Navigating the Probate Process in Ohio
At Heban, Murphree & Lewandowski, LLC, we are steadfast in our commitment to making the probate process as smooth and efficient as possible for you. When an individual dies, they are referred to as the decedent. This could occur with a pre-existing last will and testament or without. Regardless, their affairs subsequently undergo a court process known as probate, during which a person is appointed to manage the decedent’s affairs. If you find yourself designated for this role, we can leverage our 150 years of combined legal experience to aid you in navigating this complex process.
The Presence of a Will: Dying Testate
When a decedent leaves a will in Ohio, they are legally considered as having died ‘testate.’ The execution of their affairs is then directed according to the terms specified within this legal document. The executor, typically identified within the will, is entrusted with managing the decedent’s affairs. Their duties encompass:
- Gathering the decedent’s assets
- Paying off any debts
- Ensuring the estate is appropriately passed on to the beneficiaries
- Handling all of the financial affairs
- Ultimately, closing up the estate
Absence of a Will: Dying Intestate
In scenarios where no will is present (dying ‘intestate’) or no executor is explicitly named in the will, the probate court assigns an individual to take over these responsibilities. The person so appointed carries the same duties as an executor.
Probate for Small Estates
Generally, the probate process lasts between nine months to a year. However, with small estates, this timeline could reduce to two to four months. In Ohio, a small estate is either valued at $35,000 or less or wholly passed over to the surviving spouse (with a value of no more than $100,000). Regardless of the estate size you are dealing with, at Heban, Murphree & Lewandowski, LLC, we are equipped to provide you with the legal counsel and necessary tools to handle the probate process. We aim to help you navigate this process as efficiently as possible.
Speak with a Qualified Attorney: Take the Next Step
If you have been appointed by the probate court to handle the affairs of a decedent, the probate attorneys at our Rossford office are ready to make this journey easier for you. Losing a loved one is a challenging time, and dealing with their affairs promptly can add to the stress.
But remember, you’re not alone in this. At Heban, Murphree & Lewandowski, LLC, we stand by you. We are committed to breaking down complex legal jargon into digestible information, guiding you every step of the way, and ultimately providing you peace of mind.
Get in touch with us today. Let’s embark on this journey together, with expert advice and compassionate support guiding the way. 419.662.3100