Probate

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...

When someone dies in Ohio, not every asset goes through probate. Jointly owned property often follows different rules based on how ownership appears on deeds or account records. Understanding these distinctions helps you know which assets the probate court controls...

Probate in Ohio often brings tax questions that catch families off guard. When an estate includes property, investments, or income, tax responsibilities can affect timelines and distributions. Understanding these issues helps you avoid delays and confusion. Income...

Probate often involves money, property, and decisions that affect multiple people. When an estate enters probate, the court looks for safeguards that promote responsible asset handling. Probate bonds serve that purpose by creating financial accountability during...

When someone dies owning a vehicle, their family must update the title before selling or driving it. In Ohio, the process depends on how the vehicle’s title lists ownership and whether the estate qualifies for a direct transfer or must go through probate. Knowing...

Probate in Ohio doesn’t always have to be long or expensive. In some cases, the process can be simplified through a “summary release” procedure. This faster option can help families settle small estates without going through the full probate court process. What is...

Non-residents who own property in Ohio must follow specific steps to probate an estate in the state. If the deceased person lived out of state but had assets in Ohio, Ohio courts must handle the probate process for those assets. Ohio probate jurisdiction Ohio requires...

Probate in Ohio can be a complicated and confusing process, especially with some common misconceptions surrounding it. Understanding these misunderstandings can help people make informed decisions when dealing with probate. Probate always takes a long time Many people...

When a spouse passes away, the surviving spouse might face challenges figuring out their financial rights. Ohio law gives the surviving spouse a choice regarding their inheritance, known as a spousal election. This election allows them to either take what the will...