How Much Does Probate Cost in Ohio?
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.
Probate costs in Ohio typically include 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, executor fees, and court filing fees. On a $500,000 estate, total costs run about $26,234ORC § 2113.36 (reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, roughly 5% of estate value, varying with complexity. Estimate executor compensation separately with the Ohio executor fee calculator.
Ohio allows estates valued at $35,000codes.ohio.gov: ORC § 2113.03Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less to use the Release from Administrationcodes.ohio.gov: ORC § 2113.03Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, which avoids full probate administration. Ohio's small estate shortcut is a court procedure: the court's own order authorizes collection. There is no affidavit to present to a bank. There is no statutory waiting period. Check eligibility with the Ohio probate need checker.
In Ohio, simple estates typically take 6 months to 9 months, and average estates 9 months to 12 months. Complex estates with disputes, tax issues, or unusual assets take longer. The creditor claim period of 6 monthsR.C. §§ 2117.06, 2117.07, 2117.12, 2117.25Verified Oct 19, 2026View source runs from the date of death, whether or not probate has opened, so it can already be partly spent when the executor is appointed.
Yes. The probate calculator on this page estimates Ohio probate attorney fees from the estate value, with 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. On a $500,000 estate, typical 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 its value; the percentage runs higher on smaller estates and lower on larger ones. It shows the attorney fee alongside executor fees, court filing fees, and the total probate cost.
Ohio sets executor compensation by statute — about $15,000 on a $500,000 estate, roughly 3.0%ORC § 2113.35Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Executors can waive their fee entirely or accept a reduced amount. See a detailed breakdown with the Ohio executor fee calculator.
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
Named as Executor
What an executor actually does: getting appointed, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and where personal liability starts.
Learn more
Death of a Parent
A step-by-step guide to what happens after a parent dies: the documents to find, the certificates to order, and whether probate is even required.
Learn more
Loss of a Spouse
What a surviving spouse needs to do: death certificates, survivor benefits, whether probate is even required, and the tax election that expires.
Learn more
New Home
How to put your house in a revocable trust: the deed you record, what it does to your mortgage and property taxes, and when a TOD deed is simpler.
Learn moreForms for Planning and Settling an Estate in Ohio
Free Ohio forms for planning an estate or settling one: a will, trust, powers of attorney, TOD deed, and the probate forms an executor files.
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.
Letter of Instruction
Prepare the letter a bank or insurer requests during estate settlement, addressed to its claims department.
Last Will and Testament
In Ohio, a will is signed before 2ORC § 2107.03Verified Oct 19, 2026View source witnesses, and no self-proving affidavit is availableORC § 2107.03Verified Oct 19, 2026View source.
Tools for Planning and Settling an Estate in Ohio
Free calculators and checklists for planning or settling an estate in Ohio: will and trust costs, probate, executor pay, and inheritance taxes.
Who Inherits Without a Will?
Without a will in Ohio, a surviving spouse takes the entire estateORC § 2105.06Verified Sep 11, 2026View source when every child of either spouse is a child of both, and descendants divide what passes to them per capita with representationORC § 2105.06Verified Sep 11, 2026View source.
What Are the Burial and Cremation Laws in My State?
Ohio allows you to name your own agent in advanceOhio Rev. Code § 2108.70Verified Oct 17, 2026View source, and that designation takes priority over the order of next of kin who otherwise control disposition of the remains.
How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes?
Ohio levies no estate or inheritance taxNo state estate or inheritance tax; estate tax repealed for deaths on/after Jan 1, 2013 (Ohio Rev. Code § 5731.02 levies only on persons "dying on or after July 1, 1968, and before January 1, 2013")Verified Sep 15, 2026View source; only the federal estate tax applies above $15,000,00026 USC 2001(c), 2010; P.L. 119-21 §70106Verified Sep 15, 2026View source.
What Taxes Apply to My Inheritance?
Ohio imposes no inheritance or estate taxNo state estate or inheritance tax; estate tax repealed for deaths on/after Jan 1, 2013 (Ohio Rev. Code § 5731.02 levies only on persons "dying on or after July 1, 1968, and before January 1, 2013")Verified Sep 15, 2026View source; probate assets arrive when the estate closes, 6 months to 9 months for a simple estate.
How Does Step-Up in Basis Work?
Inherited assets in Ohio take a basis reset to fair market value on the date of death26 USC § 1014Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, and the gain on a later sale faces ordinary income tax at the state's regular ratesR.C. § 5747.02 (rate schedule)Verified Sep 15, 2026View source.
What Are the Estate Laws in My State?
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 and takes 6 months to 9 months for a simple estate, with 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. Estates under $35,000codes.ohio.gov: ORC § 2113.03Verified Sep 8, 2026View source can use a small-estate procedure instead.
When Do I Have to Withdraw an Inherited IRA?
See which federal withdrawal rules apply to an inherited IRA, Roth IRA, or employer plan, the deadline year, and the missed-withdrawal tax.
How Much Can an Executor Charge?
Ohio sets executor compensation by statute — about $15,000 on a $500,000 estate, roughly 3.0%ORC § 2113.35Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
When you're ready, we're here.
Ohio Estate Planning Resources
In-depth guides covering Ohio probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.