Your Trusted Advisors in Probate

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Expert Legal Solutions, Personalized Attention.

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About Heban, Murphree & Lewandowski, LLC

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Over 100 Years of Combined Experience

HML's attorneys bring extensive legal knowledge and expertise to each case.
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Focus on Probate Litigation

One of the few firms in Ohio focusing specifically on probate litigation.
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Licensed in Ohio and Michigan

Broad geographic reach with licensure in both states, offering more accessibility to clients.
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Client-Centered Approach

Dedicated to prioritizing clients' needs, ensuring personalized and effective legal representation.

Toledo's #1 Probate Law Firm

Heban, Murphree & Lewandowski, LLC is a premier probate law firm in Ohio, offering exceptional expertise with over 150 years of combined legal experience. Founded in 2010 by Kevin Heban, Gary Sommer, and Kent Murphree, the firm specializes in probate litigation, a niche yet crucial area of law.

Our services extend beyond probate law, encompassing business and corporate law, real estate, civil and commercial litigation, and labor and employment law. This diverse range of practice areas and a strong commitment to client-centric legal solutions solidify our law firm as a top choice for comprehensive legal representation in Ohio.

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Experience When It Matters

Heban, Murphree & Lewandowski, LLC is proud to be recognized for its outstanding legal services, with a 5-star rating on Google, reflecting our commitment to excellence and client satisfaction. Check out what some of our clients have to say!

 

CLIENTS TESTIMONIALS


Mr Heban is courteous, friendly, and very helpful. We would recommend him to anyone. Also, the receptionist is very polite and helpful.
Pat Lindner


Kevin and his staff were wonderful,, walking us through the estate process after my mother passed away. They thought of everything and made the process as painless as possible.
Laura Moon


Love this attorney. Kevin Heban is always available to answer your questions. Used him to create our wills and trust. Highly recommend Kevin
Lisa Turco


This is the best of businesses. Fair-minded people who look out for our family's interests, for decades. Thanks to all of you. 😊
Gloria Wagner

What We Do

We are dedicated to vigorously advocating for your rights, ensuring that your legal needs are met with the highest standards of professionalism and expertise. Our experienced team is committed to providing personalized and effective legal strategies, standing by your side every step of the way to safeguard your interests and achieve the best possible outcomes.

How We're Different

At Heban, Murphree & Lewandowski, LLC, we approach each legal case with a deep sense of responsibility and dedication. Our team works closely with clients, ensuring that every aspect of their case is handled with the utmost care and attention to detail. We believe in building strong, respectful relationships with our clients, allowing us to understand their unique needs better and tailor our strategies accordingly.

Our approach is marked by diligence and caution as we navigate the complexities of each case. We meticulously scrutinize every legal avenue and potential outcome, ensuring our client's interests are safeguarded at every turn. This methodical and thorough approach underlines our commitment to delivering results and peace of mind to those we represent.

Why People Hire Us

Hiring a probate lawyer is essential for navigating the complexities of estate administration and probate law. These legal professionals possess specialized knowledge to handle intricate procedures, ensuring compliance with legal requirements. They are instrumental in guiding executors through the process, from filing wills to distributing assets and ensuring that all necessary paperwork is accurately completed and filed.

In conflict, such as will contests or disputes among beneficiaries, a probate lawyer is invaluable in resolving disputes. Their expertise in negotiation and litigation helps protect your interests and resolve conflicts efficiently. They also assist in managing estate assets, settling debts, ensuring proper distribution to beneficiaries, and addressing legal claims against the estate.

Overall, a probate lawyer offers peace of mind during a challenging time. Their involvement ensures the estate is managed legally and effectively, mitigating the stress and potential legal pitfalls accompanying the probate process.

 

How Can We Help?

We provide expert legal guidance through the complexities of probate, estate planning, and litigation, ensuring your rights are protected and your legal needs are met with the utmost professionalism and personalized attention. Learn more about our areas of focus...

