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Monty Lee Donohew

Estate planning Attorney at Uniontown, OH

4.3   4 reviews
Free consultation Virtual consultation available
Free consultation Virtual consultation available
  • State Years
    Ohio - OH 31 years
    Missouri - MO 36 years
    Illinois - IL 35 years
  • Licensed for 31 years
    State OH
    Acquired 1992
    Status
    Active No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 36 years
    State MO
    Acquired 1987
    Status
    Good Standing, Active No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 35 years
    State IL
    Acquired 1988
    Status
    Administrative - Not Authorized to Practice No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Monty

Learn Monty’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Elder law
    20%

    27 years

  2. Estate planning
    20%
    Estate planning with an emphasis on aging in place planning and strategic trust planning, together with business succession planning.

    32 years

  3. Probate
    20%

    32 years

  4. Trusts
    20%
    Estate planning with an emphasis on aging in place planning and strategic trust planning

  5. Wills and living wills
    20%
    Wills, trusts, powers of attorney, health care proxies, advance declarations, living wills, revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts, and the like.

ESTATE PLANNING, AGING IN PLACE PLANNING, PROBATE, AND ELDERLAW, EMPHASIZING THE STRATEGIC USE OF TRUSTS. CALL ME TODAY!

Monty L. Donohew is an attorney concentrating his practice in the areas of estate planning, wills, trusts, probate, aging in place planning, guardianship, succession planning, real estate, and elder law.

Licensed to practice law since 1987, Monty has been admitted to practice in Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois and currently practices in Ohio and Missouri. Admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, and before the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, he is a member of several state and local bar associations, among them being the Ohio State Bar Association, Stark County Bar Association, Portage County Bar Association,  Missouri Bar Association, and St. Louis County Bar Association. 

Monty is a peer-rated attorney, with a Very High General Ethical Standards rating, and a Distinguished Legal Ability rating, as determined by Martindale-Hubbell® PEER REVIEW RATINGS™.  

Monty received his Juris Doctorate from Washington University Law School in St. Louis, where he served on the Washington University Law Quarterly, Washington University's most prestigious law journal.  Monty received his B.A. in political science from Eastern Illinois University, where he attended on a full academic scholarship. While at Eastern, he was an annual award winner in the social sciences writing competition and received a coveted appointment to the Student Legal Services Board. 

 Monty is a frequent speaker at seminars and workshops. He has conducted “in-house” estate planning classes for several insurance agencies, brokers, and senior service organizations and groups.  For years he presented bi-annually a twenty-hour educational seminar approved for continuing professional education credit entitled, Estate Planning and the Insurance Professional.  He is also a frequent speaker at continuing legal education programs sponsored by the National Business Institute, including most recently, contributing to the program entitled Planning for Retirement and Long Term Care, in Cleveland, Ohio.  Monty was also a frequent guest lecturer at Summa Western Reserve Hospital, where he teaches at Grand Rounds on a variety of subjects, such as privacy under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996, medico-legal documentation, and deposition strategies.  

Monty has numerous publishing credits, including having contributed to the Ohio State Bar Association's “News You Can Use.” He has contributed articles relating to drafting trusts and estate planning documents to materials published by the National Business Institute. Among his contributions are articles or outlines regarding long-term care planning, retirement planning, non-qualified annuities, life insurance, reverse mortgages, drafting trusts, and the use of long-term care insurance and modified endowment contracts in an estate plan. Understanding Long Term Care Options, assists professional advisors in considering the bewildering array of issues confronting the elderly when selecting from long-term care alternatives. 

