No, the only way to become Executor is to be named in the decedent’s will and apply to the probate court. If there was no will, any person living in Ohio can apply to be Administrator.

It really depends on the family. Some need to start right away because they need plates for the car, want to sell the house, or need access to bank accounts. But there are reasons to wait as well. A probate attorney can advise.

That is a question only the estate attorney can answer. Depending on the size of the estate and the steps remaining, it could be a short time or longer. Ask the attorney when the distribution is to be made.

No. Your mother should be the Settlor. There is no need to hide money from Medicare; they were probably referring to Medicaid, which can look back 5 years to see if there were any transfers for less than Fair Market Value for the purpose of Medicaid eligibility. If your mother needs Medicaid... View More

Your cousin will need to find out how his mother's house was titled. If just in her name, with no Transfer on Death, it will need to go to probate. Similarly, he needs to find out how the accounts were titled. If just in her name, they will also need to go to probate. He should discuss the... View More

If the beneficiary is living, then those pass outside of probate.

The crematorium employee should not practice law. Take the will to an attorney and open an estate in probate court. The surviving spouse may be entitled to some, if he chooses to take against the will, but it should all be done under court supervision.

It depends on how the trust was worded and whether everything he had was in the trust. It is best that you, or whoever is the trustee, talks with a probate attorney.

Wills don't expire. If they are valid at the time of creation - signed by the testator at the bottom with two witnesses signing that the testator did so of free will - it is valid forever unless revoked.

Whether you need to go thru probate depends on how assets are titled, not whether or not you have a will. Anything that is in the decedent's name alone, without a beneficiary or joint owner and not in a trust, would need to be probated. Contact a probate attorney for guidance.

There is no time limit. You should meet with an attorney to review the deed. Normally a survivorship deed is between two people, or to the survivor.

I suggest that you ask the attorney to stop payment on the check and re-issue a new check, sending it priority mail.

No, you are not responsible for repairs to a home that you do not own. You may find it beneficial to keep the home in repair, so that when you inherit, it isn't a mess, but you are not required to do so.

Yes; fees vary by the size of the estate and the county. The county probate website lists the fees. If you don't handle it yourself, there will also be the attorney fees.