 
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Contest a Will

Our experienced attorneys will evaluate your case, advise on the likelihood of success, and represent you effectively in court. We offer comprehensive support in various aspects of will contests:

  • Evaluating Validity: Assessing if the will meets legal standards.
  • Identifying Grounds: Determining reasons for contesting, like undue influence or lack of capacity.
  • Legal Representation: Skilled advocacy in court proceedings.
  • Negotiation and Settlement: Seeking resolutions outside of court when possible.
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Inheritance Dispute

Our skilled attorneys can evaluate your case, devise a strategic plan, and effectively represent your interests, whether in negotiations or court. We provide support in critical areas of inheritance disputes:

  • Claim Analysis: Assessing the merits of your dispute.
  • Negotiation: Working towards amicable solutions.
  • Legal Advocacy: Representing you in legal proceedings.
  • Estate Interpretation: Clarifying wills and trusts.
  • Resolution Support: Aiding in swift, fair dispute resolution to uphold your inheritance rights.
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Estate Planning

With over 100 years of combined legal expertise, we understand the importance of a well-crafted estate plan for safeguarding your future and legacy. Our estate planning services include:

  • Drafting Wills: Outlining asset distribution, guardianship for minors, and executor selection.
  • Establishing Trusts: Managing and distributing assets for beneficiaries.
  • Healthcare Directives: Guiding medical decisions if you cannot do so.
  • Estate Tax Planning: Minimizing potential estate taxes and financial burdens.
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Power of Attorney

At Heban, Murphree & Lewandowski, LLC, we provide expert legal services for drafting and managing Power of Attorney (POA) documents. Here's how we can assist you with Power of Attorney:

  • Drafting POA Documents: Crafting clear and legally binding POA agreements.
  • Durable POA: Establishing long-term arrangements for financial and legal decisions.
  • Healthcare POA: Designating a representative for medical decisions.
  • Financial POA: Appointing someone to handle financial matters.
 

Meet Our Team

Our legal team at Heban, Murphree & Lewandowski, LLC, combines over 100 years of collective expertise to provide Toledo with comprehensive probate, estate planning, and litigation services. Dedicated to delivering personalized and effective legal strategies, we ensure our clients navigate their legal challenges with confidence and clarity. Learn more about our team.

 
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Kevin Heban

Partner
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Kent Murphree

Partner
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John Lewandowski

Partner
Jon-Balcerzak-v3

Jon Balcerzak

Attorney
Gina-Wasserman-v4

Gina Wasserman

Attorney
 
Meet The Entire Team!
 

Need to Challenge a Will?

Facing the challenge of contesting a will is a delicate and complex process that requires careful consideration and expert legal guidance. At Heban, Murphree & Lewandowski, LLC, we understand the intricacies involved and are dedicated to supporting you through this difficult time.

If you're contemplating the necessity to contest a will due to concerns such as the testator's competency, undue influence, or fraud, it's crucial to act with both precision and sensitivity.

Our team of seasoned attorneys is here to provide you with the clarity and comprehensive legal advice needed to navigate your rights and options effectively.

Below are some of the top reasons people choose to challenge a will in Ohio:

Lack of Testamentary Capacity

We are dedicated to vigorously advocating for your rights, ensuring that your legal needs are met with the highest standards of professionalism and expertise. Our experienced team is committed to providing personalized and effective legal strategies, standing by your side every step of the way to safeguard your interests and achieve the best possible outcomes.

Undue Influence and Forgery

Another ground for dispute is undue influence, where the will appears to have been crafted under pressure, not aligning with the deceased's true intentions. Forgery involving a will falsely signed by someone other than the deceased is also a valid concern.

Fraud in Will Creation

Fraudulent activities in the creation of a will, where dishonesty or deceit has influenced the document's contents, require careful legal intervention. With a focus on personalized legal solutions, we are here to guide you through the process of challenging such wills, ensuring justice is served and the true intentions of the deceased are upheld.

