How Much Does Probate Cost in Auglaize County, Ohio?
Understanding what probate costs before you start helps you plan and avoid surprises. Here's what families in Auglaize County can expect.
One of the most common concerns families in Auglaize County have is how much probate will actually cost. The answer depends on the estate's value, complexity, and whether you hire an attorney.
Attorney fees in Ohio are based on reasonable compensationORC § 2113.36 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 5, 2026, typically 2%ORC § 2113.36 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 5, 2026 to 4%ORC § 2113.36 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 5, 2026 of estate value. Many Wapakoneta-area attorneys offer flat-rate arrangements for straightforward estates.
Run the numbers for this estate:
Court filing fees to open probate are $200ORC § 2101.16 (as amended by HB 96, 136th GA, eff. 9/30/2025)Verified May 5, 2026 in Ohio, plus additional fees for motions and final accounting.
Attorney fees in Auglaize County typically range from 2%ORC § 2113.36 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 5, 2026 to 4%ORC § 2113.36 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified May 5, 2026 of estate value, though many local attorneys offer flat-rate arrangements for straightforward cases. Executor compensation in Ohio is based on reasonable payment for time and effort managing the estate.
If the Probate Court requires publication of creditor notices in local newspapers, expect $200-$500. Professional appraisals for real estate or business interests typically cost $300-$600 per property.
A surety bond may be required unless the will waives it or all beneficiaries consent. If required, premiums typically cost 0.5%ORC §§ 2109.04, 2109.09Verified May 5, 2026 of estate value annually.
These costs accumulate over 9 monthscodes.ohio.gov: ORC § 2113.03Verified May 5, 2026 to 12 monthscodes.ohio.gov: ORC § 2113.03Verified May 5, 2026—the typical timeline for probate at the Probate Court. The 6 monthsORC § 2117.06 (eff. 4-3-2023, SB 202, 134th GA)Verified May 5, 2026 creditor claim period accounts for much of this wait, and expenses compound as executors manage assets during this period.
Legal Sources
- codes.ohio.gov: ORC § 2113.03
- ORC § 2101.16 (as amended by HB 96, 136th GA, eff. 9/30/2025)
- ORC § 2113.36 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)
- ORC § 2117.06 (eff. 4-3-2023, SB 202, 134th GA)
- ORC §§ 2109.04, 2109.09
Data sourced from Ohio statutes and official state code. How we research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Total probate costs usually run 3–8% of the estate value. For Auglaize County, that means filing fees ($200 to open), attorney fees, executor compensation, publication costs, and possibly a bond. The calculator on this page runs the math for your estate size.
The petition to open probate costs $200 in Auglaize County. Additional filings during administration (inventory, accounting, final petition) can add to the total. The calculator above shows the full picture.
Ohio uses "reasonable fees" — usually hourly billing or a percentage of the estate. Typical range is 2%–4% of estate value, negotiable based on complexity.
Ohio caps executor compensation by statute — the same schedule used for attorney fees in many states. Executors can waive this fee, which often makes sense for family members who are also beneficiaries.
Yes. Ohio estates under $35,000 can use a Release from Administration and avoid most probate costs. Check the Ohio self-filing assessment to see if this applies.
A revocable living trust skips probate entirely — no filing fee, no attorney schedule, no executor commission. The cost of setting up the trust is typically recovered many times over compared to what probate would cost the estate. Create a revocable trust online and keep the estate out of Auglaize County probate.
Probate Court
Auglaize County
201 Willipie St., Ste. 119
Wapakoneta, OH 45895
Phone:
419-739-6778Fax:
419-738-1061
Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Paper Filing Available
E-Filing Optional
Notify Banks & Financial Institutions
Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.
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