Everyone needs an estate plan

For more than two decades, attorney Margaret T. Karl, known to her clients as Margie, has helped individuals and families navigate some of life’s most important decisions.

Since opening her practice in 2013, she has built a thriving law firm that handles estate planning and elder law. A longtime Olmsted resident who is actively involved in her community, Margie brings a personal perspective to her profession, combining legal knowledge with an understanding of the challenges families face as they age.

I recently sat down with Margie to discuss her journey in the legal profession and why she believes estate planning is smart for everyone to consider, regardless of age or financial picture.

Q: Did you always know you wanted to become an attorney?

Margie: I remember telling my parents when I was in middle school that I wanted to be a lawyer. They probably figured I’d change my mind, but I never did. There weren’t any attorneys in my family. It was simply something I always wanted to do.

Q: How did you find your way into estate planning and elder law?

Margie: I began my career working at a law firm, where I gained experience and gradually worked my way up. When I opened my own firm, estate planning was my focus and elder law became a natural extension. Looking back, it makes perfect sense. My father was 23 years older than my mother, so I’ve had personal experience with the issues families encounter as parents age. That perspective helps me understand what clients are going through.

Q: How has your practice evolved over the years?

Margie: We’ve grown tremendously. In 2026, we nearly doubled our office space by expanding into an adjoining area. We’ve added clients and support staff, including legal assistants, to help meet their needs.

This year, I also had the opportunity to participate in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, which provides entrepreneurs with education and resources to help grow their businesses. It was a valuable experience that encouraged me to look at the practice from a business owner’s perspective and think strategically about its future.

It’s exciting to see how far we’ve come while maintaining the personal attention that’s always been important to me.

Q: What’s the biggest misconception people have about estate planning?

Margie: That they don’t have enough money to need it. People wrongly think that estate planning is only for wealthy people with complicated finances. Even if your fiscal situation is straightforward, you need several basic documents, including a will and powers of attorney. You want the things that you own to get to the right people and assign someone you trust to handle important decisions if you’re unable to do so yourself.

Q: When is the best time to begin estate planning?

Margie: Earlier than people think. Getting married, buying your first home, having children or being in a serious relationship are all good reasons to start. I encourage people to see estate planning as something that grows with them. You may not need an elaborate plan at 25, but you should have the basics in place. As your assets and responsibilities change, your plan can evolve. The past few years I’ve noticed that younger people are more willing to have these conversations.

Q: As long as a couple is married, aren’t final wishes automatically taken care of?

Margie: That’s not always the case. Retirement accounts, pensions, beneficiary designations and medical privacy rules can create complications.

Q: What advice would you give people?

Margie: Don’t wait until there’s a crisis. Estate planning isn’t just about money. It’s about protecting the people you love and making difficult situations easier for them. A little planning today can make a big difference in your tomorrows.

Margaret T. Karl, Attorney at Law 

25800 North Depot Street, Suite 102, Olmsted Falls 

440-782-5051 

OlmstedOhioLaw.com