What to Do When Someone Dies in Logan County, Ohio
Probate in Logan County runs through the Probate Court: prove the will, settle the debts, and pass the house to the heirs. Here is how the local process works—and what each step actually costs.
When someone dies in Logan County, settling their estate runs through the Probate Court. This page covers the court record, whether probate is required, what it costs, how to file, transferring property, and the local attorneys who handle probate here.
Probate Court Record
Probate Court
Logan County
Address
101 S. Main St.Bellefontaine, OH 43311
Phone
Fax
937-292-4121
Hours
Monday - Thursday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM; Friday, 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Paper filing availableE-filing optional
Friday hours are significantly shortened (closes at 2:00 PM). Probate is part of the Logan County Family Court; general Family Court line is 937-599-7249.
Verified June 2, 2026 · Source
How Probate Works in Logan 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 Logan County, probate runs through the Probate Court at 101 S. Main St., Bellefontaine.
The personal representative opens the case, gives notice to heirs and creditors, files an inventory of the estate's assets, settles outstanding debts and taxes, and then distributes the remainder under the will — or under Ohio intestacy law when there is no will.
Most Ohio estates take 9 monthscodes.ohio.gov: ORC § 2113.03Verified Jun 1, 2026 to 12 monthscodes.ohio.gov: ORC § 2113.03Verified Jun 1, 2026 to move through this process. The 6 monthsORC § 2117.06 (eff. 4-3-2023, SB 202, 134th GA)Verified Jun 1, 2026 creditor claim window is the largest fixed piece of that timeline — a mandatory wait regardless of how simple the estate is.
What Probate Costs in Logan County
What probate costs in Logan County, Ohio comes down to a handful of line items — the court filing fee, attorney and executor compensation, publication, and sometimes a bond — scaled by the estate's size and whether the will is contested. The case itself runs through the Probate Court at 101 S. Main St., Bellefontaine.
Ohio charges $200ORC § 2101.16 (as amended by HB 96, 136th GA, eff. 9/30/2025)Verified Jun 1, 2026 to open probate, the same in every county. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.
The Probate Court accepts e-filing (https://www.logancountyohio.gov/probate-court.html). Paper filing remains available for self-represented filers.
Estimate the costs for this estate:
Attorney fees in Ohio are negotiated, typically 2%ORC § 2113.36 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Jun 1, 2026 to 4%ORC § 2113.36 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Jun 1, 2026 of estate value. Flat-fee arrangements are common for straightforward estates.
Executor compensation is also statutory in Ohio. Family executors who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.
A surety bond may be required unless the will waives it or all beneficiaries consent. Premiums run roughly 0.5%ORC §§ 2109.04, 2109.09Verified Jun 1, 2026 of estate value annually.
Probate in Ohio typically runs 9 monthscodes.ohio.gov: ORC § 2113.03Verified Jun 1, 2026 to 12 monthscodes.ohio.gov: ORC § 2113.03Verified Jun 1, 2026, and costs accrue throughout. The 6 monthsORC § 2117.06 (eff. 4-3-2023, SB 202, 134th GA)Verified Jun 1, 2026 creditor claim window is the single biggest driver of that timeline — a mandatory wait regardless of estate complexity.
How to File Probate at the Probate Court
Probate documents in Logan County can be filed in person at the Probate Court, by mail, or electronically. Most families handling probate themselves prefer paper filing, though e-filing is available.
How to File Your Documents
Paper Filing Available
You can file your probate documents in person at the court or by mail.
E-Filing Also Available
If you prefer, you can file electronically through the state's online system. This is optional for families filing without an attorney.
View E-Filing InformationCan You File Without an Attorney?
Not every estate requires an attorney. Estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree determine if self-filing at the Probate Court is realistic.
For a full cost comparison and filing checklist, see the Logan County Self-Filing Assessment.
What to Bring
To file at the Probate Court you need: the original will (or proof there isn't one), a certified death certificate, contact information for all heirs and beneficiaries, and a summary of what the estate owns and owes.
Transferring Property in Logan County
Clearing title to real estate after a death—recording a personal representative’s deed, an affidavit of survivorship, or a court order—happens at the County Recorder.
