Business Details
35 Years
experience
Trusted Estate Planning & Probate Attorneys in Columbus, OH
Balch Law has been dedicated to providing comprehensive legal services since 1991, specializing in estate planning, probate, and trust administration. Our principal attorney, Jacintha Kraft Balch, brings over 30 years of experience in guiding clients through complex legal matters while maintaining a personalized approach. With a background in both corporate trust departments and boutique law practice, we combine large-firm expertise with small-firm attention to detail. Our practice extends beyond traditional legal services to include strategic planning for small businesses and real estate transactions. We serve clients across Central Ohio with a commitment to practical, client-centered solutions.Our founder's extensive community involvement and recognition as a top lawyer in CEO Magazine reflect our dedication to excellence. We maintain active memberships in professional organizations including the Columbus Bar Association and Ohio State Bar Association. Our office on Dublin Road in Columbus provides convenient access for clients throughout the region. We prioritize clear communication and transparency in all client interactions. Our decades of experience and specialized certifications position us as trusted advisors in estate planning and business law.
Services
Estate Planning
Probate Administration
Trust Administration
Real Estate Law
Small Business Law
Prenuptial Agreements
Elder Law
Federal Estate Tax
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in estate planning and probate law
- Our principal attorney holds the highest Martindale-Hubbell AV rating
- We combine corporate legal expertise with personalized service
- We've been recognized as Central Ohio's top lawyers since 2009
- Our practice includes specialized experience in small business law
Associations and certifications
- Martindale-Hubbell AV
- Ohio State Bar Association Certificate Specialist
Services
Estate Planning
We create comprehensive estate plans including wills, trusts, and advanced directives tailored to individual needs. Our services help clients protect assets, plan for incapacity, and ensure smooth wealth transfer. We specialize in complex estate structures like incentive trusts and life insurance trusts.
Probate Administration
Our firm guides executors through probate processes while administering estates with precision. We handle will validation, asset distribution, and tax filings. We help families navigate probate court requirements while minimizing delays and expenses.
Trust Administration
We establish and manage various trust structures including revocable living trusts and irrevocable life insurance trusts. Our services ensure proper asset management during life and efficient distribution after death while maintaining tax advantages.
Real Estate Law
Our real estate practice covers property transactions, title issues, and ownership transfers. We assist with purchase agreements, title examinations, and closing procedures. We help clients structure real estate holdings within their overall estate plans.
Small Business Law
We provide business formation and strategic planning for corporations and partnerships. Our services include entity selection, contract drafting, and succession planning. We help entrepreneurs establish and grow businesses with appropriate legal structures.
People
Jacintha Kraft Balch
Principal Attorney
Jacintha Kraft Balch is an Ohio Certified Specialist in estate planning with over 30 years of experience. She founded Balch Law in 1991 after working at Vorys Sater and leading Huntington National Bank's trust department. She graduated from University of Michigan Law School and Wittenberg University.
Questions
What estate planning documents do I need?
We recommend wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. The specific documents depend on your asset complexity and family situation.
How can I avoid probate in Ohio?
Properly structured trusts, joint ownership arrangements, and beneficiary designations can help avoid probate. Our attorneys create customized plans to minimize probate requirements.
Do you handle out-of-state property in estate plans?
Yes, we help clients with multi-state property holdings through specialized trust structures and coordinated legal strategies to ensure proper asset management.
What business entities do you work with?
We assist with corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and family limited partnerships. We help select appropriate structures based on liability protection, tax considerations, and business goals.
How are attorney fees structured?
We offer transparent fee arrangements including hourly rates and flat-fee services for specific documents. We provide detailed cost estimates before beginning work on your case.
