
Michael P Cleary, Estate Planning Attorney in Columbus, Ohio
Over 49 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Planning, General, and Health Care · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
AttorneyatCarlile Patchen & Murphy LLP
Columbus, OH
Practicing estate planning in Columbus since 1977.
- 49+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Michael P Cleary?
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Quick answer
Michael P Cleary is an attorney based in Columbus, OH. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, General, and Health Care. Michael has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Columbus, OH
- Experience
- over 49 years
- Known for
- Estate Planning · General · Health Care
- Handles Estate Planning, General, and Health Care matters from Columbus, OH.
- Over 49 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Michael P Cleary: Michael P Cleary is an attorney based in Columbus, OH. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, General, and Health Care. Michael has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Michael takes on
Michael concentrates on estate planning, general, health care, poa, and probate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Estate Planning
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General
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Health Care
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POA
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Probate
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Trusts
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Estate Planning cases in Columbus, Ohio
Michael takes estate planning matters in Columbus, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
General cases in Columbus, Ohio
Michael takes general matters in Columbus, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Health Care cases in Columbus, Ohio
Michael takes health care matters in Columbus, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
POA cases in Columbus, Ohio
Michael takes poa matters in Columbus, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Columbus, Ohio
Michael takes probate matters in Columbus, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Michael P Cleary — estate planning lawyer in Columbus
Michael P Cleary is an attorney based in Columbus, OH. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, General, and Health Care. Michael has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Michael P. Cleary joined Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP after 40 years in the private practice of law in the Central Ohio area. Michael focuses on estate and life planning services for multiple generations of his friends and clients as a member of the CPM Family Wealth & Estate Planning Practice Group. He continues to offer seasoned counsel and advice in all areas of trust and probate administration as well as probate avoidance planning techniques.
How Michael handles estate planning matters
Michael P. Cleary joined Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP after 40 years in the private practice of law in the Central Ohio area. Michael focuses on estate and life planning services for multiple generations of his friends and clients as a member of the CPM Family Wealth & Estate Planning Practice Group. He continues to offer seasoned counsel and advice in all areas of trust and probate…
Who Michael represents
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate planning, general, and health care matters in Columbus and the surrounding Ohio area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Capital University Law School
J.D. · 1977
Ohio State University
B.A. · 1974
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
Ohio
1977 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in Capital University Law School and B.A. in Ohio State University.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in Capital University Law School and B.A. in Ohio State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Ohio is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Michael's professional memberships and bar associations
Michael participated for more than 30 years in the Columbus Bar Association as a general member and a participant in the probate, solo/small Firm Committees of the association
membership
He is also a member in good standing of the Ohio State Bar Association and a member of the Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law Practice Groups
membership
Locations
Michael P Cleary's office in Columbus
Michael's primary office is at 950 Goodale Boulevard, Suite 200, Columbus, OH, 43212. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP
950 Goodale Boulevard, Suite 200
Columbus, OH 43212
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Michael P Cleary — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing estate planning attorneys in Columbus.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael P Cleary claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael P Cleary — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new estate planning attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a estate planning attorney in Columbus, Ohio
A short list to run through before you commit: How many estate planning matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Michael
Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in estate planning practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every estate planning matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many estate planning practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael P Cleary
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a estate planning case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some estate planning attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do estate planning cases in Ohio typically take?
Simple estate planning matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Columbus?
Michael is licensed in Ohio. Matters governed by Ohio law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Michael?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new estate planning clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Estate Planning attorneys serving Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati in Ohio
Michael handles estate planning matters throughout Ohio. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified estate planning attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated estate planning attorneys in Ohio
If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these estate planning attorneys in Columbus handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





