Charles D. Rittenhouse,
Estate Planning Attorney

Designing and Implementing
Your Legacy

How I Can Help You

I focus on a few primary areas to provide the highest level of service:

Estate Planning

I tailor estate planning documents to meet your goals, providing peace of mind when you need it most.

Estate & Trust Administration

I compassionately guide families through probate, easing their burden with expert care.

Real Estate

I advocate for your peace of mind, handling your real estate needs from offer through closing.

My Mission

I believe that estate planning is more than just wills or trusts; it is an act of love taken by those who care deeply about their families and desire to leave a lasting legacy in the world.

My mission is to help families regain their peace of mind by providing protection in times of prosperity, security in times of uncertainty, and comfort in times of crisis. Understanding that no two families are alike, I take the time to get to know my clients so that I can provide customized advice to accomplish their specific goals and objectives. Also, seeing my role with my clients as both advisor and educator, I empower my clients to leave my office understanding all of the options so they can forge their path with confidence.

I got into the practice of law because helping people is my passion. And I strongly believe that I can help you.
Meet Charles D. Rittenhouse

Hello, I’m Charles D. Rittenhouse, a Partner at LaValley, LaValley, Todak & Schaefer Co., LPA, located in Sylvania, Ohio. Specializing in estate planning, wealth preservation, taxation, estate and trust administration, and real estate transactions, I partner with individuals and families to navigate both simple and complex legal matters with care and expertise.

Beyond the office, I am passionate about my Catholic faith, my family, and service to others in the community. I am an active parishioner at St. Rose Catholic Church in Perrysburg, Ohio, where I cantor at weekend Masses and sing with the Men’s Schola choir. I also enjoy spending time with my wife and four young children, who are my primary vocation. In service to others, I am a member of the Diocesan Finance Council and previously lead initiatives as President of the Board for Catholic Charities Diocese of Toledo and as Vice President of the St. Rose Parish Pastoral Council.
About LaValley, LaValley, Todak & Schaefer Co., LPA

LaValley, LaValley, Todak & Schaefer Co., LPA (“LLTS”), located in Sylvania, Ohio, has been serving Ohio, Michigan, and Florida in business, taxation, and estate planning since 1971.

What began as a family-owned law firm has become a community staple, employing attorneys who uphold the same moral compass that Richard G. LaValley, Sr. founded the firm more than 50 years ago. The eight attorneys at LLTS have built lasting relationships with businesses and individuals by practicing law with honesty and ethics.

LLTS prides itself on growing with, guiding, and adapting to each client’s needs. Their breadth of knowledge and experience creates opportunities to assist clients in various matters, often developing into lifetime attorney-client relationships spanning many decades.

Education

B.A., summa cum laude, in Economics – University of Dayton (2008)

J.D., cum laude – University of Dayton School of Law (2011)

Bar Admissions

I am admitted to practice law in Ohio and before the United States Tax Court and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.

Publication

"The True Costs of Not Paying Your Property Taxes in Ohio," 36 DAYTON L. REV. 221 (2011).

Satisfied Clients

I'm proud to share the experiences of my clients, who have trusted me with their legal needs.

"Charles provided me with complete peace of mind, exceeding my expectations and putting in place an estate plan that I don’t have to think about again."

Susan R.

Estate Planning Client
"Charles is wise and experienced beyond his years. His suggestions were very helpful and made the process easy and understandable."

Stephen and Barbara B.

Estate Planning Client
"I was fortunate to have Charles as my attorney during a recent real estate transaction. There were many hurdles that needed to be addressed, and Charles handled them and overcame every setback that was encountered."

J.C. Andrus

Real Estate Client
"Charles is honest, meticulous in detail, exceptionally knowledgeable, but most importantly, truly caring. Charles earned our trust for his committed interest in helping tailor our vision for providing financial security for our children and grandchildren."

Jeff and Kim W.,

Estate and Tax Planning Client
"Charles is not only extremely professional and competent, but personable, warm and kind. He took the time to know me as an individual, to learn what I consider important, and translated that rapport into advice appropriate to my situation."

Karen G.

Estate and Business Planning Client

You Can’t Take It With You: Part Two – Giving to Children

Wednesday, April 02, 2025 Estate Planning , Finance , Taxes

You Can’t Take It With You: Part One – Giving to Children

Wednesday, March 19, 2025 Estate Planning , Finance , Taxes

Estate Plan: Preparing for the Long Haul

Wednesday, March 05, 2025 Estate Planning

3 Tips for Understanding Assets

Wednesday, February 19, 2025 Estate Planning

Introduction to Gifts and Transfer Taxes

Wednesday, February 05, 2025 Estate Planning , Finance , Taxes

The Importance of Naming Final Beneficiaries

Wednesday, January 22, 2025 Estate Planning

Get In Touch Today

Ready to discuss your estate planning, trust administration, or real estate needs? Contact me today for a consultation, and let's ensure your future is secure.

CALL 419.882.0081