Expert guidance through the entire probate process in Ohio to ease the legal burden during a difficult time.
Schedule a ConsultationProbate is the court-supervised legal process that takes place after someone dies. It includes proving the validity of the deceased person's will (if one exists), identifying and inventorying their property, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets as directed by the will or by Ohio state law if there is no will.
Mr. Pirnia provides compassionate legal guidance through the entire probate process, helping executors, administrators, and family members fulfill their legal obligations while respecting the wishes of the deceased and protecting the interests of beneficiaries.
Probate is a legal process that takes place after someone dies. It serves several important functions:
In Ohio, the probate process is handled by the Probate Division of the Court of Common Pleas in the county where the deceased person lived. Each county has its own specific procedures and local rules.
The probate process in Ohio typically involves the following steps:
The entire process can take anywhere from six months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the estate and whether there are any disputes among heirs or creditors.
Not all assets go through probate. Understanding the difference between probate and non-probate assets is important for estate planning and administration.
Assets that typically go through probate include:
Assets that typically bypass probate include:
Non-probate assets pass directly to beneficiaries or surviving co-owners without court involvement, generally making the transfer faster and more private.
Many people choose to avoid probate when possible because it can be time-consuming, expensive, and public. Here are some common strategies for avoiding probate in Ohio:
A revocable living trust allows you to transfer ownership of your assets to the trust while maintaining control during your lifetime. Upon your death, assets in the trust pass directly to your beneficiaries without going through probate.
Property held in joint tenancy with right of survivorship automatically passes to the surviving owner(s) when one owner dies, bypassing probate.
Many financial accounts and assets allow you to name beneficiaries who will receive the asset upon your death:
Ohio has simplified procedures for small estates:
Mr. Pirnia can help you determine the most appropriate strategies for your situation, balancing the desire to avoid probate with other important estate planning goals.
While it's possible to handle probate without an attorney in Ohio, having experienced legal representation can be invaluable, especially if:
Mr. Pirnia can provide the guidance you need to navigate the probate process efficiently and in compliance with Ohio law.
Contact Mr. Pirnia today to schedule a consultation and discuss your specific situation.