 Monty’s list of publishing credits include:

  • Estate Planning Learning Center, , Monty L. Donohew, LPA (2006-2022);
  • Aging in Place Planning and ElderLaw Blog,  (2004-2022);
  • “Beware of Direct Transfer Designations- TOD's, POD's, and Simple Beneficiary Designations,” Ezine @rticles, ?Beware-of-Direct-Transfer-Designations---TODs,-PODs-and-Simple-Beneficiary-Designations&id=3684882 (2010);
  • “Does Your Trust Discourage Guardianship? Most Don't Do Enough!” Ezine @rticles, ?Does-Your-Trust-Discourage-Guardianship?-Most-Dont-Do-Enough!&id=3703234  (2010); 
  • “Funding Your Trust with Bonds,” Ezine @rticles,  ?Funding-Your-Living-Trust-With-Bonds&id=3735638(2010); 
  • “Avoiding Sham Trusts and Trust Schemes- Part I- Sham Trusts”; Ezine @rticles (2010); 
  • “Avoiding Sham Trusts and Trust Schemes- Part II- Trust Schemes”; Ezine @rticles, ?Avoiding-Sham-Trusts-and-Trust-Schemes---Part-I---Sham-Trusts&id=3750756(2010); 
  • “Powers of Attorney Fail to Prevent Guardianship,” Ezine @rticles  ?Powers-of-Attorney-Fail-to-Prevent-Guardianship&id=3805104 (2010);
  • Multi-State Guide to Buying and Selling Real Estate, Covenant Title Agency, Ltd. (2005);
  • Outliving Your Money: A Fate Worse Than Death, Senior Legacy Publishing, 2003 (unavailable); 
  • “Understanding Long-Term Care Options,” Ohio Estate, Financial and Health Care Planning for Elder Clients, National Business Institute, Inc., 2003;
  • “Creating Asset Protection Tools,” Paralegals, Planning, and the Mature Client in Ohio, National Business Institute, Inc., 2002; 
  • “Drafting Revocable Living Trusts,” Estate Planning for Paralegals, National Business Institute, Inc., 2001; 
  • Online Estate Planning Learning Center, Schumacher Publishing, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004,  2005, 2006, and 2007;
  • Your Estate Matters, Monty L. Donohew & Associates, LPA, 2003 and 2004; Monty L. Donohew, LPA, 2006-2009.
  • Long Term Care Planning and Real Estate Titles, Presentation before the Cuyahoga Board of Realtors, 2004. 
  • Institutionalized Against Your Will: Advanced Estate Planning to Prevent Guardianships for the Elderly, 2009; 

Monty has also written workbooks and articles on asset preservation techniques for businesses, including the following subject matter: Mechanic's Liens; OSHA Inspections: Strategies and Tactics; Employee Handbooks: Strategies for Limiting Liability; Avoiding Liability for Workplace Sexual Harassment; Strategies and Tactics for Balancing Bonding Requirements and Estate Planning Needs; Qualified Disclaimers and Business Succession Planning; "Estate Freeze" Techniques for Small Businesses; and Section 1031 Exchange Trusts. Monty is also a lifetime member of Strathmore’s Who’s Who and is profiled in the Millennium Edition. 

 Monty is blessed with a wife, Christine, and their three children, Leah, Joshua, and Jeremy.  Monty and his family reside in North Canton, Ohio.

Awards

Top Contributor 2022,2021,2020,2015
Top Contributor
2022 2021 2020 + 1 ...

Photos and videos

Contact Monty

Monty L. Donohew, LPA
Monty L. Donohew
545 Metro Place South
Suite 100
Dublin, OH, 43017
Hide locations

