income and asset limitations, and a windfall of cash from family can harm the child’s eligibility,” he said. “That’s why it’s important to consult with an experienced estate planning attorney who can guide families through the ways to set up a plan that respects their intentions while protecting the child’s interests.” Chaloupka reiterated that as parent of a special needs child, this area of law is “very near and dear to my heart.” “I know that it can be hard to make decisions, especially for younger children, when you don’t really know how things will turn out for them,” he said. “In my own practice, I try to be the kind of trusted resource for families that I needed in my own life. The key to the relationship is trust, understanding and knowing that you’re putting together something specifically tailored for this child, and this family, not just a cookie-cutter form.”
Together, we can shape the future of healthcare. “I trust Cleveland Clinic to pursue cures in a way that is both safe and smart. I hope my gift, even if it may be considered modest to some, will make a difference to future Cleveland Clinic cancer patients. All donations count.” – Sandy Jones, Cleveland Clinic Legacy Donor A legacy gift often made through your will, trust or other estate plans can make a lasting impact for generations to come. Learn more about gift planning at Cleveland Clinic. Call 216.444.1245 or email giftplanning@ccf.org
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ESTATE PLANNING
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Inheriting a house may not be as easy as it sounds CASEY SWINARSKI cswinarski@cjn.org
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nheriting a house is not as simple as being handed the keys. The process can be long and complex, particularly when the property is titled solely in the name of the person who died. Carly Deutch Glantz, senior estate planning counsel at Fried Law Group LLC. in Beachwood, said that in Ohio if a house is titled only in the decedent’s Deutch Glantz name, the beneficiary generally must open a probate estate to transfer ownership. The probate process, she explained, can include creating an inventory of the deceased person’s assets, obtaining court approval and filing a certificate of transfer with the county recorder. “That’s probably the hardest way to do it,” Deutch Glantz said. “But, if you came to me and said, ‘I want to give my house to (this person),’ there are ways to create your estate
plan so that it works a lot easier than that, and that’s what we do all the time.” The probate process can take at least six months and, depending on the county and whether the estate is contested, can take up to two years. When someone has inherited a house, Deutch Glantz said that one of the first steps is determining how the property was titled and whether the deceased person had a will or another estate plan in place. “A will really gets your property where you intend it to go, but you have to go to court and have your executor open up a probate administration in order to get it there, unless the assets are properly titled,” Deutch Glantz said. “Titling is a really critical part of what we do.” A will alone does not necessarily avoid probate. Instead, certain methods of owning or transferring property can allow a home to pass to a beneficiary with fewer court proceedings. Deutch Glantz recommended several estate-planning tools that can simplify the transfer of a home, including joint tenancy with rights of survivorship, a transfer-ondeath affidavit and revocable trusts.
“Whether or not we recommend a basic estate plan, like a will, depends on what your assets look like as a whole.” Carly Deutch Glantz Fried Law Group LLC
With joint ownership and rights of survivorship, for example, a property can automatically pass to the surviving owner when one owner dies. “We would title it with you and your spouse, if you had one, jointly, with the rights of survivorship,” Deutch Glantz said. “If one spouse died, then the other one would own the house.” For people planning their estates, the best option depends on their overall financial and family circumstances. “Whether or not we recommend a basic estate plan, like a will, depends on what your assets look like as a whole,” Deutch Glantz said.
If someone dies without a will, Ohio’s intestacy laws determine who inherits the estate. The law establishes a hierarchy of potential heirs, beginning with a surviving spouse and children and extending to other relatives. If no eligible heirs can be found, the estate ultimately can pass to the state. For someone who has already inherited a home, understanding how the property was titled and whether probate is required can help determine the next steps. An attorney or other qualified professional can help an heir navigate the transfer process and determine what needs to happen before the property is sold, transferred or kept.
Create a Legacy of Hope for Children & Families in Crisis Providence House has kept more than 20,000 children safe and families together with the help of our generous community. By remembering Providence House in your will, trust, or estate plans, you’re creating a lifeline of support for thousands of children and families for generations to come!
Visit provhouse.org/legacy to get started! provhouse.org 216.651.5982 @provhouseCLE
PLANNED GIVING
SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG 9
HSA can have important place in retirement planning MARTHA SOROHAN msorohan@cjn.org
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ow does a health savings account figure into estate planning? It is a powerful investment tool – even though there is no one-size-fits-all health savings account. By definition, a health savings account, or HSA, is a tax-advantaged account available to people enrolled in eligible high-deductible health plans, according to Rose Faye, director of financial planning at Edelman Financial Engines in Beachwood. “One of its biggest benefits is the Faye triple tax advantage: contributions can be pretax, the money can grow tax-free and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free,” Faye said. And unlike some other health accounts, the money rolls over from year-to-year and stays with you. “If you change jobs, an HSA isn’t a replacement for health insurance, but it can work alongside your coverage to help pay for deductibles and other qualified out-of-pocket health care costs,” she said. While Faye said that most people purchase HSAs to pay medical bills, over time this type of account can become a meaningful financial asset. “Especially if you’re investing the balance rather than spending it each year,” she said. As such, it should not be overlooked in one’s broader estate plan. “As with your other financial accounts, it’s important to keep your beneficiary designations up to date and make sure
“You don’t want to assume your will automatically addresses every account you own. Regularly reviewing your beneficiaries, particularly after a major life event, can help make sure your accounts are aligned with your estate plan.”
they align with your overall wishes,” Faye said. Faye said that it is equally important to remember that a will is only one part of an estate plan, and that beneficiary designations on all financial accounts such as HSAs can determine how the assets will be transferred upon one’s death. “You don’t want to assume your will automatically addresses every account you own,” she said. “Regularly reviewing your beneficiaries, particularly after a major life event, can help make sure your accounts are aligned with your estate plan.” An HSA can be a powerful long-term investment tool
for those who can afford to cover medical expenses without tapping into it. “You may be able to invest the balance, give that money more time to potentially grow, and use it for qualified health care expenses later,” Faye said. She said some of her clients use their HSAs in this way. “But, many people still think of them primarily as accounts for supplementing the costs of current medical bills,” she said. “Looking at an HSA through a long-term lens can make it a valuable complement to your broader retirement savings strategy.”
