Meet Ted: Why I Specialize In Estate Planning

As we move through life, we face all sorts of problems. Some of these challenges can be overcome on our own, but others need the help of professionals. When it came time for me to choose a career, I had one overarching goal—to be a problem-solver for others and use my knowledge and experience to help others find clarity in whatever obstacles they face. Becoming an estate planning lawyer gave me this exact opportunity, and more than 30 years later, I haven’t looked back!

My Career Journey

After earning a bachelor’s degree in political science from Wright State University and a J.D. from the University of Dayton School of Law, I went on to obtain a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree in estate planning and elder law from Western New England University School of Law, becoming the first attorney in Ohio to do so! I was also one of the first attorneys to be board certified by the Ohio State Bar Association in estate planning, trust, and probate law.

In 1992, I founded Gudorf Law Group, LLC, a boutique law firm that helps families and businesses prepare for the future. An important piece of this preparation involves estate planning. When people ask me why I chose to specialize in estate planning over other areas of practice, my answer is simple: I believe that planning is an act of love. When someone makes the decision to take care of the details and put a plan of action in place for their spouse, children, and future generations, it shows the level of care and love they have for their family.

But in order to plan the right way, people need a plan that is tailored to their unique needs and circumstances. As a counseling-oriented attorney, I take the time to listen to my clients’ concerns and develop a deep understanding of their situation so I can provide them with guidance and solutions that are appropriate. My process and relationship-centered approach helps my clients articulate their goals and get them on the right path to their desired outcome.

Why I Love What I Do

My passion for my job and my role in my clients’ lives comes down to the reason why I started this career in the first place – to help others solve their problems. That’s why my favorite part of what I do is having the privilege of working closely with my clients and pointing them in the right direction. There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing someone take your advice, follow through, and then walk into their future with confidence, knowing their estate is in order not just for the rest of their life, but for their family as well.

Take The Next Step

I am always open to meet new people and see how I may be able to help. Whether you’ve already started planning for the future or have yet to put strategies in place, I encourage you to reach out to us today for a no-obligation conversation to see if our team at Gudorf Law Group would be a good fit for you. Contact us online or by phone at 937-898-5583 or email us at [email protected].

About Ted

Ted Gudorf is the founder and managing attorney of Gudorf Law Group, LLC, a boutique firm with estate planning attorneys, tax advisors, and elder care lawyers focused on helping families and businesses plan for the future. With over 30 years of legal experience, Ted concentrates his practice in the areas of estate planning, probate, elder law, and other related matters. Ted is known for building strong client relationships and helping his clients solve problems and make decisions. Ted has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Wright State University and a J.D. from the University of Dayton School of Law. He was the first attorney in the state of Ohio to obtain a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree in estate planning and elder law, which he received from Western New England University School of Law. He was also one of the first attorneys to be board certified by the Ohio State Bar Association in estate planning, trust, and probate law, a status achieved by fewer than 200 attorneys in Ohio.

Ted is the co-author of Estate Planning Strategies, published in 2009, and For Ohio Doctors, published in 2010. He is also a founding trustee of the Greater Dayton Volunteer Lawyers Project, and previously served as the first mayor of the city of Clayton, Ohio. When not practicing law, Ted enjoys spending time at the beach, wine tasting, going out for dinner, and watching his favorite teams, the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Browns. He is active in the Dayton community, serving as president of the board of directors of Life Essentials, Inc., a nonprofit agency focused on providing guardianships for mentally ill adults with limited financial resources. To learn more about Ted, connect with him on LinkedIn.