Bratton Law LLC
No one has a crystal ball for what the future holds, but together we will make a plan that provides peace of mind.
With years of practical experience, our attorneys have seen the many ways people end up in having to administer assets through the probate process. They are ready to use that knowledge to help create a plan to avoid probate, while protecting loved ones, and leaving client's with a sense of control over the process.
Estate Planning and Estate Administration, Coshocton County, Ohio
Practice Areas
At Bratton Law LLC, we provide the following legal services.
Estate Planning
Understanding Estate Planning:
Estate planning involves creating a comprehensive strategy to manage your assets and affairs during your lifetime and ensuring that your wealth is distributed according to your wishes after your passing. It goes beyond just creating a will and encompasses various legal documents and financial considerations.
Components of Estate Planning:
- Will: A will outlines how you want your assets distributed and who should be responsible for carrying out your wishes.
- Trusts: Trusts can help manage and protect your assets, provide for specific beneficiaries, and even minimize estate taxes.
- Power of Attorney: This document designates someone to make financial or medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated.
- Healthcare Directive: Also known as a living will, this document states your medical preferences if you're unable to communicate your wishes.
- Beneficiary Designations: Ensuring that your retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other assets have updated beneficiaries is crucial.
- Guardianship Designations: If you have minor children, you can designate guardians to take care of them in case both parents pass away.
- Estate Taxes: Proper planning can help reduce the potential tax burden on your estate.
Elder Law
Understanding Elder Law:
Elder law is a specialized area of legal practice that focuses on the unique needs and challenges faced by senior citizens. It covers a wide range of legal matters related to healthcare, long-term care, financial planning, and more.
Key Areas of Elder Law:
- Estate Planning: Ensuring that seniors' wishes are carried out in terms of asset distribution, wills, trusts, and minimizing estate taxes.
- Guardianship: Appointing a legal guardian to make decisions for seniors who are no longer capable of making decisions on their own.
- Long-Term Care Planning: Assisting seniors and their families in navigating nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and Medicaid planning.
- Medicaid and Medicare: Providing guidance on eligibility, coverage, and benefits for these government assistance programs.
- Elder Abuse and Neglect: Protecting seniors from physical, emotional, or financial abuse and seeking legal remedies if abuse occurs.
- Advance Directives: Assisting seniors in creating documents such as living wills and healthcare proxies to outline their medical preferences and designate decision-makers.
Special Needs Planning
Understanding Special Needs Planning:
Special needs planning is a comprehensive process that involves creating a roadmap for the financial, legal, and care-related needs of individuals with disabilities. It's designed to provide a secure future for them while preserving eligibility for government benefits and enhancing their quality of life.
Key Components of Special Needs Planning:
- Special Needs Trust (SNT): This trust preserves eligibility for means-tested government benefits like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) while enhancing the individual's quality of life with supplemental funds.
- Guardianship or Conservatorship: If necessary, legal arrangements can be made to ensure the well-being and protection of individuals who cannot make decisions independently.
- Beneficiary Designations: Careful consideration of beneficiaries on life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and other assets to avoid disrupting eligibility for government benefits.
- Estate Planning: Creating a comprehensive estate plan that accounts for the individual's special needs and circumstances.
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Estate Planning and Estate Administration Lawyer
About Bratton Law LLC
News and Updates
Proud to announce I was selected as 2024 Rising Star by Super Lawyers.
Estate Planning and Estate Administration Legal Team
Meet the team
We are not your typical law firm. We value long-term relationships and endeavor to build and sustain those with our clients. We want to partner with you and make a plan to protect what matters most—your family.
Kelly L. Bratton
Attorney
Kelly L. Bratton, a proud native of Coshocton, Ohio, brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to her community to her role as an attorney. Her journey through education and various roles shaped her into the dedicated legal professional she is today. Kelly's pursuit of excellence began at an early age in Coshocton, where she graduated from Coshocton High School. Her educational journey led her to The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business, where she earned a bachelor's degree in business administration. After a successful start in the corporate world, working as a Management Trainee with PNC Bank, Kelly felt a calling to the legal field. With a determination to make a difference, Kelly transitioned to the legal arena. She honed her skills as a probate paralegal for nearly 5 years, gaining invaluable insights into the complexities of estate matters. Her passion for the legal profession deepened as she served as a deputy clerk at the Coshocton County Juvenile/Probate Court, where she skillfully managed the guardianship docket. It was during her tenure as a clerk that Kelly's aspiration to become an attorney crystallized. Fueling her drive, she embarked on a rigorous journey, attending Capital University Law School's evening program. Her dedication culminated in the achievement of her Juris Doctor in January of 2022. Beyond her legal accomplishments, Kelly is deeply engaged in her community. She is a member of the Coshocton Junior Women's Club and serves as a board member for the Coshocton Kiwanis Club, Dollars for Scholars, Coshocton Behavioral Health Choices and the Coshocton County Chamber of Commerce. She also serves as the Vice-President of the Coshocton County Bar Association. Her and her husband serve together on the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Board. Formerly, Kelly served on the Our Town Coshocton Board. In her spare time, Kelly and her husband Jerad enjoy cheering their son Pacman on at his games, or taking their beloved dogs, Griffey and Cookie, for walks around the neighborhood.
Amanda Crossley
Office Manager
Amanda Crossley is a seasoned paralegal and a proud resident of Coshocton County. Born and raised in the area, Amanda's local insight and dedication to her community make her an invaluable asset to the legal team. Amanda's educational journey led her to Ohio University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Cultural Anthropology. She focused her senior undergraduate capstone study on women’s grassroots economic development strategies in rural Appalachia. Prior to her legal career, Amanda worked in banking and customer service. With a specialized focus on real estate, estate planning, adoption, and probate/estate administration, Amanda's expertise has been instrumental in guiding clients through intricate legal processes. Her commitment to making a positive impact on each client's unique situation is evident in her diligent and compassionate approach. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Amanda is a devoted bookworm and enjoys going to concerts with her twin sister Nicole. At home, she and her husband, Joe, are loving parents to their son Otto and daughter Lela, as well as her four rescue cats and two dogs. Amanda's dedication to her family is a testament to her nurturing nature, which extends to her interactions with clients. Amanda's multifaceted interests and warm personality make her an approachable and reliable paralegal, dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for every client she serves.
Corie L. Lahna
Attorney
Corie Lahna, a native of Warsaw, Ohio, has long aspired to a career in law. She graduated from River View High School before pursuing higher education at Ohio University, where she obtained a Bachelor's degree in Political Science with a minor in Psychology. She then earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Dayton School of Law in 2007. Corie commenced her legal career as a criminal defense attorney, practicing in Licking, Fairfield, and Coshocton Counties for nearly four years. In 2011, she transitioned to the specialized fields of oil and gas law and title work, areas in which she has since been actively engaged. Furthermore, she has held the position of Coshocton County Drug Court Attorney for the past eight years. In addition to being a member of the American Association of Professional Landmen, Corie is active in the community, serving on the Coshocton Behavioral Health Choices Board and the Coshocton County Public Defenders Commission. In her personal life, she enjoys attending sporting events with her husband, Chad, and their daughters, Addie and Rigley.
Jerad Bratton
Courier, Handyman, Receptionist, etc.
Griffey Bratton
Client Services, Director of Greeting
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Bratton Law LLC
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(740) 202-9557
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1415 Orange Street
Coshocton, OH 43812
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