PROTECTING LEGACIES. PLANNING WITH PURPOSE.
Hahn Loeser’s National Estate Planning team brings together 31 attorneys and 8 paralegals across 9 offices to guide clients throughout the United States and around the world. With deep experience and a personalized approach, we help individuals and families protect wealth, preserve their wishes, and plan confidently for the future.
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ESTATE PLANNING
10 CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG | SEPTEMBER 18, 2026
Watch out for mistakes that can impact estate plan CASEY SWINARSKI cswinarski@cjn.org
Leave a Lasting Legacy Through the Cleveland Museum of Art’s For the Benefit of All the People Comprehensive Campaign
Gifts may be made through a simple bequest, beneficiary designation, appreciated securities, or a life-income gift. Please contact the office of glanned giving at 216-707-2158 or legacygiving@clevelandart.org Marriage Wall Panel or Tabletop, 1700s–early 1800s. Italy. Marble and other stones; 5.7 x 146.7 x 97.8 cm. The Jewish Museum, New York; Purchase: Gift in memory of Curtis Hereld; Edward and Helene Toledano Fund; Traditional Judaica Acquisitions Committee Fund; Dennis Stein Bequest; Judaica Endowment Fund; Phil and Norma Fine Fund; Gift in memory of Frieda and Felix Warburg and Edward M.M. Warburg; Gift of Dr. Harry G. Friedman, by exchange; Gifts of Alex Schmelzer, Lisa Rotmil and Family; Helen and Jack Cytryn Fund; Gifts of the Jewish Museum Volunteer Association, and the Ellis Goodman Family Foundation 2007-1. Courtesy of the Jewish Museum, New York. On view in gallery 201 as part of Adorning Ritual: Jewish Ceremonial Art from the Jewish Museum, New York through October 25, 2026
C
reating an estate plan is only the first step in protecting assets and making sure a person’s wishes are carried out. Failing to properly fund a trust, choosing the wrong person to manage an estate and withholding important information from an attorney are among common mistakes that can create problems later, according to Port Cynthia Port, an attorney at Singerman, Mills, Desberg & Kauntz, Co., LPA in Beachwood. One of the most common mistakes Port sees is people assuming their estate plan is complete once they have signed their legal documents. “The biggest mistake I see is that people sign their documents and think that they’re done, instead of retitling their assets and making sure that all the proper beneficiary designations and retitling has been put into place,” she said. A trust, for example, generally needs to be properly funded to accomplish its intended purpose. That can mean transferring ownership of certain assets to the trust and reviewing beneficiary designations. “Having a trust is great, but if you don’t fund it, it’s not going to help you avoid probate,” Port said. Another decision that requires careful consideration is choosing the people who will carry out the estate plan. Executors, trustees and agents under powers of attorney can have significant responsibilities, and family relationships should not be the only factor in making those choices. “Naming someone as an executor, a trustee or an agent under a power of attorney is a job, and it comes with a fiduciary obligation,” Port said. People sometimes choose relatives because they worry another family member will feel slighted if they are left out. But Port said being appointed to one of these roles is not simply an honor. “Clients often think their family members
will be offended if they aren’t named, but really, it’s a lot of responsibility, and not everyone’s children are up to the task,” she said. Port also advised clients to be candid with their attorneys, even when some family or financial circumstances are difficult or uncomfortable to discuss. “Tell your attorney everything you know, give them the facts,” Port said. “Tell them what’s going on and what your situation is. If we don’t have all the information, we can’t accurately advise our clients, so don’t leave anything out.” That information can include details about beneficiaries that might affect how an estate should be structured. Port said attorneys need to know about special needs, spending problems, addiction issues or troubled marriages among potential beneficiaries. Those circumstances may influence how assets are distributed and whether a beneficiary should receive money directly or through a trust or other arrangement. When selecting a fiduciary, Port recommended considering both the person’s abilities and the relationships involved. “Think about who you trust, who the beneficiaries are, and if that’s going to be a good working relationship,” she said. Estate planning, she said, should account not only for who receives assets but also for how family members will interact while carrying out the plan. “What sort of situation are you setting up, where somebody has to go to somebody else for money, and is that going to be a comfortable relationship or are you creating a situation that’s going to involve conflict?” she said.
“Think about who you trust, who the beneficiaries are, and if that’s going to be a good working relationship.” Cynthia Port Singerman, Mills, Desberg & Kauntz, Co., LPA
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SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG 11
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ESTATE PLANNING
12 CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG | SEPTEMBER 18, 2026
Early estate planning can offer lasting benefits JIMMY OSWALD joswald@cjn.org
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A Legacy Worth Preserving Including Playhouse Square in your estate plans honors the historic theaters our community fought to preserve and ensures they remain a source of inspiration for generations to come. Your legacy is an enduring act of stewardship. Join our Legacy Circle and keep these beloved stages shining.
