According to Ohio law, what is a "will"?

A "will" under Ohio law is defined as a legal document in which an individual specifies how their property and assets should be distributed after their death. This document serves as an essential part of estate planning, allowing the testator (the person who creates the will) to outline their intentions regarding the distribution of their estate, name beneficiaries, and appoint executors to oversee the administration of the estate.

The distinction of this definition is crucial, as it highlights the primary purpose of a will – to address the distribution of property posthumously, which is a fundamental legal framework for managing the deceased's estate and ensuring that their wishes are honored. This legal instrument not only conveys the testator's preferences but also serves to provide clarity and reduce the potential for disputes among heirs or beneficiaries.

In contrast, a document detailing a person's wishes for burial, while important, does not fall under the legal definition of a will as it primarily addresses funeral arrangements rather than property distribution. Similarly, a financial record of an estate pertains to the management and accounting of assets but does not serve the purpose of detailing how those assets are to be distributed. Lastly, a contract for the sale of property relates to real estate transactions and holds no relevance to post-death estate distribution, further emphasizing