Reviews

4.3 / 5.0
  4 customer reviews
5 Star
 
75%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
25%
1 Star
 
0%
Posted by Tabitha | June 13, 2015
Difficult estate
Monty is wonderful. He has been helping me with a very difficult estate that has been opened for almost 3 years. I recently got him to help me in this process because I felt frustrated that my voice was not being heard and needed someone to look out for my best interests. He is making sure that things are moving towards closure of the estate. He has came up with some creative solutions that I felt that I could compromise with my family. He is very knowledgeable. I was very impressed with him at the consultation. I knew when I was in good hands when the lawyer form my dad's estate spoke to me after a court hearing. Her comment to me was "you got a really great lawyer with Monty ". This was after they had met and spoke with the magistrate. I would highly recommend him.
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Posted by anonymous | June 9, 2015
Very Knowledgeable
Monty walked my family through the Medicaid process. I was impressed that he gave us options, and answered all of our questions. He made a very difficult situation much easier to handle.
Posted by Mary | March 28, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Monty is a very knowledgeable and really cared about my aging parents. Him and his staff are TERRIFIC PEOPLE!!
Monty has been our family’s attorney for over 25 years and has always been available when there were questions about estate planning. His office staff was very professional and dedicated as we never felt rushed when needing to speak to him or his office staff. I have found Monty to be very knowledgeable and straightforward through the years in his approach working with us. He always took the time to make us feel like family and was very patient in really listening to my 90-year-old dad every time he had questions especially concerning my mom or when my dad did not understand something. Monty was there each time supporting us in making difficult decisions. My dad enjoyed telling Monty about the family and sometimes about some personal issues he wanted advise on concerning his banking or how he paid the wrong bill. Monty would listen and sometimes shared some of his own firsthand experiences while advising my dad in an easy and understanding manner. During the last 5 years when my mom became ill and had to be placed into a nursing home, Monty and his staff were very patient and took the time to explain to me and my dad what needed to be done especially when it came time to apply for Medicaid. My dad was very confused on what to do but Monty worked with me explaining each required document. I can honestly say I have learned a lot about estate planning by having to step in for my dad from the time my mom went into a nursing home to the time when my dad was diagnosed with end stage dementia. I cannot thank them enough knowing that both my parents received the best nursing home care which they deserved during their final years. Upon my parents passing, I feel that I could not have successfully fulfilled my parents’ wishes without Monty and his staff’s professional help. It was very smooth as everything was preplanned and placed into a Trust. I have highly recommended Monty to my friends and relatives who have voiced concerns about their aging parents telling them he goes above and beyond and is very skilled in all phases of estate planning and elder law. I promised them that they would not be disappointed as Monty and his staff are very compassionate and experienced people.
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Posted by anonymous | March 17, 2022
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Cannot read
He’s too much of in a hurry to really read the question. His response was too brief and I base my review on his inability to spend a couple minutes reading my question. My question had a detailed backstory and an email sent by him stated he wanted me to give more information when I had already done so. I know jurisprudence and what empathy is. It is my fervent opinion that this Esq. just wants publicity. Well, you got it!
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Response from Monty Donohew March 17, 2022
I am sorry that you were dissatisfied with my answer. I disregarded the complicated factual situation you erroneously thought relevant Unfortunately answers are often regardless of the complicated factual circumstances. I answered the question asked. Mine was the only answer provided, and no other lawyer disagreed with that answer. When your email added additional facts, I explained how those additional facts might effect your legal remedies against others, but that did not change the answer to your question as asked (regarding whether a neighbor could consent). I even suggested you ask a different question specifically addressed to criminal lawyers. The bottom line is that you have no expectation of privacy if a conversation can be heard by your neighbor from, as you put it initially, "an open window."
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 45 minutes
  • Hourly Rates $ 85-265 per hour
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Attorney/President
  • Monty L. Donohew, LPA
  • 2001 - Present
  • Partner
  • Ross, Kendig, Donohew & Arnold, Ltd.
  • 1995 - 2000
  • Associate
  • Robertson, Ross, Zeglen & Pidcock
  • 1992 - 1995
  • Associate
  • Krugliak, Wilkins, Grifiths & Daugherty
  • 1991 - 1992
  • Assistant Division Counsel
  • National Super Markets, Inc.
  • 1987 - 1991
  • Law Clerk
  • National Super Markets, Inc.
  • 1985 - 1987
View all work experience

Education

  • Washington University
  • Juris Doctorate
  • 1987
  • Eastern Illinois University
  • B.A.
  • 1984

Legal Cases

  • JASON LYTLE v. KIMBERLY S. MACKIE, No: 2020ADV252683, Cuyahoga County Probate Court
  • Summary Judgment
  • MICHAEL OYLER ET AL. VS MARK D LANCASTER ET A.L
  • Case settled favorably
  • TODD A. LISY, et al. v. MAYFAIR ESTATES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.
  • Judgement in favor of Plaintiff/homeowner; upheld on appeal

Associations

  • Stark County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2002 - Present
  • Ohio State Bar Association
  • 1992 - Present
  • Missouri Bar Association
  • 1987 - Present