playhousesquare.org/legacycircle
LEGACY
CIRCLE
loved one dying is always a stressful – but inevitable – facet of life. But the situation can become even more taxing on a family if the person died without an estate plan in place to decide the fate of their assets. By putting together a will or trust, it keeps you in the driver seat of your life even after it has ended. Fried “An estate plan puts you in control of how you want your assets to be managed and who you want to inherit the circumstances relating to difficulties that arise in your life,” Adam Fried, an attorney and founder of Fried Law Firm in Beachwood. “Having some protections there also makes a lot of sense. If you leave it to chance, sometimes the worst thing can happen.” In Ohio, if a person dies without a will, an estate enters probate and assets are distributed through “heirs of law,” which is a determination of which individuals are entitled to the decedent’s property based on relations including those of spouse, children, parents, siblings and others following a hierarchy. To prevent such a scenario, anyone that has an asset needs to make sure they get where they wish for it to end up legally marked in a will or trust. But it goes beyond material possessions. Fried said that an example is when his kids turned 18, he lost the ability to make decisions for them regarding their medical care. “Well, then you have to go through some legal process to get authority to make those medical decisions,” he added. “When kids are going to college, they should start thinking about their estate planning.” According to a 2025 study by the Pew Research Center, income level pays a big part in if a person chooses to draft a will. Eighty-three percent of adults ages 70 and older with upper incomes have a will and 78% have a living will or advance directive. By comparison, 51% of adults 70 and older with lower incomes have a will, and 59% have a living will or advance directive. A good place to start when putting
“Estate planning attorneys are a valuable tool to get a sense as to what the circumstances of planning might be, and everybody’s situation is different.” Adam Fried Fried Law Firm together a will or trust, Fried said, is working with an estate planning attorney, who focuses on helping people draft and advise on those plans, centering it around an individual’s situation. It can make initiating those difficult conversations with loved ones easier, and can reduce the stress by introducing a knowledgeable outside party. “Estate planning attorneys are a valuable tool to get a sense as to what the circumstances of planning might be, and everybody’s situation is different,” he said. “Some people would be well suited to have a trust, and some people, as it relates to the disposition of assets, might be well suited to simply have beneficiary designations or joint accounts. The focus, I think, should be on what are your family and financial circumstances? And can you turn that into an action plan to make sure things are in place should something happen to you?” When talking about the process that will happen after one passes away, Fried said it is good to decide beneficiary designations. “For instance, retirement assets. If they don’t have a beneficiary, those assets transfer through through a probate estate and you might not maximize the benefits available to the person receiving them in terms of tax deferrals,” he said. And a change in family circumstance, like a marriage, divorce or widowing, can cause unexpected hiccups after a person has passed, so it is important to keep wills and trusts up to date, Fried said.
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SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG 13
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ESTATE PLANNING
14 CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG | SEPTEMBER 18, 2026
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axes are difficult to avoid when estate planning, but Jeffrey Berenholz, founder and managing attorney at Jeffrey S. Berenholz, LLC., in Beachwood, said that there are options for transferring assets in a tax-efficient manner. “There’s a couple of different approaches and taxes to consider,” Berenholz said. “The Berenholz first, at the most basic level, is capital gains taxes.” When planning their estate, many clients, he said, are concerned with minimizing or avoiding capital gains taxes when they transfer their assets. “There is a bit of a misconception out there where people feel like the easiest thing to do, especially if they’re also trying to plan for Medicaid and protect their assets, is to add their children to the deeds of their homes while they are still alive,” Berenholz said. “It’s not a good idea, because they lose what’s called a step-up in basis.” Step-up in basis is a tax provision that allows inherited assets to have a new cost basis equal to their fair market value at the previous owner’s date of death. For example, Berenholz explained, if a house was worth $100,000 when purchased, but is now worth $500,000, it could be subject to a capital gains tax on the $400,000 when it gets sold on the market. “The mistake with that is when the homeowners pass away and the kids are left with the house, they inherited their parent’s
tax basis for when they purchased the home,” Berenholz said. “When their kids go to sell the house, they’re going to have that same problem, they’re going to have that tax on the capital gains.” The most basic estate planning, he said, says that if someone wants to transfer a home, they should do it through either a will, a trust, or a transfer on death affidavit, to eliminate the tax problem and save with the step up in basis, so that their children inherit the home at the fair market value at the time of death of the previous homeowner. A second tax that many people are unaware of, Berenholz said, is state level estate taxes. “We are fortunate that in Ohio, we no longer have a state level estate tax,” he said. “It was eliminated in 2012 and went into effect in 2013, which means that parents can transfer an unlimited amount of money to their children tax free.” The federal government, however, does have an estate tax for those who are transferring more than $15 million in assets per person. “A properly structured irrevocable trust can protect up to $30 million in assets from federal estate taxes,” Berenholz said. “Once you’re pushing above that as a married couple, or above that $15 million as an individual, then you want to start looking at doing some form of irrevocable trust to protect some of those assets.” The best way to do that, Berenholz said, is to find an attorney who specializes in working above the $30 million threshold. “You really want someone who understands the nuances of those trusts, how they can work, and how they can help families,” he said.
“There is a bit of a misconception out there where people feel like the easiest thing to do, especially if they’re also trying to plan for Medicaid and protect their assets, is to add their children to the deeds of their homes while they are still alive. It’s not a good idea, because they lose what’s called a step-up in basis.” Jeffrey S. Berenholz Jeffrey S. Berenholz, LLC
PLANNED GIVING
SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG 15
Where there’s some assets, there needs to be a will JIMMY OSWALD joswald@cjn.org
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state planning isn’t an endeavor that one should simply push off until they are older and getting closer to the end of their life expectancy. It’s important to get busy immediately deciding what is going to happen to their money, properties and other assets when they die. Susan L. Friedman, shareholder, Roetzel & Friedman Andress in Cleveland, said that if a person has assets when they are 18 years old, it is time to get started on their will, a legal document that states how a person wants their property, money and possessions divided after they die. “All adults over 18 with assets should consider executing a will if they want to have a say on who will receive those assets when they die,” she said. “Depending on an individual’s situation, creating a trust is also important and may make good sense. Without a will or trust, assets will transfer to intestate under Ohio law to the decedent’s closest relatives as defined in the Ohio Revised Code.” A trust is a legal arrangement where a trustee holds and manages assets for the benefit of named individuals or organizations. While a will goes through probate, which is a court-supervised process, a trust avoids that and goes into effect while one is still alive. The need for a will or trust becomes even more crucial once a person has children as their fate could go into the hands of the legal system should both parents die. “It is also important for parents of minor children to execute wills,” Friedman said. “Parents can nominate a guardian for their children in their wills in case something happens to them. If no one is named in the will, the court may appoint someone the parents would not have chosen without consideration of the parents’ wishes.” According to AARP, four in 10 American adults have a living will or trust. About eight in 10 of those older than 72 have one, but 78% of millennials (ages 18 to 36) and 64% of Generation Xers (ages 37 to 52) do not have a will.