Recording Office Record
County Recorder
Logan County
Address
100 S. Madriver St., Suite ABellefontaine, OH 43311
Phone
Hours
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
E-recording
Not available
Recording fees
| Base recording fee | $28 |
| Per additional page | $8 |
Base fee of $28.00 covers the first two pages. Each additional page is $8.00. A typical TOD designation affidavit is 1-2 pages, so the total recording fee is $28.00. Counties may charge additional technology and modernization fees per ORC 317.36 and ORC 317.321.
ORC 317.32
Transfer tax
$1.00 per $1,000 of value (mandatory state conveyance fee, ORC 322.02) State; Up to $3.00 per $1,000 of value (county permissive fee, ORC 322.02). Varies by county. local. Transfer-on-death deeds are generally exempt (TOD designation affidavits (ORC 5302.22) involve no transfer of consideration at recording. The real property conveyance fee under ORC 322.02 applies only when consideration is exchanged. The conveyance fee statement (DTE Form 100) is not required for TOD affidavits.). The conveyance fee may apply later when the beneficiary sells or transfers the property after the owner's death, but not at the time the TOD designation affidavit is recorded.
Verified March 22, 2026 · Source
Probate Attorneys Serving Logan County
Ohio uses formal, court-supervised probate, which makes an attorney worthwhile for most estates in Logan County — the filing sequence, notice requirements, and accounting leave little room for error. Estates under the small-estate threshold are the usual exception.
Probate attorney fees in Ohio are based on reasonable compensation — typically 2%ORC § 2113.36 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Jun 1, 2026 to 4%ORC § 2113.36 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Jun 1, 2026 of the estate's value, billed hourly or as a flat fee. Ask a Logan County firm to quote a structure up front.
A probate attorney files the petition with the Probate Court, publishes the required creditor notices, prepares the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. They represent the personal representative — not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if a dispute develops.
Central Ohio Firms
Smith, Smith, Montgomery & Chamberlain, LLC
FirmSmith, Smith, Montgomery & Chamberlain has served the Bellefontaine and Logan County area since 1932. The firm handles estate planning, probate and trust administration, real estate, and business law. Multiple generations of attorneys have practiced at the firm over its 93-year history.
Location
112 North Main StreetBellefontaine, OH 43311
Phone
(937) 593-8510
Established
1932
Estate PlanningProbateTrust Administration
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Brown, Bemiller, Murray & Haring, LLC
FirmBrown, Bemiller, Murray & Haring provides legal representation to clients in Richland County and North Central Ohio in probate and estate planning, covering wills, trusts, powers of attorney, living wills, guardianships, conservatorships, estate litigation, will contests, and federal estate tax preparation.
Location
99 Park Avenue WestMansfield, OH 44902
Phone
(419) 525-1611
Estate PlanningProbateTrust AdministrationGuardianship
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Elsass, Wallace, Evans & Co., L.P.A.
FirmElsass, Wallace, Evans & Co. has served Shelby County and the Sidney area for over 40 years with estate and financial planning, probate and trust administration, and tax law. Both named partners hold perfect Martindale-Hubbell 5.0/5.0 ratings, and the firm has been repeatedly voted Best Law Firm by Sidney Daily News readers.
Location
100 South Main Avenue, Suite 102Sidney, OH 45365
Phone
(937) 492-6191
Estate PlanningProbateTrust AdministrationTax Planning
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Eyer Law, Ltd.
Solo PracticeEyer Law serves families throughout Crawford County and North Central Ohio with estate planning, elder law, probate, and Medicaid planning. Attorney Tani Eyer specializes in helping clients protect assets from Medicaid spend-down requirements.
Location
840 South Sandusky AvenueBucyrus, OH 44820
Phone
(419) 834-2193
Estate PlanningElder LawProbateMedicaid PlanningAsset ProtectionGuardianship
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Kick & Gilman, LLC
FirmKick & Gilman serves Ashland County from offices in Ashland and Loudonville. The firm focuses on estate planning, Medicaid planning, asset protection, and estate administration, helping individuals, families, and businesses build and protect their assets. Voted Best Law Firm in Ashland County 2025.
Location
245 Sandusky StreetAshland, OH 44805
Phone
(419) 289-8080
Established
2004
Estate PlanningMedicaid PlanningAsset ProtectionProbate
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Kidwell, Cunningham & Abrams, Ltd.
