Probate

If you are expecting an inheritance in Ohio, you may wonder whether creditors can claim the assets your loved one intended for you. Ohio law provides specific protections for beneficiaries, though the estate must address valid debts through probate before any assets...

When a family member dies, unpaid credit cards, medical bills and other debts do not simply disappear. At the same time, you generally do not become personally responsible for those debts just because you are the person handling the estate or receiving an inheritance....

Closing an estate can be a time-consuming process. This is because it involves several complex tasks, such as identifying and valuing the deceased person’s assets and paying debts, taxes and expenses. Staying organized and understanding the required actions might help...

The death of a loved one creates stress for families. Adding probate responsibilities on top of grief can intensify tensions. Executors often find themselves caught between legal duties and family expectations. However, taking the right approach can help preserve...

Misconceptions about what happens to a person's property after death often complicates matters for grieving families. These false expectations can cause unnecessary friction among heirs as well as legal problems. Understanding the realities of estate administration...

Losing a parent or spouse can leave you with court forms, bills and questions about what happens next while you are still grieving. In Ohio, release from administration may give smaller estates a simpler path through probate. It does not remove court oversight...

Losing a parent is a heavy burden, and suddenly finding yourself in charge of their estate can feel overwhelming. You likely want to know when your responsibilities as executor will end so that your family can find closure. In Ohio, the duration of probate depends on...

Being the executor of an estate is a complex job, especially when a person named in the will has disappeared. If you are an executor or administrator, known legally as a fiduciary, the law imposes a legal duty to locate all parties entitled to a distributive share of...

Losing a parent is burdensome enough without a mailbox full of "Final Notice" letters. If you are serving as a fiduciary handling an estate in Dayton, understanding which debts to pay first is essential to avoid personal liability. Ohio law creates a strict priority...

When you lose someone you love, you may face many hard decisions. One question that often comes up is who will handle your loved one's estate? Fortunately, the answer depends on whether your loved one left a will.  Two key roles in probate administration During...