West Virginia & Ohio Estate Planning

Protect Your Family's Legacy & Assets Without the Legal Confusion

Comprehensive estate planning, elder law, and Medicaid planning from a trusted West Virginia attorney. Get peace of mind knowing your family is protected.

Watch: How Estate Planning Protects Your West Virginia Family (3 min)

Schedule Free Consultation (304) 757-6360

WV & OH

Licensed States

Full-Service

Law Firm

Free

Consultation

The Reality

Without Proper Planning, Your Family Faces...

Months in Probate Court

West Virginia probate can take 6-18 months, leaving your family in legal limbo while attorneys collect fees from your estate.

Assets Lost to Nursing Home Costs

Without Medicaid planning, nursing home care at $8,000+/month can devastate a lifetime of savings in just a few years.

Family Disputes & Confusion

When there's no clear plan, family members are left guessing your wishes—often leading to costly conflicts and broken relationships.

The Solution

Comprehensive Legal Protection for Your Family

At The Law Office of Michael J. Bell, we handle every aspect of your estate plan so you can focus on what matters—spending time with family, not worrying about legal documents.

Wills & Trusts

Legally binding documents that ensure your assets go exactly where you want, avoiding costly probate proceedings.

Elder Law & Long-Term Care

Protect your assets while qualifying for Medicaid benefits, ensuring quality care without depleting your life savings.

Medicaid Planning

Strategic planning to help you qualify for Medicaid while preserving assets for your spouse and children.

Asset Protection

Shield your hard-earned wealth from creditors, lawsuits, and unexpected life events with proper legal structures.

Our Services

Complete Estate Planning Services

Estate Planning & Wills

Create a comprehensive estate plan tailored to your unique family situation and financial goals.

Last Will & Testament preparation
Revocable & Irrevocable Trusts
Powers of Attorney (Financial & Medical)
Advance Healthcare Directives

Elder Law & Disability

Specialized legal services for seniors and those planning for long-term care needs.

Medicaid eligibility planning
Long-term care planning
Asset protection strategies
Guardianship proceedings

Probate Administration

Guide families through the probate process efficiently and compassionately during difficult times.

Estate administration
Will contests and disputes
Trust administration
Beneficiary representation

Business & Real Estate

Protect your business interests and real estate investments with proper legal structures.

Business succession planning
LLC & corporate formation
Real estate transactions
Contract review & drafting

Client Stories

What Our Clients Say

"Michael is one of THE best attorneys you could have. He genuinely cares about his clients and works tirelessly to get the best outcome. I highly recommend him for any estate planning needs."

Megan Foster

West Virginia

"After my father passed, Michael helped us navigate the probate process with patience and expertise. He explained everything thoroughly and made a difficult time much easier for our family."

Kori

Putnam County, WV

"The staff is incredibly responsive and professional. Michael handled both our personal estate planning and business legal matters with the same level of care and attention to detail."

Jan Ramey

Hurricane, WV

Is This Right For You?

Who We Help Best

This Is For You If...

You want to protect your family from lengthy probate proceedings
You're concerned about long-term care costs depleting your savings
You have assets (home, savings, business) you want to protect
You want someone to handle your affairs if you become incapacitated
You live in West Virginia or Ohio and need local expertise

This Might Not Be For You If...

You're looking for the cheapest option regardless of quality
You just want a simple template will without personalized advice
You're not willing to take time to properly plan
You live outside West Virginia or Ohio

Attorney at Law

Meet Your Attorney

Michael J. Bell

Founder & Owner | Elder Law & Estate Planning Attorney

Michael J. Bell founded The Law Office of Michael J. Bell with a mission to provide accessible, personalized legal services to families across West Virginia and Ohio. With a focus on elder law, estate planning, and Medicaid planning, Michael helps families protect their assets and plan for the future with confidence.

Beyond estate planning, the firm offers comprehensive legal services including personal injury representation, real estate law, and small business legal support—making it a true full-service law firm for your family's needs.

West Virginia Bar Ohio Bar Elder Law Focus Medicaid Planning

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What's included in the free consultation?

During your free consultation, we'll discuss your specific situation, family dynamics, and goals. You'll learn about the estate planning options available to you and get a clear understanding of what documents you may need. There's no obligation—it's simply a chance to see if we're a good fit for your needs.

How long does the estate planning process take?

Most estate plans can be completed within 2-4 weeks from your initial consultation. Complex situations involving business succession or special needs trusts may take longer. We work efficiently while ensuring every detail is properly addressed.

What's the difference between a will and a trust?

A will goes through probate court after you pass, which can take 6-18 months and is public record. A trust allows assets to transfer directly to beneficiaries, avoiding probate entirely. Trusts also offer more control over how and when assets are distributed. We'll help you determine which approach (or combination) best fits your situation.

Can you help with Medicaid planning even if I need care soon?

Yes, we can help even in crisis situations. While earlier planning provides more options, there are still legal strategies available to help protect assets and qualify for Medicaid benefits. The sooner you consult with us, the more options we'll have to work with.

Do you offer video consultations?

Absolutely! We offer video consultations for your convenience. Whether you're in Putnam County, across West Virginia, or in Ohio, we can meet with you virtually to discuss your estate planning needs without you having to travel to our office.