 |
Looking Forward Our WayExpert insights and resources on employment, finance, technology, and healthy living for adults. Author: Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson
We feature expert guests who provide real-world insights, inspiration, and resources, making each episode a valuable touchpoint for adults. You can expect to hear us discuss a wide range of topics, including employment and entrepreneurship, financial advice, legal issues, technology, healthy living, housing, and much more. New episodes are released twice a month. You can also sign up for our free newsletter, access additional resources, or contact the hosts directly at hello@lookingforwardourway.com. If youre interested in joining a supportive community, learning from experts, and staying ahead of important trends and issues, tune in and subscribe today! The podcast is co-hosted by veteran and award-winning podcasters Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson. Language: en Genres: Education, Self-Improvement, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
Listen Now...
Take the Guesswork Out of Your Funeral—Pick Your Person, State Your Wishes
Episode 176
Monday, 19 October, 2026
Did you know your will isn’t enough for funeral instructions in Ohio? Get crucial insights with attorney Larae Schraeder from Schraeder Law.Ever wondered who’s legally responsible for your final arrangements when you pass away? Estate attorney Larae Schraeder joins Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson to decode Ohio’s Disposition of Remains law. It's a critical and often misunderstood part of estate planning that goes beyond wills and trusts.If you’ve ever faced confusing funeral decisions for a loved one, you know how complex it can be. This episode reveals how Ohio empowers individuals to choose their own representative for those important end-of-life decisions. And why relying on just a will or family default isn’t enough. Larae details the law’s background, how to create a declaration, who has the right to decide in different scenarios, and how these choices can spare your loved ones stress and uncertainty.Key Takeaways:Why Ohio’s Disposition of Remains law matters: Learn the difference between a will and a disposition declaration, and why both are necessary.Who can make your final decisions: Discover the legal pecking order for funeral decisions, and how you can choose your own representative instead.How to document your wishes: Find out when to create a declaration, what’s included, and how to update it as your life changes.Avoiding family disputes: See how clear planning protects loved ones and prevents conflicts among relatives, stepparents, or distant kin.What happens without a declaration: Understand the role of next of kin, probate court, and what your executor can, and cannot, do.If you like this episode, please let us know. We appreciate the feed back, and your support of offset costs of producing the podcast!5 Frequently Asked Questions about Ohio's Disposition of Remains LawWhat is Ohio’s Disposition of Remains law? Ohio’s Disposition of Remains law, passed in 2006, lets you legally appoint someone to make decisions about your funeral and final arrangements, separate from your will or financial plans 02:50.Who can make decisions if I don’t complete a declaration? If you don’t have a declaration, Ohio law defaults to your next of kin in a specific order: spouse, children, parents, siblings, and so on 04:09, 16:08.Should funeral instructions be in my will? No. Wills are often not immediately accessible after death and may not be effective for funeral decisions. A disposition declaration should be readily available 13:02-14:21.What happens if my family disagrees on my funeral arrangements? If there’s conflict and no declaration, the probate court can intervene to resolve disputes and authorize final arrangements 20:14.Does the person I appoint have to pay for my funeral? Not necessarily. The declaration may list the source of funds, usually your estate, and the person appointed does not automatically have access to your finances 29:43.We would love to hear from you.Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.Email us at hello@lookingforwardourway.com.Find us on Bluesky and Facebook.Please review our podcast on Google!And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/The views and opinions expressed by the experts interviewed on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations. The information provided in these interviews is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for specific advice or information related to their individual circumstances. The podcast host and producers do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided by the experts interviewed. Listener discretion is advised.Brick House Blue HilliardCopyright 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett JohnsonMentioned in this episode:This episode was recorded at Brick House Blue Brick House Blue at TruePointe in HilliardBook at tour today! https://www.brickhouseblue.com/contact-us/?goTo=book-a-tourBrick House Blue Hilliard
