What Do I Do When Someone Dies in Ohio?

A step-by-step checklist for the days, weeks, and months after a death, with the state's rules, deadlines, fees, and official forms noted on the steps they apply to. Free PDF.

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Helps check for small estate procedures

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Deceased had minor children

Ohio Executor Checklist

50 tasks to complete

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Notify immediate family members

Contact close family members who need to know. Coordinate funeral arrangements and gather contact information for extended family and friends.

Confirm who has authority over final arrangements

Ohio: State law sets the order of who controls disposition of remains. Order: Person designated in a written declaration per § 2108.70; then Surviving spouse; then Sole surviving child, or all surviving children collectively; then others in statutory order. A written pre-need designation by the deceased, if one exists, controls over this order.

Arrange burial, cremation, or other disposition

Work with a funeral home, crematory, or other provider to arrange disposition of the body. State rules govern cremation waiting periods, required authorizations, and burial or disposition permits. The funeral home typically provides certified death certificates and files the death certificate with vital records.

Ohio: Cremation has a 24-hour waiting period. A burial or disposition permit is required, issued by Local registrar or sub-registrar of vital statistics (§ 3705.17). Permit fee is $10.. The death certificate must be filed within 2 days. Typical state costs: direct cremation ~$1,500, direct burial ~$3,200, traditional funeral ~$7,800.

How many death certificates do I need?

Obtain certified death certificates

Ohio: Order from Ohio Department of Health - Vital Statistics. Fee: $25/copy. Available: online, phone, mail, in-person.

Unsure how many death certificates you need?

Secure the residence and valuables

Change locks if necessary, ensure the home is secured, and safeguard valuable items. Review who has keys and whether security measures are needed.

Ohio: Homestead exemption up to $182,625.

Locate estate planning documents

Find the original will, trust documents, and any amendments. Check the home, safe deposit box, and contact any attorney the deceased worked with.

Determine if probate is necessary

Evaluate whether the estate qualifies for small estate procedures or if full probate is required based on asset values and types.

Ohio: Small estate affidavit available for estates under $35,000.

Do I need probate?Estimate probate costs in your state

Arrange mail forwarding or collection

Ensure mail is collected regularly to identify bills, accounts, and important correspondence. Forwarding mail to the executor/trustee is common practice.

USPS death notification procedures

Notify Social Security Administration

Report the death to Social Security. The funeral home often does this, but verify it was done. Surviving spouse may be eligible for benefits.

Federal: Timing: As soon as possible after death — payments for the month of death and later must be returned. The funeral home typically initiates the report. SSA: 1-800-772-1213.

SSA death notification procedures

Notify Medicare/Medicaid if applicable

Cancel Medicare coverage and return the Medicare card. If on Medicaid, notify the state agency to avoid benefit continuation.

Ohio: Medicare: No Medicare notification deadline — coverage ends with the death and CMS is notified through SSA. Deadlines that do bind the estate: a Medicare Secondary Payer demand must be repaid within 60 calendar days or interest accrues (42 CFR 411.24(h)), and any claim for services furnished before death must be filed within 12 months of the date of service.. If the deceased received Medicaid, Ohio's estate recovery program (Ohio Department of Medicaid — Estate Recovery (collected by the Ohio Attorney General)) may file a claim against the estate for benefits paid. Exemptions and hardship waivers are state-specific.

Medicare/Medicaid death notification procedures Ohio Medicaid estate recovery program

Notify Veterans Affairs if applicable

If the deceased was a veteran, notify the VA to stop benefits and inquire about burial benefits and survivor benefits.

Federal: Timing: No fixed deadline to report the death, but report right away to stop payments and avoid overpayment debt; accrued-benefits and substitution requests are due within 1 year of death, and non-service-connected burial allowance claims within 2 years of burial. VA: 1-800-827-1000 (select 5 to report a death); 1-800-535-1117 (national cemetery scheduling).

VA death notification and survivor benefits

Notify employer or former employer

Contact employer about final paycheck, accrued PTO, life insurance, retirement benefits, and COBRA options for survivors.

Employer benefits and pension after a death

Notify banks and financial institutions

Contact each bank and financial institution. They will freeze accounts until proper documentation is provided.

Find your bank or credit union death claim process FDIC guidance on accounts after a death

Notify insurance companies

Contact life insurance companies to file claims. Also notify health, auto, and homeowner insurance to update or cancel policies.

