Probate and Estate Administration Lawyer Ohio

Your Ohio Probate Probate and Estate Administration Lawyer

The Jarvis Law Office represents clients during the probate process and helps families wrap up a trust and facilitate the distribution of assets to the beneficiaries.

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Probate and Estate Administration in Ohio

When people pass away with or without a will, their estates must go through probate. This is the process of validating aspects of the will and settling the estate of the decedent. The beneficiaries cannot receive the property until the probate process is finished.

Depending on the size of the estate, beneficiaries might have to wait months or even over a year to reach the conclusion of the legal process.

Probate can be a complex process, but legal help is available. Our Ohio probate and estate administration attorney can help you administer the estate. We are also available if you believe the administrator or executor isn’t acting in the estate’s best interest. Contact us today to discuss your case.

What Assets Don’t Go Through Probate?

Only some assets have to go through the probate process. Non-probate assets include:

Assets inside of a revocable or irrevocable trust
Jointly owned assets
Assets with designated beneficiaries
Transfer-on-death assets

Types of Probate in Ohio

There are three main types of probate in Ohio. First, there is simplified probate. Your estate will qualify for this if it’s worth less than $50,000. In addition, you’ll qualify if your estate is valued under $100,000 and your spouse inherits everything.

Next, there is a summary release from administration. You will qualify for this if your estate is valued at under $5,000. You’ll also be eligible if your estate’s value is equal to or less than your funeral expenses.

If your estate doesn’t meet the criteria for simplified probate or a summary release from administration, it will undergo formal probate. This is a bit more complicated and might include legal contests.

An Ohio probate and estate administration lawyer can protect your estate’s interests during the process.

Duties Of The Administrator Or Executor

You can name someone to serve as your executor when drafting your will. If you fail to do so, the court will name an administrator. This is normally the surviving spouse, if applicable. The executor or administrator will begin by validating the will. Then, he or she will inventory the assets and have them appraised.

Next, the person must pay the taxes and debts. Once that is done, the executor or administrator will distribute the property.

While some administrators and executors choose to handle probate themselves, many find that hiring a trust administration and probate lawyer makes the process much easier. From legal challenges to record-keeping, our probate administration attorney can assist with every aspect of probate.

Contesting Wills

Will contests occur from time to time during probate. Anyone who has legal standing and the grounds to do so can contest a will. Our Ohio probate and estate administration lawyer can help with both sides of will and trust contests.

If you are the executor or administrator, we can help you defend the will in probate court. On the other hand, we can help you file a claim to dispute the validity of a will if necessary. Contact us today to discuss your options.

How Long Does Probate Take?

The length of probate varies based on the size of the estate, legal challenges, and other issues. However, it normally takes approximately nine months to complete. Hiring an Ohio probate and estate administration lawyer can help you expedite the process.

Your probate attorney will ensure that all guidelines are followed and can handle legal and creditor challenges for you.

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Why Choose Jarvis Law Office?

Free Consultation – Discuss your needs during a complimentary consultation with Jarvis Law Office. We can consult virtually, so you don’t have to visit the office.
High Satisfaction Rate – Our clients have left reviews praising our knowledge, experience, and helpfulness. We have a track record for high-level service and customized solutions.
Focused Practice Areas – We focus exclusively on the area of elder law.
Three Convenient Locations – We have offices in Lancaster, St. Clairsville, and Dublin, making it easy to reach clients throughout Central and Southeast Ohio.
Free Events – Our firm offers free events for Ohio residents. These events cover essential estate planning issues, such as how to pay for long-term care while protecting your assets.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is probate and estate administration, and why might I need an attorney for this process?

Probate and estate administration is the legal process of managing a deceased person’s estate, including distributing assets, paying debts, and handling any related court proceedings. An experienced probate attorney from Jarvis Law Office can guide you through this complex process, ensuring all legal requirements are met, assets are properly distributed, and potential disputes are minimized.

How can Jarvis Law Office help me plan ahead to simplify the probate process for my loved ones?

Our estate planning attorney can assist you in creating a comprehensive estate plan, including wills, trusts, and other legal documents. By working with us to establish a clear plan, you can potentially reduce the complexity of probate, protect your assets, and ensure your final wishes are carried out. We can also help with succession planning and advise on strategies to minimize estate tax burdens.

What role does a probate lawyer play in handling disputes or litigation during estate administration?

If disputes arise during probate, such as will contests or fiduciary duty claims, Jarvis Law Office’s probate lawyer can provide skilled litigation counsel. We represent executors, beneficiaries, and other interested parties in probate court, working to resolve conflicts efficiently while protecting our clients’ interests. Our attorney has extensive experience in handling complex probate litigation matters.

How does Jarvis Law Office assist executors or administrators in fulfilling their responsibilities during probate?

Our probate attorney offers comprehensive support to executors and administrators, helping them understand and fulfill their fiduciary duties. We guide them through the entire probate process, from filing initial court documents to distributing assets and closing the estate. Our team can assist with inventorying assets, paying debts and taxes, and navigating complicated legal and financial matters.

Can Jarvis Law Office help with special circumstances in probate, such as wrongful death claims or estates involving minor children?

Yes, our probate and estate administration lawyer is experienced in handling various special circumstances. We can assist with wrongful death claims, ensuring proper distribution of any settlements or awards. For estates involving minor children, we help establish guardianships and trusts to protect their interests. Our team also has experience in elder abuse cases and can advise on reforming wills if necessary. We offer a free consultation to discuss your specific situation and how we can help.

Please note that the information provided here is general in nature and should not be considered legal advice. It is recommended to consult with an attorney from Jarvis Law Office to obtain personalized advice based on your specific circumstances.