Ohio Probate Law

"Probate" is the legal process of settling an estate of a deceased person, specifically resolving all claims and distributing the deceased person's property under a valid will. The probate court process is also used to handle estate where no will exists. In such cases, the court follows the laws of intestacy. Probate is a service that a court provides to confirm the validity of a deceased person's will. Once a will has been probated by the court, everyone can rely on its authenticity. Probate protects the instructions of the deceased, confirms the executor as the personal representative of the estate, protects the interests of family members, and protects the executor against claims and law suits.

Pursuant to statutes and local court rules, the basic steps of estate administration through the probate court are as follows:

1. Application for authority to administer the estate and admit the will to probate;

2. Appointment of a personal representative;

3. Gathering assets and obtaining appraisals as required;

4. Filing an inventory of the estate’s assets in a timely manner;

5. Payment of creditors;

6. Filing of estate and income tax returns and payment of taxes, if any;

7. Distribution of remaining assets to beneficiaries;

8. Closing the estate by filing a final account or certificate of termination in a timely manner.

Probate Attorney, Kenneth L. Sheppard, Jr., and his staff are experienced with the nuances and facets encompassing Probate Law, and we encourage you strongly to consider us as an option, for assisting you with all of your probate, estate administration and guardianship needs.

Estate Administration Law
Guardianship Law

Contact Sheppard Law Offices and Attorney Kenneth L. Sheppard, Jr. to discuss your particular situation. Call today to schedule a consultation at 1-888-615-8674.