Ohio: Divorce automatically revokes beneficiary designations naming a former spouse on life insurance, retirement accounts, POD bank accounts, TOD investment accounts, annuities (ORC § 5815.33; ORC § 5302.23(B)(12)). Employer plans governed by federal law (ERISA) and federal benefits are not affected by the state rule. Confirm whether any designation predates a divorce before it is paid out.

Find your insurance company death claim process

Freeze credit at all three bureaus

Place a deceased alert or credit freeze with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to prevent identity theft. Over 2 million deceased identities are stolen annually.

FTC identity theft prevention for the deceased

Gather financial account statements

Collect recent statements for all bank accounts, investment accounts, retirement accounts, and any other financial accounts.

What are my personal items worth for probate?

Gather real estate documents

Locate deeds, mortgage statements, property tax bills, and homeowner insurance policies for all real property. Check the county recorder for any recorded Transfer on Death deeds.

Ohio: Homestead exemption up to $182,625. Ohio allows Transfer on Death (TOD) deeds. Check the county recorder's office to see if a TOD deed was recorded -- if so, the property transfers outside probate.

What is a Transfer on Death deed?

Gather recent tax returns

Locate the last 3-5 years of federal and state income tax returns. These help identify income sources, assets, and deductions.

Do I have to file tax returns for someone who died?IRS procedures when someone dies

Obtain an EIN for the estate

Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. The estate needs its own tax ID to open bank accounts and file tax returns.

Apply for an estate EIN IRS procedures when someone dies

File petition for probate with the court

Submit the original will (if any) and petition to open probate. You will need to pay filing fees and may need to post a bond.

Ohio: Statewide form: 4.0 (Application for Authority to Administer Estate). File with the Probate Court (a division of the Court of Common Pleas) of the county where the decedent resided. Counties may require additional local forms. Filing fee $200. Typical duration: 6-24 months.

Can I self-file probate?4.0 (official form)Prepare a Petition for Probate and Letters

Obtain letters testamentary or administration

Once appointed by the court, obtain letters testamentary (with will) or letters of administration (without will). These prove your authority.

Ohio: Letters of Authority are issued by the Probate Court judge, by signing Form 4.5 (Entry Appointing Fiduciary; Letters of Authority); the clerk issues certified copies. The state's title for the role is Fiduciary (executor if testate, administrator if intestate). The Letters document is official form 4.5 (Entry Appointing Fiduciary; Letters of Authority). Typically filed with the petition: Certified copy of the death certificate (standard county Probate Court filing requirement); If there is a will: the original will plus a SEPARATE Application to Probate Will (Form 2.0) [R.C. 2107.11, 2107.18, 2107.19] — the will must be admitted before letters testamentary can issue (R.C. 2113.05), and Form 4.0 only offers the checkbox "Decedent's Will has been admitted to probate in this Court"; Application for Authority to Administer Estate (Form 4.0), with the names/addresses of the surviving spouse and next of kin and a statement of estate value (R.C. 2113.07); Surviving Spouse, Children, Next of Kin, Legatees and Devisees (Form 1.0); Waiver of Right to Administer (Form 4.3) signed by persons with priority, or Notice and Citation of Hearing on Appointment of Fiduciary (Form 4.4) served on them at least 7 days before the hearing (R.C. 2113.07; Ohio Civ.R. 73.11(A)); Statement of no knowledge of a will (intestate applicants) (R.C. 2113.07: "Letters of administration shall not be issued upon the estate of an intestate until the person to be appointed has made and filed a statement indicating that the person has no knowledge of a will of the intestate"); Fiduciary’s Bond (Form 4.2) unless dispensed with (R.C. 2109.04; R.C. 2109.07; R.C. 2109.09).

Entry Appointing Fiduciary; Letters of Authority (official form)Prepare a Petition for Probate and Letters

Post surety bond if required

If the court requires a bond, obtain a surety bond from an insurance company. The bond protects beneficiaries from executor misconduct.

Ohio: Bond required unless waived in will. Typical premium: 0.5% of estate value.

Open an estate bank account

Open a dedicated checking account for the estate using the EIN and letters testamentary. All estate income and expenses flow through this account.

Consider hiring a probate attorney

For complex estates or if unfamiliar with probate, hiring an attorney is common. Many states allow statutory attorney fees.

Ohio: Attorney fees typically 1.8-2.8% of estate.

Find a probate attorney in your state Can I self-file probate instead?

