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Ohio Probate Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Probate for Ohio on
Q: What trumps what… deed or divorce decree?

My husband and I divorced, both are still on the deed to the house. Divorce decree states when I’m ready to sell we split the proceeds. He passed away and now his wife wants half the house in her name. The deed has survivorship rights. So I thought the house should go into my name. What trumps... View More

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Aug 4, 2023

Sign and record an affidavit of survivorship with a copy of the death certificate, per the survivorship deed. That will put the house into your name. There is no obligation to also put the house into her name, unless a court would order that, or unless the divorce decree already says that. But... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Ohio on
Q: Can I file in Cuyahoga County Probate Court if the decedent died as an inmate in an Oregon State Prison?

Is there a probate law that permits the filing of a probate administration in Ohio if all the decedent's assets are located in Ohio and the decedent was never domiciled in another State except as a prison inmate?

The decedent, a former resident of Cuyahoga County, traveled to Oregon... View More

Aaron Epling
Aaron Epling
answered on Aug 3, 2023

Interesting question. It all depends whether the decedent was a resident of Oregon. After a quick internet search, it seems there may be some authority for saying that a prisoner retains their pre-prison residency. The job of a lawyer is to do the necessary research to come to a conclusion on... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Ohio on
Q: My father passed away and his wife has refused to show me the will. Her Attorney wont talk to me. He left me his house

and bank account and left her the items in the home. The will states if I am married She gets the house and bank account. I am not married NEVER have been. She is his 6th wife he never put her on any bank account, credit card, or deed to house. They were married only 9 years. She has lied and told... View More

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Jul 31, 2023

The will must be filed with the probate court to initiate his probate estate. The will and other documents filed with the court are public records that can be searched on-line. No one can prevent you from filing objections or motions with the probate court. Use the Find a Lawyer tab to retain a... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Probate for Ohio on
Q: My sister passed away in 2020. She had a large sum of money in the bank and no will. Is it too late for probate?

My sister passed away in 2020. She had money from a settlement in the bank. She had 3 children and no will. Is it too late to file with the probate courts for her children to get the money? Am I able to do it for them? I'm in the Akron area, but she lived in the Cincinnati area.

Aaron Epling
Aaron Epling
answered on Jul 14, 2023

It is not too late. Any Ohio resident can apply to the court to administer the estate. I recommend having the estate pay for an attorney.

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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Estate Planning and Probate for Ohio on
Q: Is a lawyer allowed to give money out of the estate before the case is closed?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jul 12, 2023

The distribution of assets from an estate typically occurs after all debts, taxes, and expenses have been paid, and any necessary court approvals have been obtained. This ensures that the estate's obligations are properly settled and that the beneficiaries receive their rightful share... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Probate for Ohio on
Q: What's after Judgment Entry Approving Inventory? And will there be another court date?

I have a lawyer but he has not responded to any of my messages since April. So I don't know what's going on.

Jeffrey J Ferguson
Jeffrey J Ferguson
answered on Jul 5, 2023

A judgment entry approving Inventory is the courts authentication of what has been presented to the court as actual assets and their accepted value by the court. Another hearing is likely for the termination of the estate.

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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Estate Planning and Probate for Ohio on
Q: Can my dads will legally not be followed?

My dad passed away and has a will that states to sell the house that he co owns with his ex wife to put for his funeral expenses. His new current wife is refusing to follow the will she is here on a green card from the Philippines. She is first in his paperwork but I am also listed that if she is... View More

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Jul 3, 2023

You will have to file an action against the new wife in probate court. Has the will been admitted to probate yet? IF not you may even be able to get yourself named as executor. Regardless, you should hire an attorney in your late father's county who regularly practices probate litigation.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Ohio on
Q: What's the next steps after Judgment Entry Approving Inventory
Aaron Epling
Aaron Epling
answered on Jun 28, 2023

Generally, you need to pay the administrative costs, creditors, taxes, and beneficiaries, and then file a final account. Be careful...you could be personally liable if you don't do it right.

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Ohio on
Q: Hi I’m trying to finalize my mothers probate estate paperwork and im getting told this is to messy. I need help please!

I’ve went through all the steps did all the foot work now it won’t be accepted and other than it’s messy idk where to go for help. I just want this to be over !

Aaron Epling
Aaron Epling
answered on Jun 26, 2023

I understand your frustration. The best way to get it over is to hire an attorney to help file the final account. This can help get it over with and also help make sure you don't run into any problems in the future. See the Find A Lawyer tab.

