What Types of Assets Can Be Included in an Ohio Trust?

February 24, 2025

What Types of Assets Can Be Included in an Ohio Trust?

A trust is a powerful estate planning tool that allows individuals to protect and manage their assets for future generations. In Ohio, a wide range of assets can be included in a trust, providing flexibility and security for both grantors and beneficiaries. At Singler Law LLC, we can provide legal assistance to the Phoenix public and help clients understand how to structure a trust that meets their financial and personal goals.


Common Assets That Can Be Placed in an Ohio Trust


  1. Real Estate
    Residential and commercial properties can be transferred into a trust to avoid probate and provide continuity of ownership. This can be particularly useful for those who want to pass down family homes or investment properties.
  2. Financial Accounts
    Bank accounts, savings accounts, and certificates of deposit (CDs) can be included in a trust. This ensures that funds are managed according to the grantor’s wishes and are accessible to beneficiaries without court intervention.
  3. Stocks and Bonds
    Investment portfolios, including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, can be transferred to a trust. Doing so can provide long-term financial benefits, reduce estate taxes, and allow for controlled distribution to beneficiaries.
  4. Business Interests
    Business owners in Ohio can place ownership interests, such as shares in a corporation or membership interests in an LLC, into a trust. This can facilitate smooth business succession planning and ensure that the business continues operating according to the grantor’s wishes.
  5. Personal Property
    High-value personal property, including vehicles, artwork, jewelry, antiques, and collectibles, can be held in a trust. This can prevent disputes among heirs and ensure that valuable items are distributed as intended.
  6. Retirement Accounts and Life Insurance Policies
    While retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s typically cannot be transferred directly into a trust, a trust can be named as a beneficiary. Similarly, life insurance policies can list a trust as the beneficiary to ensure that proceeds are distributed according to the grantor’s instructions.
  7. Intellectual Property
    Copyrights, trademarks, and patents can be placed in a trust to ensure that royalties and rights are managed properly for beneficiaries. This is especially useful for individuals with creative works or valuable intellectual property.


Benefits of Using a Trust in Ohio



Placing assets in a trust offers several advantages, including:


  • Avoiding Probate: Assets in a trust bypass probate, reducing delays and legal fees.
  • Privacy Protection: Trusts are not public records, unlike wills, which helps maintain confidentiality.
  • Asset Management: Trusts provide clear instructions on asset distribution and management.
  • Protection Against Creditors: Certain trusts can shield assets from creditors and legal claims.


Setting up a trust requires careful planning and proper legal guidance. At Singler Law LLC, we assist individuals in Ohio and provide legal support to those in Phoenix who need help establishing and managing a trust. Our goal is to ensure that your assets are properly structured to meet your long-term objectives.

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