Publish notice to creditors

Publish a notice in a local newspaper to alert potential creditors. This starts the creditor claim period running.

Ohio: Ohio does not require newspaper publication. Creditors have 6 months from the date of death to file claims. Direct notice to a known creditor is optional, and it shortens that creditor's window: they must file within 30 days of the mailing if that falls sooner.

What are the creditor claim deadlines?

Inventory digital accounts and assets

Identify email accounts, social media, online banking, cryptocurrency, and other digital assets. Note any password managers used.

Ohio: Ohio has adopted digital asset access laws (2017). User authorization or court order may be required to access accounts. Online tool authorizations (like Google Inactive Account Manager) are valid.

Digital assets guide

Search for unclaimed property and lost assets

Search the state unclaimed property database for forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, and refunds owed to the deceased. Estates frequently recover assets the deceased never tracked.

Ohio: Search Ohio Department of Commerce — Division of Unclaimed Funds for forgotten accounts, refunds, and uncashed checks owed to the deceased.

Ohio Department of Commerce — Division of Unclaimed Funds unclaimed property search

Manage real estate

Maintain property, continue paying mortgage and taxes, arrange for property management if needed, and prepare for sale or transfer.

Ohio: Property owned in other states may require ancillary probate in those states. Small estate exception may apply for property under $35,000. State recognizes out-of-state personal representatives.

Estimate probate costs for real estate

Review and manage investments

Review investment accounts, decide whether to maintain or liquidate positions, and manage accounts prudently during administration.

Find your brokerage death claim process SEC guidance on accounts after a death

Handle retirement accounts

Contact retirement account custodians about beneficiary claims. IRAs and 401(k)s typically pass by beneficiary designation, not through the estate.

Find your retirement provider death claim process Are my beneficiary designations protected?

Identify and list all debts

Create a comprehensive list of all debts including credit cards, loans, mortgages, and any other obligations.

What are the creditor claim deadlines?CFPB guidance on debts after a death

Cancel subscriptions and memberships

Cancel recurring charges for subscriptions, memberships, and services no longer needed.

Managing digital accounts after a death

File inventory with the court

Prepare and file an inventory of all estate assets with their values. The filing deadline runs from your appointment as personal representative and is set by state law.

Ohio: Inventory due within 90 days of appointment. You must engage an independent appraiser to value the assets. Supplemental inventory required for assets discovered after the initial filing.

What are my personal items worth for probate?

Review and respond to creditor claims

Review claims submitted by creditors. Reject invalid claims and pay valid debts from estate/trust assets.

Ohio: After a claim is rejected, the creditor has 60 days to sue on it. If the estate cannot pay every claim, payment order: Costs and expenses of administration; then Funeral expenses up to $4,000 (in the funeral director's bill, or court-approved), plus burial and cemetery expenses up to $3,000; then Spousal and minor children support allowance (R.C. § 2106.13); then remaining claims in statutory order.

What are the creditor claim deadlines?

Wait for creditor claim period to expire

Do not make final distributions until the creditor claim period has expired. This protects you from personal liability.

Ohio: Creditor claim period is 6 months from the date of death.

What are the creditor claim deadlines?

Transfer vehicle titles

Transfer ownership of vehicles to beneficiaries or the estate. Contact the state DMV with a death certificate and title documents.

Ohio: Ohio titles can carry a Transfer-on-Death beneficiary designation (Ohio Rev. Code 2131.13). Check the title for a TOD or beneficiary designation — a designated vehicle passes directly to the named beneficiary outside probate. Titles are processed by the County Clerk of Courts Title Office (Ohio BMV oversees motor vehicle records).

What are my personal items worth for probate?County Clerk of Courts Title Office (Ohio BMV oversees motor vehicle records) — TOD designation information

File final personal income tax return

File a final IRS Form 1040 for the deceased covering January 1 through date of death. Write "DECEASED," the decedent's name, and the date of death across the top of the return. If filing jointly with a surviving spouse, include both incomes. Attach Form 1310 to claim a refund, unless you are the surviving spouse filing a joint return or a court-appointed personal representative attaching a copy of the court certificate to the original return.