“All adults over 18 with assets should consider executing a will if they want to have a say on who will receive those assets when they die.” Susan L. Friedman Roetzel & Andress
“Once an individual has assets or property in the individual’s own name, he or she should consider creating a will,” Friedman said. “I normally recommend reviewing the will or estate plan every five to 10 years. I also suggest reviewing documents when there is a lifecycle event, such as marriage, divorce, birth, death or changes in the law, such as tax laws.” Decisions like who will receive assets, such as money, stocks, bonds, 401(k), home, cars, jewelry and collectibles, is laid out in a will, as is the name of the appointed executor, along with alternate executors, who has powers or authority over the various assets that will be transferred, Friedman said. If an estate plan isn’t put in order by someone who dies, those assets will pass under the intestate statute of the state that you are a resident of. It changes from state to state or, in certain cases, from county to county. Friedman said that in Ohio, under Revised Code Section 2105.06, the responsibility of the assets would be given in the order of who would be in closest relation. It would start with the spouse then go to the children, and the process would continue from there. At the end of the day, the state will eventually track down the closest living relative of the deceased. If one doesn’t want that happening, getting a will set up with what you would like to happen is mandatory. “I recommend hiring an attorney to prepare a will,” she said. “It’s important to make sure required information is included and that the document is executed property under state law.”
ESTATE PLANNING
16 CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG | SEPTEMBER 18, 2026
Whom should you leave inheritance to? MARTHA SOROHAN msorohan@cjn.org
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amily dynamics is the biggest factor in deciding whether to leave an inheritance to one’s children or grandchildren. “Most people leave inheritance to their children, then let the children decide how to provide for their kids,” Rachel Kabb-Effron of Kabb Law in Beachwood, which specializes in elder care and law, said. Bradley Greene, an attorney with The Life Care Planning Law Offices of Bradley L. Greene in Lyndhurst, said that if the estate size is sufficient, leaving something to grandchildren is a nice gesture. “Something to help remember them,” he said. “It can help create generational wealth because of compounding interest.” Greene said that most people stipulate in their wills a dollar amount or percentage that they would like to leave their heirs. However, when a dollar amount is stipulated, that person must receive the money before anyone else receives a share, and sometimes, there is not enough money to go around. “We typically recommend a percentage of the estate since we really have no idea how much in assets the individual will have when they pass,” he said. “If there are four kids, each gets 25%.” Greene also pointed out that when a person who has been willed assets predeceases the grantor – the one making the gift – the gift typically passes down to the deceased individual’s children. “The language in most wills or trusts is ‘per stirpes’ which translates from Latin as ‘by branch’ or ‘by roots’ so that if someone passes away before their parent, the gift will pass down to their children, i.e., the grandchildren,” he said. “However, if that language is not in there, the gift will lapse and be split among the remaining living beneficiaries.” Some parents leave money to grandchildren because their children do not need it. “If the parents wish to leave assets to their grandchildren, they need to think about whether the grandchildren would be good stewards of the funds,” Kabb-Effron said. Parents who doubt the ability of children or grandchildren to manage funds wisely should consider a trust fund, the attorneys
Greene
Kabb-Effron
said. “Grandchildren may blow through assets irresponsibly,” Kabb-Effron said. “A trust can carry instructions regarding who gets what and under what circumstances. It can be used to prevent them from becoming spendthrifts. Maybe money goes to grandchildren only at age 30 and 35 unless it’s for education, or only if the children predecease. The court can also order a trust be created to manage the inheritance until age 25, but the best thing to do is to create a trust to manage funds, rather than the court.” Greene advised against leaving money to anyone under 18 unless via trust. “Minors cannot inherit, so if the inheritance came to the minor directly or through probate, a guardianship would need to be established over the minor’s estate, and that is something that most people would rather not deal with and can easily be avoided,” he said. Kabb-Effron and Greene and KabbEffron recommended leaving equal amounts of money to children and grandchildren. “You don’t want to create ill will towards yourself and you don’t want your kids fighting with each other over money after you’re gone,” Greene said. Kabb-Effron said, “I prefer equal amounts so that a disgruntled heir won’t litigate their entitlement to the inheritance.” She said adding to a will or trust a “no contest” clause which stipulates that a beneficiary who challenges a will or trust in court is disinherited. Kabb-Effron further recommended that any will and inheritance discussion include the entire family. “If you are going to discuss it, do so with everyone, if possible,” she said. “I always stress that it is not an inheritance until you die and any sense of entitlement is inappropriate.”
SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG 17 Cuyahoga Community College Foundation Cuyahoga Community College Foundation Cuyahoga Community College Foundation Cuyahoga Community College Foundation Cuyahoga Community College Foundation Cuyahoga Community College Foundation Cuyahoga Community College Foundation To provide resources for for advancing student success at Cuyahoga Community Our Mission: Our Mission: To provide resources advancing student success at Foundation Cuyahoga Community 700 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115 Cuyahoga Community College Our Mission: To provide resources forresources advancing student success at Cuyahoga Community 700 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115 To provide resources for advancing student success at Cuyahoga Community Our Mission: Our Mission: To provide resources for student success at Cuyahoga Community Our Mission: To provide resources for advancing student success at Cuyahoga Community Planning ahead can help when time comes to distribute assets Our Mission: To provide for advancing student success at Cuyahoga Community To provide resources for advancing student success at Cuyahoga Community Our Mission: Cuyahoga Community College Foundation Our Mission: To provide resources for student success at Cuyahoga Community Our Mission: To provide resources for advancing student success at Cuyahoga Community College and to transform the lives of those Tri-C serves. Our vision: To ensure Tri-C has the 700 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115 Our Mission: To providethe resources for advancing student success at ensure Cuyahoga Community College and to transform lives of those Tri-C serves. Our vision: To Tri-C has the 700 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115 216-987-4868 700 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115 College and to transform the lives of those Tri-C serves. Our vision: To ensure Tri-C has the 216-987-4868 College and totransform transform the lives of those Our vision: To Tri-C the College and the lives those Tri-C serves. Our vision: To ensure Tri-Chas has thehas the College and tothe transform the livesTri-C of those Tri-COur serves. OurTo vision: To ensure Tri-C College and toto transform lives ofof those serves. vision: ensure Tri-C has the
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Our To ensure has the 216-987-4868 resources to help every student learn, thrive and succeed toofacreate a prosperous 700 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115 700 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115 700 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115 KATERYNA KOPYLCHAK adding their children asvision: co-owners 216-987-4868 700 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115 www.tri-c.edu/give resources needed to help every student learn, thrive and succeed and tosucceed create 216-987-4868 resources needed to help every student and succeed and aacreate prosperous resources needed toevery help every student learn, thrive and succeed and toprosperous a prosperous resources needed tohelp help every student learn, thrive succeed and tocreate create ato prosperous www.tri-c.edu/give resources needed to every student learn, thrive and succeed and to prosperous resources needed to help every student learn, thrive and succeed and to create a prosperous resources needed to help every student learn, thrive and and create a prosperous resources needed to help student succeed and to create a prosperous community for all. 216-987-4868 resources needed to help every student learn, thrive and succeed and to create a prosperous 216-987-4868 kkopylchak@cjn.org a home or financial account, Vaselaney community for all. 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Strategic Priorities: 216-987-4868 opportunities. •• Student Experience Strategic Priorities: For people who establish a trust, assets opportunities. “If the person has Student Experience Strategic Priorities: •••Student Experience Workforce focus on in-demand careers in in Taft Workforce focus on in-demand careers Student Experience • Student Experience Advance Futures, Transform the Region • Student Experience www.tri-c.edu/give a will, you know, they • Student Experience held by the trust are distributed according to ••healthcare, Workforce focus on in-demand careers in • Student Experience • Workforce focus on in-demand careers in • Workforce focus on in-demand careers in information technology andcareers manfacturing Student Experience healthcare, information technology and • Workforce focus on in-demand • Workforce focus on in-demand careers inmanfacturing followour the provisions its students terms. 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Learn at tri-c.edu/skills-to-succeed-campaign Leadership Leadership Leadership “If somebody has a The distribution depends on the person’s happens to personal belongings, including person to revise the entire will or trust. Leadership •Vaselaney Studenttrust, Support removes to success financial support and rs in Leadership they follow the barriers surviving relativesthrough and family structure. In jewelry, furniture, clothing and other• “It’s a way we do it because then the Leadership provisions of the trust.” some circumstances, a surviving spouse possessions. client can change the letter anytime they scholarships, resources, and personal connections. Leadership h Workforce focus on in-demand careenfacturing A will generally governs assets that pass may inherit the entire estate. 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However, it is Personal possessions can sometimes However, some assets,to including individual estate may pass to thetochildren. important to include a backup method create more disagreement among family • Pathway Success partnerships ensure access Tri-C for everyone, and creates retirement accounts and life insurance If an unmarried person dies without for distributing those belongings if family members than money because of the LouLou Joseph Megan O’Bryan pipelines to post-college career orchildren, educational success.pass to surviving Joseph Megan O’Bryan policies, can pass directly to beneficiaries assets generally members cannot agree. sentimental value attached to them. Megan O’Bryan Lou Joseph Megan O’Bryan Lou Joseph Megan O’Bryan Michael A. Baston Megan O’Bryan Lou Joseph Megan O’Bryan Megan O’Bryanproperty, Chairperson President Michael A.A.Baston Lou Joseph Megan named on those accounts. parents and, if the parents are deceased, She also recommends that clients “Kids care O’Bryan more about personal Michael Baston Chairperson President Lou Joseph Megan O’Bryan President Chairperson President Chairperson President President “Those are governed by the beneficiary to siblings. When a sibling has died before consider preparing a letter of instruction times, the things, the jewelry than President Chairperson President President President Presidentlots of Chairperson President By aligning education with the needs of our students and the demands of our region, we can Chairperson President Lou Joseph Megan O’Bryan Lou Joseph Megan O’Bryan Lou Joseph Megan O’Bryan Cuyahoga Community College Tri-C Foundation Tri-C Foundation Tri-C Foundation designations, no matter what the will says,” the person, that sibling’s descendants may explaining who they would like to receive they do the money sometimes,” Vaselaney Cuyahoga Community College Tri-C Foundation Cuyahoga Community College Tri-C Foundation Tri-C Foundation Tri-C Foundation Tri-C Foundation Tri-C Foundation Tri-C Foundation Tri-C Foundation Chairperson President Tri-C Foundation Foundation Tri-C Foundation Tri-C Foundation build said. a brighter future for all. Visit tri-c.edu/give to learn Vaselaney receive the share theirmore. parent otherwise particular personal items. said. Tri-C Chairperson President Chairperson President Tri-C Foundation Tri-C Foundation While some people try to avoid probate would have inherited. The letter is not legally binding, but it Tri-C Foundation Tri-C Foundation Tri-C Foundation Tri-C Foundation Tri-C Foundation Tri-C Foundation
“If the person has a will, you know, they follow the provisions of the will. If somebody has a trust, they follow the provisions of the trust.”
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HELP EDUCATION Advance futures and transform the region. futures and transform the region. Advance futures and transform the region. Advance futures and transform the region. Advance futures and transform the region. Advance futures and transform the region. COME FIRST Advance Advance futures and transform the region. Advance futures and transform the region. Advance futures and transform the region. Advance futures and transform the region. Advance futures and transform the region. Advance futures and transform the region. Advance futures futures and andtransform transformthe theregion. region. Advance Advance futures and transform the region. Advance Advancefutures futuresand andtransform transformthe theregion. region. ®® students ®® ® ® ® legacy gift toto create scholarships for Tri-C invests in their sk ills succeed. Your legacy gift to create scholarships for Tri-C students invests inin their skills toto succeed. Your legacy gift to create scholarships for Tri-C students invests in their skills to succeed. Your legacy gift to create scholarships for Tri-C students invests in their skills succeed. legacy gift to create scholarships for Tri-C students invests in their skills to succeed. legacy gift to create scholarships for Tri-C students invests in their sk ills to succeed. ®®®®students Your legacy gift create scholarships for Tri-C invests their skills to succeed. Your legacy gift to create scholarships for Tri-C students invests in their skills to succeed. Your legacy gift is a promise to future Tri-C students ® students legacy gift to create scholarships for Tri-C invests in their sk ills to succeed. ucceed ® Your legacy gift to create scholarships for Tri-C students invests in their skills to succeed. ® Your legacy gift to create scholarships for Tri-C students invests in their skills to succeed. gift to create scholarships for Tri-C students invests in their skills to succeed. Your legacy create scholarships for Tri-C students invests in their skills to succeed. ® students invests in their skills to succeed. ® Your legacy gift to create scholarships for Tri-C Your legacy gift to create scholarships for Tri-C students invests in their skills to succeed.
