Denver, CO asked in Estate Planning for Ohio

Q: In Ohio, can an out of state person be an executor of an estate? Also, what are waiver of notice probate of will docs?

I was told I could not be executor of my parents estate because I reside out of state. Is that a nice to have condition or a need to have requirement. Also, I was sent a waiver of notice of probate of will from my brother without explanation to sign. Why should I sign this document. Did not come directly from the lawyer for my moms estate planning.

Related Topics:
2 Lawyer Answers
Aaron Epling
Aaron Epling
Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Hilliard, OH
  • Licensed in Ohio

A: If your parents named you as executor in their wills, then you probably can act as executor. If they don't have wills, then you cannot. (R.C. 2109.21) It looks like your brother is moving forward with opening the estate. If this is something you would rather do, then you better get an attorney quickly.

Nicholas P. Weiss agrees with this answer

Beverly A Stull
Beverly A Stull
Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Cincinnati, OH
  • Licensed in Ohio

A: Someone living out of state can be an Executor, who was named in the will. They cannot be an Administrator, who handles the estate when there is no will. Signing a Waiver of Notice of Probate of Will indicates that the Executor or Administrator does not need to send you certified mail telling you that the will was filed with Probate. There will likely be other Waiver of Notice throughout the administration of the estate, which would do basically the same thing, e.g. indicating that the Executor or Administrator does not need to send you formal notice of the date and time of hearings. You do not need to sign any Waivers, although it may make the administration of the estate quicker if you do.

Nicholas P. Weiss and Andrew Popp agree with this answer

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.