Estate Planning & Probate in Erie County, Ohio
Most Erie County estate questions come down to one fork: avoid probate before a death, or work through it after one. Pick the path that fits, then work from the local Probate Court details.
Someone died — settling an estate
Filing probate at the Probate Court, what it costs, transferring property, and local attorneys.
What to do when someone dies in Erie County→Planning ahead as a property owner
Keep a Erie County home out of probate with a transfer-on-death deed or a living trust.
Estate planning in Erie County→The Probate Process in Erie County
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling someone's estate after they die — validating the will, paying debts and taxes, and transferring what's left to the heirs. In Erie County, probate runs through the Probate Court at 323 Columbus Ave., 2nd Fl., Sandusky. Erie County runs probate e-filing through probaterecords.eriecounty.oh.gov, its own system rather than a shared statewide portal.
Full Erie Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Probate Court
Erie County
Address
Phone
Hours
Recording Deeds & Property Documents
Recording Office Record
County Recorder
Erie County · County Recorder · Nicholas J. Smith
Address
Phone
Hours
E-recording
$34 for the first 2 pages plus $8 for each page beyond 2; a 2-page TOD deed records for $34; TOD deeds are exempt from transfer tax.
Full recording details →Verified September 8, 2026 · Source
Local Procedures at the Probate Court
Forms must be typed; the court does not accept handwritten documents. Deposits are maintained until the case is closed; unused costs are refunded at closing, and no case is closed until all costs are paid.
Ohio Estate Planning Articles
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Erie County.
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