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tri-c.edu/plannedgiving tri-c.edu/plannedgiving etri-c.edu/plannedgiving du/plannedgiving tri-c.edu/plannedgiving tri-c.edu/plannedgiving tri-c.edu/plannedgiving If you believe that education is a powerful and lasting investment in people andtri-c. communities, tri-c.edu/plannedgiving tri-c.edu/plannedgiving tri-c.edu/plannedgiving tri-c.edu/plannedgiving tri-c.edu/plannedgiving tri-c.edu/plannedgiving tri-c.edu/plannedgiving tri-c.edu/plannedgiving 216-987-4868 216-987-4868 216-987-4868 216-987-4868 become a Melanie Guardian. To learn how, contact Scott L. Hamilton, 216-987-4868. 216-987-4868 216-987-4868 216-987-4868 Majikas at 216-987-4868 216-987-4868 with questions. Contact Melanie Majikas at with questions. Contact Majikas at 216-987-4868 with questions. 216-987-4868 216-987-4868 216-987-4868 216-987-4868 216-987-4868 216-987-4868 216-987-4868 216-987-4868 Tri-C has partnered with FreeWill, a free online tool that guides you through creating a legally valid will. It’s easy to use and takes
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ESTATE PLANNING
18 CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG | SEPTEMBER 18, 2026
Will or trust – depends on your needs KATERYNA KOPYLCHAK kkopylchak@cjn.org
D
eciding between a will and a trust depends on a person’s family, assets and long-term goals, but understanding the difference between the two can make estate planning easier. Mark Parthemer, chief wealth strategist at Glenmede in Beachwood said one way to understand the difference is to consider who receives the instructions. “A will is a letter to the court,” Parthemer said. “A trust is a set of instructions handed to a person you chose, with the assets already in their Parthemer hands.” A will generally has no legal effect until a person dies. It is then filed with probate court, where the process is supervised and the document becomes public record. A trust, however, is a private arrangement that can take effect during a person’s lifetime and continue after death. “Nearly everyone should have a will, while the decision to establish a trust depends more on individual circumstances than wealth,” Parthemer said. Factors that make trust useful include owning property in multiple states, having a blended family, owning a closely held business or having beneficiaries who are minors, have
disabilities or face creditor concerns. “Trusts are often less about the size of the estate than the complexity of the family, the assets and the beneficiaries,” Parthemer said. Trusts can offer privacy, continuity and greater control over how assets are distributed. They can also allow someone to establish when and under what circumstances a beneficiary receives an inheritance. Trusts generally cost more to establish and require assets to be properly transferred into them. “An unfunded trust is a beautifully built safe with nothing inside it,” Parthemer said. For people with simpler estates, a will combined with updated beneficiary designations may be sufficient. Ohio also allows tools such as transfer on death designations for certain property and payable on death or transfer on death registrations for financial accounts. Parthemer said one of the most common misconceptions is that having a will allows a family to avoid probate. “A will is the ticket into probate, not around it,” he said. Other common mistakes include creating a trust, but failing to fund it, keeping outdated beneficiary designations and adding a child to a deed or bank account as a shortcut to estate planning. Parthemer also cautioned against choosing an executor or trustee simply because that person is the oldest child. “Serving as executor or trustee is a job, not an honor,” he said.
“Nearly everyone should have a will, while the decision to establish a trust depends more on individual circumstances than wealth.” Mark Parthemer Glenmeade
Without a will, Ohio law determines how probate assets are distributed based on surviving family members. The court may also appoint an administrator to manage the estate. Parthemer recommends creating an estate plan when a person first has someone or something depending on them, such as a spouse, child, home or business. Plans should generally be reviewed every three to five years and after major life changes, including marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, retirement, moving to another state or receiving a significant inheritance. “The better framing is not ‘will or trust,’” Parthemer said. “It is ‘who should receive what, under what circumstances, and who should keep managing the assets if I cannot.’”
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Guided by experience and laser focused on facts, Fried Law Group’s growing, collaborative team is ready to simplify complex legal terrain and help you chart your path forward to solving the most complicated estate and trust disputes. Questions? Don’t wait. Let’s talk about what you need. Call 216-307-1900 or visit us at EstateDisputesLaw.com.
PLANNED GIVING
SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG 19
A forever gift for our community JEREMY PAPPAS Special to the CJN
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uring Rosh Hashanah, many of us gathered with family and friends to welcome the new year. We shared meals, dipped apples in honey and recited familiar blessings. We reflected on the past, celebrated the joy of being together in the present and looked ahead with hope for a sweet year to come.