Ohio: File IT 1040 (Ohio Individual Income Tax Return) for January 1 through date of death. Due April 15 of the year following death. File IT 1040 for income earned January 1 through date of death; the decedent's executor or administrator makes and files it (Ohio Rev. Code § 5747.08(A)). Check the "If deceased" box at the top of the IT 1040 for the deceased taxpayer only. A joint return with a surviving spouse may be e-filed; a return for a decedent filing single or married-filing-separately (or a joint return where both spouses are deceased) must be filed on paper (Ohio Dept. of Taxation, "Filing a Return For a Deceased Taxpayer"). ODT issues refund checks only in the name(s) on the return; adding a claimant requires the original check, a death certificate copy, federal Form 1310, and Letters of Authority/Administration mailed to ODT Revenue Accounting (R.C. 5747.11(B)(2)). TY2026 rates: 0% on the first $26,050; $332 + 2.75% on the excess (Ohio Rev. Code § 5747.02(A)(3)(c)). Extension: a federal filing extension automatically extends the Ohio return to the same date — Ohio has no separate extension request form (Ohio Adm. Code 5703-7-05(B)(1)(a)); it does not extend time to pay (5703-7-05(C)(1)). The old IT 40P payment voucher has been folded into the Ohio Universal Payment Coupon (OUPC).

Do I have to file tax returns for someone who died?IRS procedures when someone dies IRS Form 1040 (Federal)IRS Free File IT 1040 (Ohio Individual Income Tax Return) (Ohio)Ohio Online Filing

File estate/trust income tax return

If the estate or trust earns income during administration ($600 in gross income), file IRS Form 1041. Required if estate gross income is $600 or more, or if any beneficiary is a nonresident alien. The estate can choose a fiscal year. Use Form 7004 for an automatic 5.5-month extension of time to file.

Ohio: File IT 1041 (Ohio Fiduciary Income Tax Return) for estate/trust income. Required when All estates and trusts, including foreign estates and trusts, that are subject to the Ohio fiduciary income tax must file the Ohio IT 1041; in general an estate that files federal Form 1041 and either resides in Ohio or earns/receives income from Ohio must file (Ohio Dept. of Taxation, IT 1041 filing requirements; Ohio Rev. Code § 5747.08(C)). Due April 15 of the year after the trust or estate's tax year ends. Filed by the fiduciary of the estate or trust (Ohio Rev. Code § 5747.08(C)). Estates pay 1.27448% on the first $26,050 of Ohio taxable income and $332 + 2.75% above $26,050 for TY2026 (§ 5747.02(A)(2)–(3)(c)); trusts are taxed at the same amounts on modified Ohio taxable income (§ 5747.02(A)(1)). Ohio uses the same extended due dates as the federal government — attach a copy of the IRS extension to the IT 1041; the extension does not extend time to pay (Ohio Adm. Code 5703-7-05; Ohio Rev. Code § 5747.08(G)). Estimated payments for calendar-year filers are due Apr 15 / Jun 15 / Sep 15 / Jan 15; for fiscal-year filers, the 15th day of the 4th, 6th and 9th months after the tax year begins plus the 15th day of the first month of the following tax year (§ 5747.09). The return itself is due April 15 either way. Ohio IT K-1 is issued to beneficiaries. Municipal income taxes may also apply, depending on the municipality.

Do I have to file tax returns for someone who died?IRS procedures when someone dies IRS Form 1041 (Federal)IT 1041 (Ohio Fiduciary Income Tax Return) (Ohio)

Determine if estate tax return is required

For estates exceeding the federal exemption ($15,000,000), IRS Form 706 is required. Some states have lower thresholds. File Form 4768 for an automatic 6-month extension of time to file. The estate and GST tax is still due within 9 months of death; an extension of time to pay must be requested separately on the same form. Form 706 may also be filed to elect portability of the unused exemption to a surviving spouse.

Ohio: No state estate or inheritance tax. Only federal Form 706 applies if estate exceeds the federal exemption ($15,000,000).

How much are estate and inheritance taxes?IRS procedures when someone dies IRS Form 706 (Federal)Form 4768 (Extension)

Obtain tax clearance if required

Some states require tax clearance or closing letters before final distribution. Distributing without clearance can create personal liability for the executor or trustee.

Ohio: No Ohio tax release, waiver, or clearance certificate is required before a decedent's assets are transferred. The estate tax was repealed for deaths on or after January 1, 2013 (Am. Sub. H.B. 153, 129th GA; Ohio Rev. Code § 5731.02 levies only on persons "dying on or after July 1, 1968, and before January 1, 2013"), and HB 110 (134th GA) sunset its administration: the Ohio Dept. of Taxation "no longer requires a tax release or a tax waiver form (ET 12/13/14) before certain assets of a decedent may be transferred to another person." Ohio has no inheritance tax.

