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ARTICLE · 31 AUGUST 2026

Q: Why Is Unclear Authority So Dangerous?

Schneider Bell
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The Calm Among the Storm – In each post of this blog series, Schneider Bell attorney Veronica Garofoli answers a real question she sees from families, fiduciaries, financial advisors, and CPAs — focused on the moments when a situation first becomes unstable, and what actually protects people under Ohio probate and trust law.

United StatesLitigation, Mediation & Arbitration
Veronica T. Garofoli
Veronica T. Garofoli
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The Calm Among the Storm – In each post of this blog series, Schneider Bell attorney Veronica Garofoli answers a real question she sees from families, fiduciaries, financial advisors, and CPAs — focused on the moments when a situation first becomes unstable, and what actually protects people under Ohio probate and trust law.

Answer

Because well-meaning people make legally fatal decisions. In Ohio, power comes from appointment, not assumption. Acting without authority exposes families and advisors to reversal, surcharge, and litigation. Much of my work is confirming who legally controls what—and freezing activity until that is resolved.

The calm move isn’t to rush. It’s to confirm authority first. No authority. No action.

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