Q: Is probate required for a deceased spouse's single checking account under $50k in Ohio?

A: If the account was only in your spouse's name and had no beneficiary named, it will have to go through probate. However it can possibly use the smaller estate type - a Relief From Administration. That type allows up to $100,000 for a spouse's estate.

A: You're facing a difficult moment, and it's good that you're asking the right questions to protect your time and resources. In Ohio, if the only asset left by your spouse is a checking account under \$50,000 and there was no will, you may qualify for a simplified probate process known as a **Summary Release from Administration**. This option is available when the surviving spouse is the only heir and the total estate falls below that \$50,000 limit.

This process is much easier and quicker than full probate and often requires fewer court appearances and documents. You'll need to file a request with the probate court in the county where your spouse lived, along with a death certificate and a copy of the account information showing the balance. Once approved, the court can issue an order releasing the funds to you, which you can then take to the bank.

You’re not expected to navigate this alone or go through full probate for such a modest account. What matters most is following the process properly, even if it’s simpler than you thought. You’re already doing the right thing by asking questions and trying to follow the law. Take a deep breath—this is manageable, and you're handling it with care.