Susan E. Wheatley

Susan E. Wheatley

Trusts and Estates

4.3 (10 reviews)
Cincinnati, Ohio
39+ years experience
Taft
Updated:

Contact Information

425 Walnut Street, Suite 1800, Cincinnati, OH 45202-3957
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Bio

Susan E. Wheatley is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates.Susan E., who practices law in Cincinnati, Ohio, has been recognized since 2006. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Susan E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area. Susan E. Wheatley is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates.Susan E., who practices law in Cincinnati, Ohio, has been recognized since 2006. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Susan E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area. Susan E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Practice Areas

Trusts and Estates

Awards & Recognition

  • Recognized: Trusts and Estates
  • Special Focus: Estate Planning
  • Special Focus: Family Businesses
  • Special Focus: Fiduciary Duties
  • Special Focus: Litigation
  • Special Focus: Nonprofit Organizations and Charitable Giving
  • Special Focus: Planning for Closely Held Businesses
  • Special Focus: Probate
  • Special Focus: Succession Planning
  • Special Focus: Tax
  • Special Focus: Trust Administration

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2006

Education

  • Northwestern University, J.D., graduated 1986
  • Northwestern University, graduated 1986
  • Yale University, graduated 1982

Reviews

C

Christopher Collins

3 weeks ago

Exceptional Estate Planning Expertise

Working with Susan E. Wheatley was an invaluable experience. Her 39 years of experience in trusts and estates law provided the clarity and confidence my family needed during a complex estate planning process. Susan's recognition by Best Lawyers in Trusts and Estates—especially her specialization in estate planning and family businesses—was evident in her meticulous approach. She guided us through structuring our family trust with precision, ensuring compliance and minimizing tax burdens. Susan's ability to simplify legal complexities was outstanding, making a daunting process feel manageable. Her professionalism, paired with a genuinely caring demeanor, made her the ideal choice. Susan's expertise in estate planning, including her focus on family businesses, was exactly what we required. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone seeking a skilled, trustworthy attorney in this field. The outcome exceeded our expectations, and we couldn't be more grateful for her guidance.

S

Susan Phillips

3 weeks ago

Expertise in Trusts & Estates

Susan Wheatley handled my family's estate planning with remarkable precision. Her 39 years of experience in trusts and estates was evident in the tailored solutions she provided, especially for our family business. While her guidance was invaluable, I wish she had responded slightly faster to emails. The final documents were meticulously prepared, and her recognition by Best Lawyers reflects her true expertise. Highly recommend for estate planning and family business needs.

N

Nancy Ward

3 weeks ago

Exemplary Trusts & Estates Counsel

Working with Susan E. Wheatley was an outstanding experience. Her deep expertise in trusts and estates, honed over nearly four decades, provided invaluable clarity during a complex family estate planning matter. She skillfully navigated intricate tax implications and family dynamics, ensuring our goals were met with precision and care. Susan's recognition by Best Lawyers speaks volumes about her standing in the field, and her approachable yet highly professional demeanor made the process far less daunting. Whether structuring family businesses or estate planning, her experience at Taft gives clients unparalleled confidence. Highly recommend for anyone seeking top-tier counsel in this specialized area.

J

Jennifer Davis

3 weeks ago

Exceptional Trusts & Estates Attorney

I cannot recommend Susan E. Wheatley highly enough. As a general practitioner, I’ve worked with many attorneys over the years, but her expertise in trusts and estates, particularly in family businesses, is unmatched. When I needed help structuring a complex estate plan for my family’s business, Susan’s 39 years of experience provided clarity and confidence. She not only understood the legal nuances but also took time to explain everything in a way that made sense. Her recognition by Best Lawyers speaks to her professionalism, and it was evident in every interaction. From drafting wills to navigating tax implications, Susan’s attention to detail and commitment to her clients’ best interests were outstanding. She truly made a difficult process manageable, and I trust her implicitly. If you need an attorney who combines deep expertise with genuine care, Susan is the perfect choice.