Do I have to file tax returns for someone who died?Ohio Tax Clearance

Determine your executor commission

An executor or personal representative is entitled to compensation for administering the estate. Some states set commissions by statute; others allow reasonable compensation. Decide whether to take a commission and document the basis before final distribution.

Ohio: Executor compensation is set by statute. Commissions are taxable income to the executor and are usually waived when the executor is also the main beneficiary.

How much can an executor charge?

Prepare distribution plan

Create a detailed plan for distributing assets according to the trust terms, will provisions, or intestate succession laws.

Who inherits without a will?

Notify beneficiaries of proposed distribution

Provide beneficiaries with a proposed distribution and accounting before making distributions.

I'm inheriting - what do I need to know?

Handle specific bequests

Distribute specific items (jewelry, heirlooms, etc.) to named beneficiaries as specified in the will or trust.

What are my personal items worth for probate?

Obtain receipts and releases from beneficiaries

Have beneficiaries sign receipts acknowledging distributions. Releases from liability are also commonly obtained.

Distribute assets to beneficiaries

Transfer assets to beneficiaries according to the distribution plan. Keep detailed records of all distributions.

Prepare final accounting

Create a detailed accounting showing all assets, income, expenses, and distributions. This may be required by the court or beneficiaries.

File final accounting with the court

Submit the final accounting to the probate court for approval. This is required before the estate can be formally closed.

Can I self-file probate?

Petition to close the estate

File a petition with the court to formally close the estate once all duties are complete.

Estate closing forms

Retain records for required period

Keep copies of all documents, accountings, receipts, and tax returns. Most professionals recommend keeping records for 7-10 years.

I understand this is general guidance only and requirements vary by state. I will verify all requirements with my state's probate court.I understand this checklist is not legal advice; a licensed attorney handles legal questions.Send me helpful estate planning resources and updates

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This checklist provides general guidance for estate settlement. Requirements vary by state and circumstance. Consult a licensed attorney for legal advice.Data verified 2026-09-15

Frequently Asked Questions

Request 10-15 certified copies from the funeral home or state vital records office. You will need these for banks, insurance companies, government agencies, and other institutions. Each institution typically requires an original certified copy. Order from Ohio Department of Health - Vital Statistics. Fee: $25/copy. Available: online, phone, mail, in-person.

State law sets the order of who has the legal right to decide burial, cremation, or other disposition. A written pre-need designation by the deceased, if one exists, controls. Confirm who holds this authority before arrangements are made. State law sets the order of who controls disposition of remains. Order: Person designated in a written declaration per § 2108.70; then Surviving spouse; then Sole surviving child, or all surviving children collectively; then others in statutory order. A written pre-need designation by the deceased, if one exists, controls over this order.

Evaluate whether the estate qualifies for small estate procedures or if full probate is required based on asset values and types. Small estate affidavit available for estates under $35,000.

Submit the original will (if any) and petition to open probate. You will need to pay filing fees and may need to post a bond. Statewide form: 4.0 (Application for Authority to Administer Estate). File with the Probate Court (a division of the Court of Common Pleas) of the county where the decedent resided. Counties may require additional local forms. Filing fee $200. Typical duration: 6-24 months.

Once appointed by the court, obtain letters testamentary (with will) or letters of administration (without will). These prove your authority. Letters of Authority are issued by the Probate Court judge, by signing Form 4.5 (Entry Appointing Fiduciary; Letters of Authority); the clerk issues certified copies. The state's title for the role is Fiduciary (executor if testate, administrator if intestate). The Letters document is official form 4.5 (Entry Appointing Fiduciary; Letters of Authority). Typically filed with the petition: Certified copy of the death certificate (standard county Probate Court filing requirement); If there is a will: the original will plus a SEPARATE Application to Probate Will (Form 2.0) [R.C. 2107.11, 2107.18, 2107.19] — the will must be admitted before letters testamentary can issue (R.C. 2113.05), and Form 4.0 only offers the checkbox "Decedent's Will has been admitted to probate in this Court"; Application for Authority to Administer Estate (Form 4.0), with the names/addresses of the surviving spouse and next of kin and a statement of estate value (R.C. 2113.07); Surviving Spouse, Children, Next of Kin, Legatees and Devisees (Form 1.0); Waiver of Right to Administer (Form 4.3) signed by persons with priority, or Notice and Citation of Hearing on Appointment of Fiduciary (Form 4.4) served on them at least 7 days before the hearing (R.C. 2113.07; Ohio Civ.R. 73.11(A)); Statement of no knowledge of a will (intestate applicants) (R.C. 2113.07: "Letters of administration shall not be issued upon the estate of an intestate until the person to be appointed has made and filed a statement indicating that the person has no knowledge of a will of the intestate"); Fiduciary’s Bond (Form 4.2) unless dispensed with (R.C. 2109.04; R.C. 2109.07; R.C. 2109.09).

