How Much Does an Executor Get Paid in Ohio?
Ohio sets executor compensation by statute — about $15,000 on a $500,000 estate, roughly 3.0%ORC § 2113.35Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
Ohio sets executor compensation by statute — about $15,000 on a $500,000 estate, roughly 3.0%ORC § 2113.35Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. The fee applies to the gross value of the probate estate; executors and beneficiaries may agree to a different amount, but the schedule is the default. Executors can waive the fee entirely or accept a reduced amount.
The Ohio statutory schedule for executor compensation is 4% on the first $100K, 3% on the next $300K, 2% on amounts above $400KORC § 2113.35Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. The fee applies to the gross value of the probate estate, and extraordinary services may warrant additional compensation as the court approves.
In Ohio, co-executors divide one commission — the estate's total does not increase with the number of executors. The division is by agreement among the executors or as the court directs.ORC § 2113.35; Ohio Civ.R. 73.22(C)Verified Jul 25, 2026View source
Ohio requires a bond of the personal representative by defaultORC §§ 2109.04, 2109.09Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. The requirement can often be excusedORC §§ 2109.04, 2109.09Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, by a waiver in the will, agreement of the heirs, or court order, depending on the state. If the court requires a corporate surety, the premium runs about 0.5%ORC §§ 2109.04, 2109.09Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the bonded amount annually; most estates avoid it through a waiver or a surety-free bond. The bond protects beneficiaries against executor misconduct or mismanagement.
Executor fees and attorney fees are separate costs in Ohio probate: attorney fees of typically 1.8%ORC § 2113.36 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 2.8%ORC § 2113.36 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate, and executor compensation is set separatelyORC § 2113.35Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Both are paid from the estate before distribution to beneficiaries. Estimate the attorney fee with the Ohio probate attorney fee calculator.
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
Forms for Settling an Estate in Ohio
Free forms for settling an estate in Ohio: the probate petition, small estate affidavit, notice to creditors, inventory, and closing forms.
Petition for Probate and Letters
In Ohio, the petition asks the Probate Court to appoint the personal representative, whose authority is proved by Letters of Authority; every appointment goes through the courtORC §§ 2107.18, 2113.05 (probate court admits the will and issues letters; no registrar/clerk track)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
Notice to Creditors
In Ohio, creditors have 6 monthsORC § 2117.06 (eff. 4-3-2023, SB 202, 134th GA)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source from the date of death to present claims.
Renunciation of Executor
In Ohio, a person named as executor may refuse the appointmentOhio Rev. Code 2113.12Verified Sep 23, 2026View source before anyone is appointed.
Affidavit of Heirship
In Ohio, heirs put their identity on the land records with a recorded affidavit of facts affecting title that states who the heirs areR.C. 5301.252; R.C. 2106.18 and 4505.10 (BMV 3773); R.C. 2123.01Verified Sep 24, 2026View source; once recorded it is admissible as evidence of the facts stated.
Estate Inventory
In Ohio, the personal representative files the estate inventory within 90 daysR.C. §§ 2115.02, 2115.06, 2113.69Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment.
Estate Closing
In Ohio, the personal representative is discharged by court orderR.C. §§ 2109.32(A), 2109.32(C)Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, and a final accounting is required.
Tools for Settling an Estate in Ohio
Free tools for settling an estate in Ohio: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.
Can I Self-File Probate?
In Ohio, informal probate is not availableORC §§ 2107.18, 2113.05 (probate court admits the will and issues letters; no registrar/clerk track)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, so self-filing means a formal court petition rather than a registrar filing.
How Do I Get Appointed as Executor?
In Ohio, the Probate Court appoints the personal representative and the Probate Court judge issues Letters of Authority; every appointment goes through the courtORC §§ 2107.18, 2113.05 (probate court admits the will and issues letters; no registrar/clerk track)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
What Are the Creditor Claim Deadlines?
In Ohio, creditors have 6 monthsORC § 2117.06 (eff. 4-3-2023, SB 202, 134th GA)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source from the date of death to present claims; late claims are barred.
What Happens When an Estate Is Insolvent?
When an estate owes more than it holds, Ohio pays the claims in 10R.C. § 2117.25Verified Sep 23, 2026View source classes in statutory order, beginning with costs and expenses of administration.
How Do I Open an Estate Account When Someone Dies?
Compare estate-account opening requirements bank by bank: channels, required documents, and steps.
What Is the Estate's Personal Property Worth for Probate?
Estimate the fair market value of household items for probate and see how it affects fees.
How Much Does Probate Cost?
Probate on a $500,000 estate in Ohio costs an estimated $26,234ORC § 2113.36 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Attorney fees run 1.8%ORC § 2113.36 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 2.8%ORC § 2113.36 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate under a reasonable-compensation standard.
Hire an Ohio Probate Attorney
Browse 111 probate firms in Ohio with addresses, contact info, and practice details.
Your kids shouldn't have to do this.
Ohio Estate Settlement Resources
In-depth guides covering Ohio probate, estate administration, and settling an estate.