What executors and families should know before opening an estate at the Hamilton County Probate Court, from the first filing to closing the estate. Written by the probate attorneys at Wolterman Law.
We are a private law firm, not the court. Wolterman Law Office is not affiliated with the Hamilton County Probate Court. For official forms, hours and filings, visit probatect.org.
Where
Taft Courthouse and Law Center
9th and 10th floors, 230 E Ninth St.
Who files here
Anyone who lived in Hamilton County
Cincinnati and every suburb and township
Online
Court records and eFile
On probatect.org
Watch, 44 seconds
How an Ohio estate moves from opening to closing, and the two deadlines every executor should know. Captions are on, so it works with the sound off.
Named executor? Here's how probate works in Ohio. First, the estate is opened in the probate court of the county where your loved one lived. Next, notify the heirs and gather what was in their name alone. Within three months of your appointment, file an inventory of what the estate owns. Creditors have six months from the date of death to present claims. Then pay valid debts, distribute what's left, and close the estate. Most estates take at least six months. Our probate attorneys can handle the filings. Schedule a free consultation at woltermanlaw.com.
Ohio law sets the order. The Hamilton County court adds its own forms and local rules on top.
File the will and an application with the court. The court appoints the executor, or an administrator if there is no will.
Notify heirs and beneficiaries, gather the assets in the person's name alone, and keep them safe.
List what the estate owns and its value, due within three months of appointment (ORC 2115.02).
Creditors have six months from the date of death to present claims (ORC 2117.06).
Pay valid debts and expenses, distribute what is left, and file the final account to close the estate.
For typical time frames, see how long probate takes in Ohio.
Sources: Ohio Revised Code 2115.02 and 2117.06.
The court
Probate is in the William Howard Taft Courthouse and Law Center at 230 East Ninth Street, on the 9th and 10th floors.
The court needs the original signed will, not a copy. If you cannot find it, tell us before anything is filed.
If an estate may already be open, the court's online records on probatect.org can show it. We can check for you.
Loveland spans three counties. A Loveland resident who lived in Clermont or Warren County files there instead.
The court offers online access to court records and an eFile link on probatect.org, along with its estate forms.
You meet with an attorney, and our team keeps you updated between court dates.
“Probate is a lot to handle after a loss. My job is to make sure you always know what happens next.”
Attorney
Focuses on probate administration for estates of all sizes, and on estate planning.
“Most families don’t need the most complicated plan. They need the right one, explained in plain English.”
Founding Attorney
Wills, trusts and probate for Ohio families since founding the firm in 2008.
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.
“Steve Wolterman and his team made what could have been an overwhelming process feel organized and manageable.”
Estates of $35,000 or less, or $100,000 or less when a surviving spouse inherits everything, may qualify for a shorter release from administration. Some very small estates qualify for a summary release.
Assets with a named beneficiary, joint accounts with survivorship and property in a funded trust usually pass without probate at all.
Sources: Ohio Revised Code 2113.03 and 2113.031.
Who files here
No. It is in the William Howard Taft Courthouse and Law Center, 230 East Ninth Street, on the 9th and 10th floors.
Yes. The court offers access to its records through probatect.org. If you are not sure whether an estate is already open, we can check for you.
Most executors use one. The forms, deadlines, inventory and accounting are strict, and mistakes can delay the estate or make the executor personally responsible.
At least six months in most cases, because creditors have six months from the date of death to present claims (Ohio Revised Code 2117.06). Many estates take longer.
Tell us what is going on and we will explain the next step, the timeline and your options.