This season of reflection and renewal also marks the beginning of Jewish Cleveland’s annual fundraising campaign. More than 1,000 community members came together recently at Super Sunday Pappas Kickoff to launch our community’s Campaign for Jewish Needs. I looked around and saw the generations working side by side and the commitment over time – children who used to bring their tzedakah boxes to be counted are now young adults, day school students who are now day school parents, young pledge card runners who are now grandparents. Rain or shine, countless members of Jewish Cleveland have joined these collective efforts year after year, which helps take care of our community while building for a stronger tomorrow. We also remember and are grateful for those who are no longer with us who continue to strengthen our community. These are community members who chose to endow their annual gifts which are now made each year through endowment funds that they created. Their support keeps our community safe, strong and growing. Their gifts demonstrate confidence in us to carry on their values and their belief in Jewish Cleveland’s ability to thrive while continuing to meet changing needs. Together, we feed the hungry, comfort the sick, care for our older adults, combat hate, support the people of Israel, and so much more. Endowed annual gifts ensure our
community has a steady base of support we can rely on to sustain essential services in uncertain times, plan for the future, quickly respond to emerging needs and create new opportunities. So how does this work in practice? When someone makes a gift to an organization’s endowment, the gift is invested to help preserve and grow its value over time, while a portion is distributed each year to support the organization’s mission. For example, a donor who gives $100 annually could make one endowment gift of $2,500 to continue their giving every year thereafter. Cash, retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and several other types of assets can be used as funding. This is l’dor v’dor, from generation to generation, in action. Jewish Cleveland is strong today because of the investment made by those who came before us. We can honor their legacy not only with our gratitude, but by making the same commitment for those who will come after us. Jeremy Pappas is managing director, campaign, of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland in Beachwood.
DISCLAIMER The Cleveland Jewish News does not make endorsements of political candidates and/or political or other ballot issues on any level. Letters, commentaries, opinions, advertisements and online posts appearing in the Cleveland Jewish News, on cjn.org or our social media pages reflect the views and thoughts of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Cleveland Jewish Publication Company, its board, officers or staff or any other organization unless explicitly stated.
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ESTATE PLANNING
20 CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG | SEPTEMBER 18, 2026
Your estate plan: Keeping pace with life BLAKE A. BENSON Special to the CJN
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state planning is an ongoing process that continues long after initial documents are signed. As life changes, family circumstances evolve, and financial situations shift, your existing estate plan should be reviewed regularly to ensure it continues to reflect your current wishes and goals. Even when frequent modifications aren’t necessary, it is good general practice to review your plan every three to five years. AGE AND HEALTH OF FAMILY MEMBERS Since family members are typically named as beneficiaries or appointed as trustees, executors and agents under powers of attorney, their age and health should Benson be considered when determining whether to update an estate plan. For example, a child who has reached adulthood and is living independently may be ready to serve as a trustee or receive a gift outright without age restriction. In contrast, a parent or older family member may need to be removed from a trustee, executor, or
agent position if they are in poor health. If any family member named in estate planning documents dies, a plan review is appropriate. MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE Marriage and divorce are important life events that warrant an estate plan review. Newlyweds should consider how their spouse fits into their estate planning goals, particularly in a second marriage. Following a divorce, an estate plan should be reviewed to prevent a former spouse from receiving any unintended gifts and to confirm that trusted individuals are serving in key roles. Changes in the marital status of children or other family members named in your estate planning documents may also warrant a review. For example, occasionally in-laws
are named as beneficiaries, trustees, or in another capacity, making it important to revisit your plan following a relative’s divorce to protect your assets from flowing to someone who is no longer part of the family. SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL CHANGES Significant changes to your financial picture, such as buying a new home, starting a business, receiving a large inheritance, or experiencing any other change that materially affects your net worth or the makeup of your assets, may warrant an estate plan review for several reasons. Asset titling – Newly acquired assets should be titled to align with your estate planning goals. Improper titling could negate the intended effects of your trust or will. Tax considerations – Changes in income or net worth may create tax implications that necessitate modifications to your estate plan or additional planning documents. Liability concerns – Certain assets, such as rental properties and closely-held business interests, tend to raise liability concerns. Becoming a landlord or business owner may warrant changes to your estate plan or asset ownership structure to address
those potential liabilities. If it has been more than five years since you thought about your estate plan, your family structure has changed, or your financial picture looks different, it may be time to review your existing plan. Consulting with experienced estate planning, tax, and, if necessary, business attorneys can help determine whether updates are necessary and ensure that your plan continues to reflect your wishes and meet your goals. Blake A. Benson is associate attorney with McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA, in Cleveland. Content provided by advertising partner.
DISCLAIMER The Cleveland Jewish News does not make endorsements of political candidates and/or political or other ballot issues on any level. Letters, commentaries, opinions, advertisements and online posts appearing in the Cleveland Jewish News, on cjn.org or our social media pages reflect the views and thoughts of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Cleveland Jewish Publication Company, its board, officers or staff or any other organization unless explicitly stated.
Protecting your legacy for generations to come. Planning for the future requires trusted guidance to help protect your assets and preserve your legacy. UBG’s trusts and estates attorneys have decades of experience helping individuals and business owners preserve wealth, protect what they’ve built, and create customized strategies that provide peace of mind for generations. UBG was created in 2024 through the merger of Ulmer & Berne and Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, two strong, growth-focused firms that joined forces creating an Am Law 200 legal powerhouse.
