Settling the estate of a person who just died is called probate. Because this is a complex legal process, and people don’t always prepare an estate plan to streamline distributions and decisions, issues can and do arise. The executor does not want the responsibility...
probate & estate administration
When do probate alternatives take effect in Ohio?
Probate is often an essential process to help administer estates based on state law. Aside from adequately distributing inheritances, it can also help organize and settle any debt or tax payments the deceased left before they passed. In Ohio, some laws can shorten the...
Does the Ohio probate process take long?
Probate in Ohio is a process the court uses to ensure that when someone dies, their estate assets go to the legally entitled parties. Usually, the person who has the decedent's last will and testament initiates it. The court will review the will first and determine if...
Assets that escape the probate process
Probate can be short and easy or long and complex, depending on the will or lack thereof, estate planning precautions and the size of the estate. In general, most of an estate goes through probate. However, there are assets that do not go through probate and go...
Why executors should check for unclaimed property
Some executors worry about not locating funds and property that belong to an estate. Ideally, a decedent would have left papers detailing where their assets are. Still, sometimes an executor has to check for missing items, such as unclaimed property. The state of Ohio...
Release from administration during Ohio probate
The Ohio Supreme Court reported 100,053 cases in probate courts in 2022. There is no doubt these courts are very busy. To help ensure everyone's cases move along as quickly as possible, the probate law does allow for certain estates to seek a release from...
When may an executor sell estate property?
When someone dies, their belongings and property form their estate. If you are the executor of an estate, you are responsible for managing these assets and distributing them to the heirs. However, some situations may require you to liquidate or sell some of the estate...
Estate executors may settle debts during probate
Ohio’s Revised Code requires the executor named in a will to notify the named heirs and creditors when the will’s creator dies. As noted on the Ohio.gov website, executors must send written notices within six months of the death. Unpaid creditors may file claims with...
What to consider before you agree to be the executor of an estate
Closing an estate takes time and requires patience and attention to detail. Agreeing to oversee this process is not something you should do unless you understand the scope of your responsibilities. Knowing what to consider about this role can help you make an informed...
Tips for liquidating estate belongings
As an estate executor, there are many steps from a person dying to you completing your task. More than that, there are many ways to handle each step. One major step is working through the estate property to determine its value. While many items may transfer from the...