Create Your Ohio Estate Plan with FREE State Forms
The Buckeye State
Access FREE Ohio-compliant estate planning forms including Last Will and Testament, Power of Attorney, and Healthcare Proxy. Plus educational resources to help you understand Ohio estate laws and protect your family's future.
What Makes Ohio Different
Like all states, Ohio recognizes formally executed wills and living trusts as valid estate planning tools. A standard will here requires 2 adult witnesses. One notable limitation: Ohio doesn't recognize self-proving wills. Your witnesses may need to appear in court after your death to confirm they watched you sign, so keep their contact information on file.
If you die without a will in Ohio, your heirs must survive you by at least 5 days to inherit anything. This "survival period" exists to prevent property from passing through multiple estates in quick succession when family members die close together in time, such as in an accident.
Unlike states with formal independent administration statutes (such as California and Texas), Ohio doesn't offer a simplified procedure for executors to petition for reduced court oversight. However, executors typically have statutory authority to manage routine estate matters. For families looking to avoid probate court involvement entirely, a revocable living trust remains the most reliable option.
Ohio Estate Planning Resources
Free estate planning forms, calculators, and checklists for Ohio. No account required.
Ohio Last Will and Testament
Create a free, state-specific will with Ohio's witness and notarization requirements included.
Ohio Pour-Over Will
Transfer assets to your existing trust. Ohio's execution requirements included.
Ohio Healthcare Power of Attorney
Designate someone to make medical decisions on your behalf. Ohio's requirements included.
Ohio Financial Power of Attorney
Designate someone to manage your financial affairs. Ohio's requirements included.
How Much Does Probate Cost in Ohio?
Estimate attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and timeline for probating an estate in your state. See if the estate qualifies for simplified probate procedures.
How Much Can an Executor Charge in Ohio?
Calculate how much an executor (personal representative) can charge for administering an estate. See if your state has statutory fees or uses reasonable compensation.
What's Fair Trustee Compensation in Ohio?
Find out what's fair compensation for serving as trustee. Compare family, professional, and corporate trustee rates based on your situation.
Who Inherits in Ohio?
Find out who inherits your estate and how much they get if you die without a will. Based on your state's intestate succession laws.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need in Ohio?
Calculate how many certified death certificates you need based on the assets and accounts you need to close. See state-specific ordering information.
How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes in Ohio?
Calculate federal estate tax, state estate tax (12 states + DC), and inheritance tax (5 states) for an estate or trust.
Do I Need Probate in Ohio?
Answer a few questions to find out if an estate needs full probate, qualifies for simplified probate, or can avoid probate entirely with a small estate affidavit.
How Do I Settle an Estate in Ohio?
Get a personalized checklist for settling an estate after someone passes away. Covers trust administration, probate, and intestate estates.
What Are My Duties as Trustee in Ohio?
Step-by-step guide for successor trustees administering a trust. Understand your duties, notification deadlines, and asset management responsibilities.
What Are My Duties as Executor in Ohio?
Complete guide for executors and personal representatives navigating probate. Court filings, creditor claims, and distribution timelines.
What Does a Revocable Living Trust Cost in Ohio?
Compare the cost of creating a revocable living trust. See how SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys compare over 5 years including life events.
What Does a Will Cost in Ohio?
Compare the cost of creating a will. See document costs plus probate fees your heirs will pay. Compare SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys.
How does Ohio estate law handle probate differently from other states?
Ohio estate law features a distinctly structured probate process, which can be critical for understanding asset distribution upon a person's death. Unlike some states, Ohio allows for a simplified probate process for smaller estates, which can expedite proceedings and reduce costs. This can be particularly beneficial for families with limited resources or simpler asset portfolios. Additionally, Ohio's approach to probate includes specific measures for handling digital assets, ensuring comprehensive coverage of modern estates. Understanding these nuances is important for Ohio residents as it helps in creating estate plans that manage both tangible and intangible assets efficiently.