FirmKidwell, Cunningham & Abrams serves Knox and Morrow counties from offices in Mount Vernon and Marengo. The firm handles estate planning, probate, real estate closings, title services, and small business formation. Founded in 2004, the practice has grown through partner additions.
Location
112 North Main StreetMount Vernon, OH 43050
Phone
(740) 397-7474
Established
2004
Estate PlanningProbate
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M. Elizabeth Martindell, Esq. LLC
Solo PracticeM. Elizabeth Martindell provides probate, wills, trusts, and estate planning services to individuals and families in Marion and surrounding counties including Wyandot, Crawford, Morrow, Delaware, Union, and Hardin.
Location
1241 East Center Street, Suite CMarion, OH 43302
Phone
(740) 382-6588
Estate PlanningProbate
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Firms from Neighboring Regions
Martin, Browne, Hull & Harper, P.L.L.
FirmMartin, Browne, Hull & Harper is one of the oldest continuously operating law firms in Ohio, founded in 1872. The probate and estate planning practice handles everything from simple wills to complex estate plans, including full estate administration and probate court representation. Offices in Springfield, Urbana, and Bellefontaine.
Location
500 North Fountain AvenueSpringfield, OH 45504
Phone
(937) 324-5541
Established
1872
Estate PlanningProbateTrust AdministrationProbate Litigation
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Critchfield, Critchfield & Johnston, Ltd.
FirmCritchfield, Critchfield & Johnston has provided legal services for over 80 years across Northeast and North Central Ohio. With 32 attorneys across five offices, the firm handles estate planning, trust and probate administration, business succession planning, and elder law.
Location
225 North Market StreetWooster, OH 44691
Phone
(330) 264-4444
Established
1943
Estate PlanningProbateTrust AdministrationBusiness SuccessionElder LawGuardianship
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Statewide Practices
Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLC
FirmBuckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs has served Northeast Ohio since 1913. Their Trusts & Estates team creates customized strategies collaborating with accountants, bankers, financial planners, and insurance professionals to ensure an integrated approach to estate and charitable giving plans.
Location
3800 Embassy Parkway, Suite 300Akron, OH 44333
Phone
(330) 376-5300
Established
1913
Service Area
Statewide
Estate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateBusiness SuccessionCharitable Planning
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Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP
FirmBricker Graydon Wyatt's Trusts & Estates Practice Group handles estate planning, asset protection, income and estate tax planning, probate avoidance, charitable planning, and business succession. Formerly Bricker Graydon LLP.
Location
100 South Third StreetColumbus, OH 43215
Phone
(614) 227-2300
Established
1944
Service Area
Statewide
Estate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateTax PlanningCharitable PlanningBusiness Succession
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Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP
FirmCalfee's estate planning attorneys assist clients in developing and implementing wills, trusts, and estate and succession plans. Ranked Band 1 in Ohio Private Wealth Law by Chambers HNW 2024. Selected for Best Law Firms 2025 rankings for Litigation - Trusts & Estates (Regional Tier 1 Cleveland).
Location
1405 East Sixth StreetCleveland, OH 44114
Phone
(216) 622-8200
Service Area
Statewide
Estate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate LitigationTax PlanningBusiness Succession
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Dinsmore & Shohl LLP
FirmDinsmore is a full-service national law firm established in 1908 with a strong trusts and estates practice serving clients in Cincinnati and throughout Ohio. 260 Dinsmore attorneys listed in 2026 Best Lawyers.
Location
255 East Fifth Street, Suite 1900Cincinnati, OH 45202
Phone
(513) 977-8200
Service Area
Statewide
Estate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateTax PlanningWealth Transfer
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FBT Gibbons LLP
FirmFBT Gibbons LLP (formerly Frost Brown Todd, merged with Gibbons P.C. effective January 1, 2026) is a national law firm with approximately 800 attorneys across 25 offices. The Private Client practice provides comprehensive estate and wealth planning to individuals and families throughout Ohio.
Location
301 East Fourth Street, Great American Tower, Suite 3300Cincinnati, OH 45202
Phone
(513) 651-6800
Service Area
Statewide
Estate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateTax PlanningWealth TransferBusiness Succession
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Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP
FirmPorter Wright's Tax, Estate Planning & Personal Wealth group provides wealth and asset preservation, probate and trust litigation, and family office services. About 225 attorneys across nine offices; Chambers USA 2025 ranked with 21 attorneys and 11 practices recognized.