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Rated Very High Both Legal Ability &Ethical Standards
  • Martindale-Hubbell®
  • 2020
  • 20 Year Rated Distinguished
  • Martindale-Hubbell®
  • 2018
  • 30 Year Serving the Community
  • Martindale-Hubbell®
  • 2017
  • Top 5% Most Honored Professionals
  • American Registry
  • 2016
  • 15 Years- Very High Both Legal Ability & Ethical Standards
  • Martindale-Hubbell®
  • 2014
  • Peer Review Rating™ BV Distinguished
  • Martindale-Hubbell®
  • 2012
  • Doing the Most Good
  • Salvation Army
  • 2010
  • BV-Rated Attorney- Very High Ability and Ethical Standards
  • Martindale-Hubbell®
  • 2009
View all awards

Publications

  • Estate Planning for Paralegals
  • Drafting Revocable Living Trusts
  • 2011
  • www.donohew.com
  • Estate Planning Information Center
  • 2000
View all publications

Attorney endorsements

Received (18)
Given (40)
Endorse Monty
Elder law Attorney | Mar 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Highly qualified with 34 years experience. Thanks for being a respected colleague!"
Estate planning Attorney | May 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Attorney Donohew is a highly experienced and knowledgeable attorney as demonstrated in his many fine contributions to the Avvo Q&A community. Everybody needs to think about estate planning and Mr. Donohew has the knowledge and experience to help you achieve your estate plans. Any client fortunate enough to have Mr. Donohew on the case is in very good hands."
Wills and living wills Attorney | May 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer, because of the level of knowledge and professionalism he displays on this forum."
Elder law Attorney | May 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Attorney Donohew. He provides detailed, accurate responses to client questions as they are posed in the Avvo community, and I would not hesitate to send referrals his way."
Wills and living wills Attorney | May 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Having connections in different states is extremely helpful and I know I can rely on Attorney Donohew."
Estate planning Attorney | Jan 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. It is nice to have an attorney in another state than one could count on with good insight and help. From an Indiana attorney"
Estate planning Attorney | Mar 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Monty is a dedicated and experienced attorney who brings his considerable talent to bear in helping his clients grapple with one of the most important aspects of life planning. He is a credit to the legal profession and I am happy to endorse him."
Estate planning Attorney | Aug 20
Relationship: Other
"I endorse Monty Donohew. I have 37 years active legal practice and I very much respect Mr. Donohew's skills and abilities. I have personally reviewed many of his responses to Avvo inquiries, and he is exactly on point providing great public service to those inquires. Do not hesitate to contact him with your legal questions."
Estate planning Attorney | Aug 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Estate planning Attorney | Aug 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mr. Donohew provides very thoughtful, practical and useful advice here on AVVO. He is very knowledgeable in Estates and Planning Law and as a newly admitted attorney , I find his answers particularly helpful. I endorse this attorney and enjoy learning from Mr. Donohew."
General practice Attorney | Jul 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Jul 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Donohew is a highly experienced and knowledgeable attorney as demonstrated in his many fine contributions to the Avvo Q&A community. Any client fortunate enough to have Mr. Donohew on the case is in very good hands."
Estate planning Attorney | Jun 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Attorney Donohew. He is professional, knowledgeable and most helpful in his answers to questions about probate, elder care and estate planning."
Estate planning Attorney | Jun 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Estate planning Attorney | Jun 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Monty L. Donohew. He is an excellent attorney. Monty is my go-to estate planning attorney in Ohio."
Unknown Attorney | Jun 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Elder law Attorney | Jun 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Highly respected in legal community. Responses are clear and complete. Fabulous credentials. Demonstrates a thorough understanding of law."
Estate planning Attorney | Jun 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I admire Mr. Donohew's contributions to this site and his timely responses to inquiries. I endorse this lawyer."
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Uniontown Estate planning Lawyer Monty Lee Donohew
Monty Lee Donohew
Estate planning Attorney
Uniontown, OH
Licensed for 36 years
Free Consultation
Virtual consultation available