Business Details
Estate Planning & Elder Law Attorneys in Centerville, OH
At O'Diam & Stecker Law Group, we specialize in guiding families and business owners through complex legal matters with proactive planning strategies. Our focus areas include estate planning, elder law, special needs planning, and probate administration, all designed to help clients reduce financial risk, minimize complexity, and achieve long-term security. With certified specialists in estate planning and elder law, our team brings decades of combined experience to create personalized solutions tailored to each client's unique circumstances.We serve communities across Southwest Ohio, including Dayton, Kettering, and Centerville, while maintaining active roles in professional organizations like WealthCounsel and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Our attorneys, including adjunct professors at the University of Dayton School of Law, combine academic expertise with practical experience to deliver comprehensive legal counsel that prioritizes client peace of mind.
Services
Estate Planning
Special Needs Planning
Elder Law
Probate Administration
Medicaid Planning
Guardianship Services
Trust Administration
Highlights and features
- Certified specialists in estate planning and elder law by the Ohio State Bar Association
- Dually certified in elder law by National Elder Law Foundation and OSBA
- Adjunct professors at University of Dayton School of Law on legal planning matters
- Active leadership roles in state and national elder law professional organizations
- 20+ years of dedicated service from lead estate planning paralegal team members
Associations and certifications
- Ohio State Bar Association
- National Elder Law Foundation
Services
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services help clients create comprehensive strategies to protect assets and ensure proper distribution. We develop customized wills, trusts, and advanced directives that address unique family dynamics and financial situations. With certified specialists guiding the process, clients receive expert counsel on minimizing tax liabilities and avoiding probate complications.
Elder Law
Specializing in long-term care planning, we help families navigate Medicaid eligibility and asset protection strategies. Our elder law practice addresses nursing home costs, disability planning, and guardianship arrangements while maintaining compliance with evolving regulations. Certified attorneys provide trusted guidance for preserving family wealth across generations.
Special Needs Planning
We create tailored legal frameworks to protect individuals with disabilities while maintaining government benefit eligibility. Our plans incorporate specialized trusts and guardianship arrangements that ensure lifelong care without compromising financial security. The firm's leadership roles in disability organizations inform our compassionate, technically sound approach.
Probate Administration
Our team guides executors through the probate process with efficient estate administration services. We handle asset distribution, debt settlement, and court filings while minimizing family conflicts. With experienced paralegals supporting every case, we streamline complex legal procedures to reduce emotional and financial burdens during difficult transitions.
Medicaid Planning
Certified specialists develop strategies to protect assets while qualifying for Medicaid benefits. We navigate complex eligibility rules to preserve family wealth for future generations. Our approach balances immediate care needs with long-term financial security through legally compliant planning techniques that withstand government scrutiny.
People
Brittany ODiam
Attorney
Certified estate planning and elder law specialist with dual credentials from OSBA and NELF. Serves on disability foundation boards and teaches at University of Dayton School of Law. Practicing law in Ohio and Florida with focus on personalized client solutions.
Kim Cullman Estess
Attorney
Elder law specialist recognized in Women Who Mean Business awards. Chairs rehabilitation services board and teaches legal planning at University of Dayton. Combines technical expertise with relationship-focused client service for estate protection strategies.
Madison Batley
Associate Attorney
Estate planning attorney member of WealthCounsel and ElderCounsel. Graduated magna cum laude from University of Dayton School of Law. Focuses on Medicaid planning and guardianship arrangements for families across Southwest Ohio.
Sharon Zwiesler
Lead Drafting Paralegal
20-year veteran paralegal specializing in estate plan drafting and probate matters. Dayton native with extensive experience in document preparation and estate administration processes. Provides technical support for complex legal planning strategies.
Kayla Helm
Lead Guardianship Paralegal
Paralegal specialist in guardianship matters with experience since 2014. Dayton graduate of Sinclair Community College's paralegal program. Manages complex guardianship cases while balancing family life in the Dayton community.
Questions
What estate planning documents do I really need?
Every adult should have a will, healthcare directives, and power of attorney. We customize comprehensive plans based on family size, asset complexity, and specific wishes for asset distribution.
How can Medicaid planning protect my assets?
Our certified specialists create strategies that allow qualification for benefits while preserving family wealth through legal tools like irrevocable trusts and proper asset transfers.
What happens if someone dies without a will?
The state determines asset distribution through intestacy laws. Our probate team guides executors through court processes to distribute assets according to legal requirements.
Do I need a trust if I have a small estate?
Trusts benefit estates of all sizes by avoiding probate, maintaining privacy, and providing controlled asset distribution. We help determine if a trust suits your specific circumstances.
How does special needs planning affect government benefits?
Proper planning using specialized trusts maintains eligibility for programs like SSI and Medicaid while providing supplemental financial support for loved ones with disabilities.
What's the difference between probate and trust administration?
Probate is court-supervised asset distribution through a will, while trust administration handles asset transfer outside court. We help choose appropriate vehicles based on estate complexity.
Reviews (3)
Sasha Magee
Apr 12, 2024
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Highly recommend this practice! Kim did our estate planning, and she and her staff were so organized, patient, and kind. Kim is also extremely knowledgeable and was able to answer all of our questions and provide advice to handle our concerns. As an attorney myself, I felt at ease trusting her with my familys future planning. So much so that I encouraged my parents to redo their estate planning with her as well!
Claire James
Apr 12, 2024
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I would highly recommend O'Diam & Estess for your estate planning needs. They are beyond kind, patient and helpful in all areas during this process. We found them to be knowledgeable and spent time helping us understand each specific area of our plan. Very thorough and easy to work with.
Amy Bailey
Mar 24, 2023
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I highly recommend O'Diam & Estess. I frequently refer my clients and friends to this office. The attorneys are highly knowledgeable and provide thorough legal advice without judgment. Working with them has given me a sense of peace of mind that I truly appreciate.