2 Answers | Asked in Probate for Ohio on
Q: When a estate is in probate.And the date has passed for any creditors to make a claim.Can the executor distribute funds
Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Jun 13, 2023

The executor or administrator must consider whether there are other claims to pay, sufficient funds to pay any taxes, expenses and fees of administration, etc. Recipients usually are eager for distributions, but the executor or administrator should consult with the attorney for the estate, or use... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Probate for Ohio on
Q: I am an only child do i have any rights after moms death if there was a surviving spouse that is not my father

The surviving spouse has dementia and I don't believe there was a will

Seth Meyerson
Seth Meyerson
answered on Jun 12, 2023

If mom is unmarried and you are her only child then you are the only heir under intestate law (no will)

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1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Ohio on
Q: How do you do a transfer on death in Ohio if the person is already dead he told his girlfriend to start it but he died

I am talking about my dad he had a will when him and my mom were together but they're divorced so the will doesn't state any items specifically just said it would go to me and my brothers

Aaron Epling
Aaron Epling
answered on May 24, 2023

The will probably results in you and your sibling(s) getting the house. A transfer on death affidavit must be recorded prior to death to be enforceable. If you're in Central Ohio, I'd be happy to look at it for you.

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Ohio on
Q: Does the certificate of transfer supersede the wishes of a will that has gone through probate?

I have a will that gives to the husband as a life estate, then to the daughter as a life estate, then to the granddaughter. The certificate of transfer gives to the daughter, who then conveys the land to another party. It appears that they have ignored or forgotten that the daughter would have... View More

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on May 24, 2023

If the Certificate of Transfer is incorrect, then contact the attorney for the estate to file with the probate court to have it corrected. If the daughter sold the property, there could be a real estate title issue for her and the buyer to resolve. If the buyer did a title examination, that... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Ohio on
Q: The case number that I have received on my documents does not show up in the public access records. It’s a 2023 case

Was started in march im just wondering what is the reason a case number wouldn’t show up on the county website? For probate hearing.

Aaron Epling
Aaron Epling
answered on May 18, 2023

Depends on the court and the formatting requirements. Try searching by name instead of case number.

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Ohio on
Q: What do I do if the probate attorney that is handling my grandmother estate does not contact me?

Left numerous voicemails and finally a call went through and the attorney answered and took my name and phone number and said they would get back to me. It has been 3 months since I have received the notice of inventory and appraisal of the estate with no further contact from the attorney or the... View More

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on May 18, 2023

The case documents are available to the public on-line. So anyone can log in to see them and see what the progress is. The probate process can move slowly. The attorney for the estate represents the estate and works with the executor, and is not necessarily obligated to keep anyone else informed... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Ohio on
Q: Should I sign beneficiary paperwork if I plan on contesting the % since the POA changed them to better her position?

POA (stepmom) reduced mine & brothers %s by 20% each & increased hers by 40%. Dad had altzheimers & couldn’t have made the decision at the time it was changed. Poa had authority with restrictions to follow estate plan.

Aaron Epling
Aaron Epling
answered on May 8, 2023

Your attorney should be answering this question for you. That said, I would probably go ahead and take the lower percentage. Once the litigation begins, the company distributing the money may freeze the account. And, you may need the money to help pay for the costs of litigation. But, even if you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Ohio on
Q: Does a probate attorney notify beneficiaries of final court closings on a estate?

After signing notice of appraisal, to only be informed at final disposition.

Aaron Epling
Aaron Epling
answered on May 1, 2023

As a beneficiary, you are entitled to notice of the various stages of the case. You may also waive your right to those notices...and this is commonly done. If you have a copy of every document you signed, look them over.

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Ohio on
Q: If both spouses die "simultaneously" and they have different back-up executors to their will, which executor handles the

which executor handles the jointly owned accounts? Who does the money in those accounts go to?

Moshe Toron
Moshe Toron
answered on Apr 29, 2023

The funds in the joint account go to the second spouse to die and administered under the will of the second to die. If the order of deaths is unknown, then you need to speak to an attorney.

Other assets are more complicated, as it depends how the wills were written and how they address...
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1 Answer | Asked in Probate and Estate Planning for Ohio on
Q: When someone dies with a Will which clearly conveys ownership of all their property to their spouse, is probate required

Surviving spouse is afraid that Probate Court process is required in all death of spouse situations.

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Apr 27, 2023

If the real estate transfer is in the will, then probate court is required to get a Certificate of Transfer. When the transfer is by a survivorship deed or by transfer on death affidavit, probate court is not required for that transfer, but might be required if there are other transfers under the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Ohio on
Q: My mom passed away in December. Nothing of value in her name. Received a claim against her estate. Not sure what to do

She does have a bank account with maybe $600 in it. I have not done anything to get access to this account. I also did not file her taxes. Looking for guidance or at least to be pointed in the right direction to a lawyer who can assist.

Andrew Popp
Andrew Popp
answered on Apr 22, 2023

If you want to try to settle her estate you likely will need to open up a probate case. The person appointed to be the administrator / executor has the legal authority to settle debts, file taxes, etc. on behalf of the estate. Keep in mind that most creditors must present their claims against the... View More

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