FAQs About Probate and Estate Law

1What is Probate?
Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person's assets are transferred to their heirs or beneficiaries, involving validating the will, paying debts, and distributing assets.
2What Should I Do When a Loved One Dies?
Upon a loved one's death, you should have a medical professional pronounce them legally dead and contact the primary care physician and county coroner. Next, arrange for caring for any dependents and pets and organize estate documents for probate.
3Do All Estates Need to Be Probated?
Not necessarily. Estates can avoid probate if all assets are transferable outside of it or if they qualify for simplified procedures under the Uniform Probate Code. However, estates must still settle debts and taxes.
4Must a Will Be Filed with the Court Even if There's No Probate?
Yes, most states require a will to be filed with the probate court within a certain timeframe after the death, even if the estate isn't going through formal probate.
5Where Should a Probate Petition Be Filed?
A probate petition is typically filed in the county where the decedent lived at the time of death. If the decedent owned property in multiple states, ancillary probate may be necessary.
6What Happens If the Executor Does Not Start Probate?
If an executor delays starting the probate process, another interested party, like a close relative, can initiate it. The timeframe considered "reasonable" varies by state.
7Am I Required to Serve as an Executor?
No, being named as an executor does not obligate you to serve. You can decline the role, but it's important to consider who will handle the estate instead.
 

News & Articles

Stay Informed on the Latest Updates from Our Firm.

 
October 9, 2024
Key Evidence for Contesting a Will in Ohio
Published by John Lewandowski on October 9, 2024
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How to Prove a Will is Invalid

Common Evidence for Contesting a Will Contesting a will is a complex legal process that involves challenging the validity of a will based on specific legal grounds. While emotions often run high during these disputes, courts require clear, compelling evidence to support any challenge to a […]
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September 9, 2024
Published by John Lewandowski on September 9, 2024
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Challenges of Inheriting Across Multiple States

Estate Planning Across State Lines Multi-state inheritance can be complex due to different states’ varying laws and regulations governing asset transfer upon death. Each state has its own probate rules, tax structures, and restrictions on how property is distributed, which means an estate with assets across […]
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September 2, 2024
Farm Succession Tips
Published by John Lewandowski on September 2, 2024
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Guide to Farm Estate Planning and Succession

Keeping the Farm in the Family Passing down a family farm involves unique challenges beyond typical estate planning due to the complexities of dividing land, assets, and management responsibilities among heirs who may have different interests and levels of involvement. Unlike estate planning, which primarily focuses […]
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August 7, 2024
Ohio Inheritance Beneficiary Designations
Published by John Lewandowski on August 7, 2024
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What Are Beneficiary Designations?

Key Steps for Secure Estate Planning Beneficiary designations allow individuals to name specific beneficiaries to receive certain assets directly upon death, bypassing the probate process and overriding any instructions in a will or trust. These designations are commonly used for various types of accounts and assets, […]
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Areas We Serve

Headquartered in Toledo,OH, we are proud to serve both residents and businesses across the greater Ohio area. Our services extend throughout the region, ensuring comprehensive coverage and support.

 

Real Estate Law

Our firm stands out for its specialization in real estate and agricultural law, focusing on delivering top-tier legal services in farmland management and agricultural business operations.

Whether it's handling property transactions, navigating lease agreements, addressing zoning concerns, or engaging in real estate litigation, we are dedicated to facilitating transactions that are not only compliant but also strategically aligned with our clients’ objectives. Learn more about specific areas of real estate law.

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Residential Real Estate

We manage matters such as property transactions, lease agreements, zoning issues, and real estate litigation. We facilitate smooth, compliant transactions that align with our clients' goals.

Farm Land

At HML, we tailor our services to meet the specific requirements of farmers, landowners, and agribusiness operators. Our expertise covers farm succession planning, agricultural leases, environmental law compliance, and the resolution of farmland disputes.

Agriculture

We can help navigate complex regulatory compliance, subsidies, conservation easements, Current Agricultural Use Valuation (CAUV), and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) issues. We aim to safeguard client interests while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Litigation

Our attorneys are equipped with the skills and resources to address a wide range of litigation issues, from property disputes to complex agricultural litigation. With a strategic approach and a commitment to achieving favorable outcomes, we stand ready to support our clients through challenging legal battles.