Location
41 South High Street, Suites 2800-3200Columbus, OH 43215
Phone
(614) 227-2000
Service Area
Statewide
Estate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateTax PlanningCharitable PlanningProbate Litigation
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Reminger Co., LPA
FirmReminger operates the Estate and Trust Dispute Center of Ohio and has 13 T&E lawyers in the 2025 Best Lawyers in America. Estates, Trusts and Probate Litigation ranked Metropolitan Cleveland Tier 1 (Best Law Firms 2026); nationally ranked for Trusts and Estates.
Location
200 Public Square, Suite 1200Cleveland, OH 44114
Phone
(216) 687-1311
Service Area
Statewide
Estate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate LitigationFiduciary LitigationElder Law
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Roetzel & Andress
FirmRoetzel's Trusts, Estates & Wealth Management team provides comprehensive estate planning and administration services throughout Ohio. Founded 1876; over 210 lawyers in 13 offices. 100 attorneys named 2025 Best Lawyers/Ones to Watch.
Location
222 South Main Street, Suite 400Akron, OH 44308
Phone
(330) 376-2700
Established
1876
Service Area
Statewide
Estate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate LitigationTax PlanningBusiness SuccessionCharitable Planning
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Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP
FirmShumaker, Loop & Kendrick was founded in 1925 and has grown to a premier provider of legal services with more than 300 lawyers. Their Wealth Strategies service line includes Trusts and Estates and Estate Administration practices. 131 attorneys in Best Lawyers in America 2025.
Location
1000 Jackson StreetToledo, OH 43604
Phone
(419) 241-9000
Established
1925
Service Area
Statewide
Estate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate LitigationTax PlanningBusiness Succession
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Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP
FirmTaft's Private Client practice provides estate planning, wealth transfer, and trust administration services. AmLaw 100 firm with 1,100+ attorneys; 15 attorneys in Chambers HNW; ranked leading firm for Private Wealth Law in Ohio. Founded 1885.
Location
425 Walnut Street, Suite 1800Cincinnati, OH 45202
Phone
(513) 381-2838
Established
1885
Service Area
Statewide
Estate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateTax PlanningCharitable PlanningBusiness Succession
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Thompson Hine LLP
FirmThompson Hine's Personal & Succession Planning practice provides estate planning, trust administration, and fiduciary services. 400+ lawyers in 10 offices; Chambers HNW ranked; Legal 500 ranked for Cleveland.
Location
3900 Key Center, 127 Public SquareCleveland, OH 44114
Phone
(216) 566-5500
Service Area
Statewide
Estate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateTax PlanningFiduciary LitigationBusiness Succession
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Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
FirmVorys' trusts, estates and wealth transfer practice received a Band 1 ranking, the highest honor, in the Chambers USA: High Net Worth Guide 2025 edition. Founded 1909; about 375 lawyers across Ohio, Texas, Pennsylvania, DC, London, and Berlin.
Location
52 East Gay StreetColumbus, OH 43215
Phone
(614) 464-6400
Established
1909
Service Area
Statewide
Estate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateTax PlanningWealth TransferCharitable Planning
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Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to verify their current practice areas and availability.
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
You open probate by filing a petition with the Probate Court in Logan County, attaching the original will (if any), the death certificate, and the filing fee ($200). Once the court issues letters, the personal representative can act.
Total probate costs usually run 3–8% of the estate value. For Logan 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.
Yes. The Probate Court in Logan County accepts e-filing through the state portal. In-person filing at the courthouse is still available for those without digital access.
Not every estate needs one. Simple estates, small estates under the affidavit threshold, and states with informal probate can often be handled without counsel. Contested wills, out-of-state property, and business interests usually need an attorney. The Ohio self-filing assessment scores whether this estate can be handled without one.
A simple Ohio probate typically closes in 6–9 months; average estates run 9–12 months. The mandatory creditor-claim period accounts for much of that, so even uncontested estates rarely close quickly.
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 Logan County probate.
Notify Banks & Financial Institutions
Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.
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