After a loss
Probate and trust administration
- Guidance for executors, start to finish
- Estates with or without a will
- Settling a trust after a loved one passes
- Will and estate disputes
Norwood estate planning and probate lawyers
Wills, trusts and probate for Norwood, the independent city surrounded by Cincinnati. Norwood estates are handled at the Hamilton County Probate Court downtown.
- Free first consultation
- Flat-fee estate plans
- Offices in Loveland and Blue Ash
Where an estate is filed
Hamilton County Probate Court
William Howard Taft Center, 230 East Ninth Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
City of Norwood
Surrounded by Cincinnati
Its own city, Hamilton County
How we meet
In person, phone or Zoom
First consultation is free
Probate in Norwood
Ohio sets the steps: open the estate, file the inventory within three months of appointment, allow six months from the date of death for creditor claims, then distribute and close.
Smaller estates, $35,000 or less, or $100,000 or less when a surviving spouse inherits everything, may qualify for a shorter release from administration.
Sources: Ohio Revised Code 2115.02, 2117.06 and 2113.03.
Visiting the court
Hamilton County Probate Court
- William Howard Taft Center, 230 East Ninth Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
- (513) 946-3570 · probatect.org
We prepare and file the forms for you, and keep you updated on every court date.
Its own city, the county's court
Probate is a county court
Norwood has its own city government, but probate is handled by the county, so Norwood estates go to the Hamilton County Probate Court.
Selling the family home
If a home needs to be sold after a death, the executor usually needs authority from the will or the court, or the house is first transferred to the heirs. We tell you which applies.
When there is no will
Ohio law decides who inherits, usually a spouse and children first, and the court appoints an administrator. We guide whoever serves.
How we help Norwood families
Whether you are planning ahead or handling things after a loss, you work directly with an attorney who explains every step in plain language.
Planning ahead
Estate planning
- Wills and living trusts
- Powers of attorney and health care directives
- Special needs and irrevocable trusts
- Flat-fee plans, explained before any work starts
You meet with an attorney, every time
Every consultation is with one of our estate planning and probate attorneys, backed by a team that keeps you updated between meetings.
“Most families don’t need the most complicated plan. They need the right one, explained in plain English.”
Steve R. Wolterman
Founding Attorney
Wills, trusts and probate for Ohio families since founding the firm in 2008.
- Admitted to the Ohio bar in 2007
- J.D., University of Cincinnati College of Law
- B.S. Finance, Clemson University
- Certified Exchange Specialist (CES)
“Probate is a lot to handle after a loss. My job is to make sure you always know what happens next.”
Cassidy Carstens
Attorney
Focuses on probate administration for estates of all sizes, and on estate planning.
- With the firm since 2015, from secretary to attorney
- J.D., University of Cincinnati College of Law
- Admitted to the Ohio bar in 2023
- B.S. Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati
And the team behind them
Emily Ames
Office Manager
Scheduling, documents and updates between meetings.
Alex Brammer
Client Services Coordinator
Document signings and help getting everything finalized.
Henrietta Heywood
Client Care Coordinator
Answers your calls, schedules meetings and checks in with clients.
“They were so flexible with their schedules to accommodate getting the necessary Estate Planning completed in time for a trip we were taking.”
Norwood questions
Does Norwood have its own probate court?
No. Probate is handled at the county level, so Norwood estates are opened at the Hamilton County Probate Court, 230 East Ninth Street in Cincinnati.
What happens if there is no will?
Ohio law decides who inherits, usually a spouse and children first, and the court appoints an administrator. We can open the estate and guide whoever serves.
What does an executor do first?
Find the original will, ask us to open the estate with the probate court, and hold off on paying debts or handing out belongings until you are appointed. We give you a checklist at the first meeting.
How much does an estate plan cost?
Our estate plans are a flat fee, and we go over your exact cost at the free consultation before any work starts.
Do I have to come into the office?
No. You can meet us at our Loveland or Blue Ash office, or by phone or Zoom. Many clients meet remotely and come in only to sign.
Communities we serve nearby
Families across Greater Cincinnati work with our Loveland and Blue Ash offices.
Talk with an attorney for free
Tell us what is going on and we will explain your options and the next step.