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PLANNED GIVING
SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG 21
Protecting your financial legacy ANDREW ZASHIN
M
aaz@zashinlaw.com
ost people spend years thinking about their finances in practical terms. They save for retirement, buy homes, support their children, make investments and try to build a measure of security in life. What receives less attention is what will eventually happen to everything they have built and whether the plans they made years ago still reflect the people and priorities that matter to them today. That is an important part of a person’s financial legacy. It is not only a question of who receives property after someone dies, it also involves who will manage those assets, who can make financial decisions if the need arises, how children or other family members will be provided for and whether some portion of an estate should continue supporting institutions or causes that have been meaningful during a person’s lifetime. Estate planning provides a framework for making those decisions. A will or trust can direct how property is distributed, while other documents can determine who has the authority to act when someone can no longer manage financial or personal matters independently. The people chosen to serve as executors, trustees or agents may ultimately carry significant responsibility, so those choices deserve careful thought. They also deserve to be revisited from time to time. Families rarely remain exactly as they were when an estate plan was first prepared. Children grow up. Grandchildren are born. People marry, divorce, remarry, retire, acquire new assets and experience the loss of relatives or close friends. As those circumstances change, an estate plan that once made perfect sense can gradually stop reflecting a person’s life. Divorce is one example of a change that should prompt that kind of review. Many married people build their estate plans around their spouse, naming that person as a beneficiary or placing them in a position of responsibility. When a marriage ends, it is worth considering whether those decisions should change as well. The same is true after a remarriage, the birth of a child, a major change in finances or other events that reshape a family. Children can make planning especially important. A parent may want a son or daughter to inherit but may not believe that receiving a large amount of money outright at a young age is the best approach. A properly structured trust can allow assets to be used for a child’s education, health care, housing and other needs while providing for someone else to manage those assets until the child is ready to assume
greater responsibility. Choosing the person who will oversee that money can be just as important as deciding how it will be used. A relative or close friend may know the family well, but managing a trust can require years of attention and financial judgment. In some circumstances, a professional trustee may be a better fit. What matters is that the decision is made deliberately rather than allowing an old designation to remain in place because no one thought to revisit it. A financial legacy can also reach beyond one’s immediate family. Many people spend their lives supporting religious institutions, schools, hospitals, community organizations and other causes that reflect their values. Estate planning can provide a way for that support to continue. Charitable giving may be incorporated into a will or trust, and certain financial accounts may allow a charitable organization to be named as a beneficiary. For someone who has spent decades supporting a synagogue, an alma mater, a local institution or another cause, including that organization in an estate plan can be a natural extension of the commitments made during life. These decisions are ultimately connected. A financial legacy reflects not only what a person has accumulated, but also what that person wants those resources to do. Some assets may provide security for a surviving spouse. Others may help children or grandchildren build their futures. Still others may support an institution or cause whose work the individual hopes will continue long after they are gone. Building financial security takes years of work. Protecting the legacy created by that work deserves attention as well. Thoughtful planning can help make sure that the people entrusted with important responsibilities are still the right people, that loved ones are provided for in the way intended and that the organizations and causes a person values can remain part of the story. Because these decisions may carry legal, tax and financial consequences, individuals should work with appropriate professionals when creating or revising an estate plan. No plan can anticipate every change the future will bring, but a well-considered one can help ensure that a person’s financial legacy continues to reflect the life, relationships and values behind it. Andrew Zashin writes about law for the Cleveland Jewish News. He is the founding partner of Zashin Law in Mayfield Heights.
DISCLAIMER
The Cleveland Jewish News does not make endorsements of political candidates and/or political or other ballot issues on any level. Letters, commentaries, opinions, advertisements and online posts appearing in the Cleveland Jewish News, on cjn.org or our social media pages reflect the views and thoughts of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Cleveland Jewish Publication Company, its board, officers or staff or any other organization unless explicitly stated.
Your legacy... A future filled with hope. At Hope Meadows, equine-assisted mental health services help individuals and families find connection, build resilience, and move toward healing. As we expand our spaces and programs, we’re building a future where more people can access the care they need. By including Hope Meadows in your will or estate plans, you can help support welcoming spaces, meaningful programs, and access to care for years to come. Help build the future of healing. Include Hope Meadows in your legacy.
Melinda Kainec Director of Philanthropy 216.232.3656 melinda@hopemeadowsoh.org
22 CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG | SEPTEMBER 18, 2026
ESTATE PLANNING
Rosenbaum outlines priorities as local NAMI board president KATERYNA KOPYLCHAK kkopylchak@cjn.org
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haron Rosenbaum became president of NAMI Greater Cleveland’s board of directors in July. Rosenbaum joined NAMI Greater Cleveland - National Alliance on Mental Illness - two years ago. Executive board terms are one year, and members can serve multiple terms. “NAMI’s mission is personal to me,” Rosenbaum told the Cleveland Jewish News. “I live with bipolar disorder and, with good treatment and professional support, have lived a normal, achievement-oriented, healthy life. I felt a strong responsibility to give back. NAMI stood out for its effectiveness, its mission and the meaningful difference it makes in people’s lives.” Before joining NAMI Greater Cleveland, Rosenbaum held several other leadership positions on nonprofit boards. In the mental health field, she served on the boards of Magnolia Clubhouse, Bellefaire and the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board for many years. “Becoming president gives me an opportunity to use both my personal experience and my years of nonprofit board service to lead, motivate and educate,” she said. “I can make a real difference by making people aware that they have somewhere to go for help.” As president, Rosenbaum will lead the board and work closely with the organization’s executive director. She said her responsibilities include encouraging active board
participation and volunteering, supporting fundraising and financial sustainability, strengthening community relationships and serving as an ambassador for the organization. “My priorities are to strengthen and engage our board and help ensure the organization’s long-term operational and financial stability,” Rosenbaum said. During her term, Rosenbaum said she hopes to make NAMI Greater Cleveland more visible and accessible while building a more engaged board. “I intend to focus on board activities and engagement and create a cohesive, involved, active board,” she said. “By speaking honestly about my own experience, I also hope to reduce stigma and demonstrate that recovery is possible.” NAMI Greater Cleveland will also host NAMIWalks on Sept. 19 at Edgewater Park in Cleveland. The 2.5-mile walk and community event, held in partnership with NAMI Geauga County, raises awareness about mental health and supports the organizations’ programs and services. Festivities begin at 9 a.m. and will include a community resource fair, music, line dancing, raffles and children’s activities. Funds raised through the event support free mental health programs, education, support groups and advocacy efforts in Greater Cleveland and Geauga County. Rosenbaum is also involved in Cleveland’s Jewish community, serving as an officer of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland and the Jewish Education Center of Cleveland. Her family also has strong connections to the local Jewish community.
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“My priorities are to strengthen and engage our board and help ensure the organization’s longterm operational and financial stability.” Sharon Rosenbaum NAMI Greater Cleveland “My husband, Bruce, is chair of the board of the JCC. My daughter and son-in-law are rabbis at B’nai Jeshurun, and my grandchildren live in town,” Rosenbaum said. Her other daughter lives in New York and works for DOROT, a Jewish organization. Rosenbaum also shared that her poodle, Strudel, plays a role in supporting her mental health. “I have a neurotic poodle called Strudel who is great for my mental health, but not for my poor husband’s,” she said. To register or make a donation to NAMIWalks, visit namiwalks.org/gc.