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...
probate & estate administration
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...
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...
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...
What happens when a will does not get updated?
Creating a will determines the distribution of your assets after your death. Many people make their will early on years and forget to update it after a major life event. Failing to update a will could jeopardize how you want your assets divided. The chaos and...
Are executors liable when they mismanage an estate?
When someone you know names you the executor over his or her Ohio estate, you should expect to have to take on a number of important responsibilities on that individual’s behalf. Serving as an executor requires you to take certain steps, and failing to uphold your...
What issues should you expect with a probate home sale?
As an estate executor, you will have the responsibility of dispersing an estate to its heirs. Sometimes the fate of property, like a home, is not clear. The will may not name a beneficiary to receive the residence. It is possible that you will end up selling the...