After a Death in Ohio

Estate settlement in Ohio begins with determining whether probate is required. Estates under $35,000 may qualify for simplified procedures that avoid formal court involvement. For larger estates, probate provides a structured process for resolving debts and distributing assets.

The 6 months creditor claim period in Ohio is a key factor in the settlement timeline. No final distribution should occur until this period expires. Simple estates close in 6 months to 9 months from the date of filing.

Ohio requires an executor bond by default. The bond can be waived through a provision in the will, reducing upfront costs. The executor is responsible for managing estate expenses, filing tax returns, and providing a final accounting to the court and beneficiaries. Ohio provides a family allowance for eligible survivors during administration, up to $40,000 (R.C. § 2106.13).

Estate settlement expenses in Ohio include attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and creditor notice publication — about $26,234 on a $500,000 estate. Estates held in a revocable living trust avoid probate entirely and settle in weeks rather than months.

SimplyTrust Editorial·Updated September 8, 2026

Legal Sources

Data sourced from Ohio statutes and official state code. How we research.

Is this your situation?

Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.

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.

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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

Named as Executor

What an executor actually does: getting appointed, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and where personal liability starts.

Learn more

Named as Trustee

Being named trustee means managing trust assets and carrying out the grantor's wishes. Your duties, timeline, compensation, and how to get started.

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More tools for handling this estate

Calculators and checklists for executors and trustees.

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Petition for Probate and Letters

Prepare the application to open probate and request Letters Testamentary or of Administration.

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Notice to Creditors

Prepare the creditor notice for an estate — the official state form or a notice typeset to statute, plus mailed notices for known creditors.

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Renunciation of Executor

Decline an appointment as executor — the writing filed with the court, drafted to your state's rule, with its deadline and filing office.

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Affidavit of Heirship

Prepare the sworn statement of a deceased person's family history and heirs for recording in the county land records, composed to your state's statute with its recording instructions.

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Free

Small Estate Affidavit

Prepare the affidavit that collects a small estate's property without probate — the official state form or an affidavit drafted to statute, plus a presentation letter for each holder.

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Free

Estate Inventory

Prepare the probate inventory of estate property — every asset at its date-of-death value, composed to your state's statute, with the state's filing or delivery instructions.

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How Much Does Probate Cost?

Estimate attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and timeline for probating an estate in your state. See if the estate qualifies for simplified probate procedures.

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How Much Can an Executor Charge?

Calculate how much an executor (personal representative) can charge for administering an estate. See if your state has statutory fees or uses reasonable compensation.

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Who Inherits Without a Will?

Find out who inherits your estate and how much they get if you die without a will. Based on your state's intestate succession laws.

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What's Fair Trustee Compensation?

Find out what's fair compensation for serving as trustee. Compare family, professional, and corporate trustee rates based on your situation.

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How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes?

Calculate federal estate tax, state estate tax (12 states + DC), and inheritance tax (5 states) for an estate or trust.

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How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?

Calculate how many certified death certificates you need based on the assets and accounts you need to close. See state-specific ordering information.

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Ohio Estate Settlement Resources

In-depth guides covering Ohio probate, estate administration, and settling an estate.

What Do I Do When Someone Dies in Ohio?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this your situation?

Death of a Parent

Loss of a Spouse

Named as Executor

Named as Trustee

More tools for handling this estate

Petition for Probate and Letters

Notice to Creditors

Renunciation of Executor

Affidavit of Heirship

Small Estate Affidavit

Estate Inventory

How Much Does Probate Cost?

How Much Can an Executor Charge?

Who Inherits Without a Will?

What's Fair Trustee Compensation?

How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes?

How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?

Your kids shouldn't have to do this.

Ohio Estate Settlement Resources