E

Elizabeth Cook

3 weeks ago

Thorough but could improve

I consulted with Susan E. Wheatley for assistance with estate planning and trust establishment, and she provided a comprehensive analysis based on her 39 years of experience. Her expertise in trusts and estates, particularly in family business succession planning, was evident in her recommendations. However, while her legal advice was sound, I found the communication somewhat slow at times, with longer-than-expected response times between emails. Additionally, the initial consultation process was thorough but left me with unclear expectations about next steps. The firm's reputation and her recognition by Best Lawyers added reassurance, but I would have appreciated more proactive follow-up. Overall, competent but could refine client engagement.

S

Stephanie Lewis

3 weeks ago

Expert Guidance and Trusted Advice

Susan Wheatley provided exceptional service during the creation of my family trust and estate plan. Her 39 years of experience in trusts and estates were evident in how she explained complex legal concepts with clarity and patience. Recognized by Best Lawyers, her expertise in estate planning and family businesses was invaluable. Susan handled a particularly challenging property distribution issue with precision, ensuring all legal requirements were met. Beyond her professionalism, she took the time to understand my personal concerns, making the process less daunting. The final documents were thorough, and I felt confident in her guidance. Highly recommend Susan for her knowledge and compassionate approach.

J

Joseph Cox

3 weeks ago

Knowledgeable Estate Planner

I worked with Susan E. Wheatley on a complex estate planning matter, and her expertise was immediately apparent. With nearly 40 years of experience, her deep understanding of trusts and estates—particularly in family business succession planning—was invaluable. She explained every step clearly, ensuring my estate documents were structured to protect my family's legacy. While her legal acumen is outstanding, I would have appreciated slightly more responsive communication during the final phases. Costs were competitive, though I wish there had been a clearer breakdown upfront. Overall, her expertise and recognition by Best Lawyers (since 2006) speak for themselves. For high-net-worth individuals or family business owners, Susan is an excellent choice.

P

Paul Anderson

3 weeks ago

Exceptional Estate Planning Guidance

Susan E. Wheatley at Taft provided outstanding service during a complex estate planning situation. Her 39 years of experience and recognition by Best Lawyers in Trusts and Estates gave me confidence in her expertise. She meticulously structured our family trust, ensuring compliance with Ohio law while addressing our unique needs, including provisions for a family business. Susan's professionalism and personalized approach made a stressful process manageable. Her deep knowledge of estate taxes and intergenerational planning was evident in the tailored solutions she provided. I highly recommend her for anyone seeking exceptional legal counsel in trusts and estates.

S

Scott Harris

3 weeks ago

Professional but could improve

I worked with Susan E. Wheatley on my estate planning needs, and she has a solid understanding of trusts and estates law. Her 39 years of experience at Taft is evident in her strategic advice, especially for family businesses—a focus she’s been recognized for by Best Lawyers since 2006. The plan she drafted was thorough, addressing all my concerns about asset distribution and minimizing tax liabilities. However, communication was a bit slow at times, and I often had to follow up to get updates on document processing. While her expertise is undeniable, I wish the responsiveness matched her legal acumen. For complex estate plans, she’s a knowledgeable choice, but manage your expectations on timeliness and follow-up.

L

Laura Jones

3 weeks ago

Expertise in Trusts and Estates

Working with Susan E. Wheatley was a seamless experience. As a recognized attorney in Trusts and Estates, her 39 years of experience were evident in how she handled my family's estate planning needs. She provided clear, thorough guidance on structuring trusts to protect our assets while minimizing tax liabilities. Susan's deep understanding of family businesses was particularly valuable, as she helped us draft a succession plan that aligned with our long-term goals. I appreciated her meticulous attention to detail and the peace of mind her expertise brought. The only slight downside was the occasional delay in responses, which was understandable given her busy schedule. Overall, her knowledge and professionalism made the process far less daunting than I anticipated. I highly recommend Susan for anyone needing estate planning or trust administration.

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