Experienced Probate Lawyers in Columbus, OH
Losing someone you love is heartbreaking. The last thing you should have to worry about in that moment is a maze of court filings and legal rules.
What Is Probate—and What Do You Need to Do?
Probate is the legal process of settling a person’s estate after they pass away. It can involve proving a will’s validity, paying outstanding debts, and distributing assets.
In the midst of grief, probate can feel like a storm of paperwork and procedure. Our job is to bring clarity to the process and make sure your loved one’s wishes are carried out with the utmost respect.
To better understand how probate works in Ohio, our Step-by-Step Probate Timeline breaks it down in plain language.
Our Probate Services in Columbus, OH
At ALH Law Group, we guide families, partners, and chosen families through Ohio’s probate process. Our attorneys work to protect your loved one’s legacy, ease the legal burden, and give you the peace of mind to focus on healing.
Guidance Through the Probate Process
We walk you through every step, from filing the necessary paperwork to representing you in court. Our team provides steady, knowledgeable support so you never feel alone.
If you’re preparing to begin, our Probate Intake Checklist can help you gather what’s needed before we even meet.
Estate Administration
Whether you’ve been named executor or need help managing an estate without a will, we handle the details. From asset distribution to creditor claims, we make sure everything is managed properly and respectfully.
And if you’re not sure which process applies to your situation, our What Type of Probate Applies to Your Situation infographic can help you identify the right path.
Resolving Disputes
Disagreements can arise, even in close families or chosen families. We work to resolve conflicts with fairness and sensitivity, always focused on protecting relationships and honoring the decedent’s intent.
Talk to a Probate Attorney in Columbus Today
Whether you’re beginning probate or facing complications along the way, ALH Law Group is here to help. Let’s discuss your situation.
How We Approach the Probate Process
Each case moves at its own pace, but our Probate Timeline Guide gives a clear overview of what to expect from start to finish so you can plan ahead with confidence. For a more detailed explanation, see our step-by-step guide from a probate attorney.
Consultation
We’ll start with a conversation to understand your situation, goals, and concerns.
Document Review
Next, we will send you a questionnaire so that our attorneys can review wills, trusts, and financial records to build a clear picture of the estate.
Filing & Court Proceedings
We guide you through the formalities of the court system so you don't have to face it alone. From filing the initial petition to attending hearings, we ensure the estate is opened correctly and officially.
Administration & Distributions
From paying debts to transferring property, we’ll work with the fiduciary to manage the ongoing details with accuracy and respect.
Resolution & Closing
We’ll finalize the probate case, provide a clear accounting, and make sure your loved one’s wishes are honored.
Why Choose ALH Law Group?
Every family’s story is different, and so is every loss. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, our team is here to guide you through each stage—and our Probate Intake Checklist is a great place to begin organizing what you’ll need.
LGBTQ+ Affirming Legal Support
Our firm understands the distinct estate planning needs of the LGBTQ+ community, including protecting chosen family and respecting gender identity in all directives.
Probate Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an estate have to be worth to go through probate in Ohio?
In Ohio, nearly all estates must go through probate, regardless of value. However, some estates valued at $35,000 or less (or $100,000 or less if everything passes to a surviving spouse) may qualify for a simplified or “short-form” probate process, which is generally faster and less involved than a full administration.
The exact process depends on the estate’s size, structure, and the individuals who inherit. What matters most is making sure assets are transferred properly and legally recognized.
How can you avoid probate in Ohio?
Many families want to avoid the time, stress, and expense of probate if possible. In Ohio, probate can often be avoided by creating a living trust, designating transfer-on-death (TOD) or payable-on-death (POD) beneficiaries, and making sure real estate and accounts are titled correctly. These tools allow assets to pass directly to loved ones without court involvement. However, these tools must be done while a person is alive, after you pass away if this was not done, the assets must go through probate.
How long do you have to file probate after death?
In Ohio, there is no specific legal deadline for when probate must be filed after someone passes away. That said, it’s usually best not to wait too long. Delays can make it harder to protect assets, pay debts, and manage the estate smoothly. Many families choose to open probate within a few months simply to avoid complications.
Our attorneys are happy to walk beside you from the very beginning, helping you file correctly and quickly on time so you can focus on healing instead of deadlines.
What happens if you don’t file probate in Ohio?
If probate is not filed when it’s required, important legal and financial issues can be left unresolved. Assets may remain stuck in the deceased person’s name, creditors may pursue claims, and disputes among family or chosen family can grow more difficult. In some cases, failure to file probate can even create liability for the executor or administrator.