Probate and Estate Administration in Columbus, Ohio
Upon someone’s death, their estate must undergo probate regardless of whether they have a will. This essential step ensures the will is validated and the estate is settled appropriately. Beneficiaries won’t be able to receive any property until this process is complete, which can span from several months to over a year, depending on the estate’s complexity.
Depending on the size of the estate, beneficiaries might have to wait months or even over a year for the legal process to conclude.
The probate process can be complex, but legal help is available. Our Columbus 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 Columbus, Ohio
There are three probate pathways in Columbus, Ohio. Simplified probate applies to estates under $50,000 or under $100,000 if the spouse inherits everything. Summary release from administration is available for estates valued below $5,000 or equal to/less than funeral costs. The third option is standard probate for larger estates.
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.
A Columbus, Ohio, estate administration and probate lawyer can protect your estate’s interests during the process.
Responsibilities of the Estate Administrator
An estate’s executor is often named in the will. Without such designation, courts assign an administrator, usually the remaining spouse. Their work begins with will validation followed by asset listing and value assessment.
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 Columbus probate administration attorney can assist with every aspect of probate.
Navigating Will Disputes
Disputes over a will can arise during the probate process, and it’s important to have the proper legal support. Anyone with the appropriate legal standing and valid reasons can challenge a will. Our experienced Columbus probate and estate administration attorney is here to assist you whether you need to contest or defend a will.
If you serve as an executor or administrator, we can guide you in upholding the will’s validity in probate court. Alternatively, we can help you file a claim to question the legitimacy of a will. Reach out to us today to explore your legal options.
Probate Timeline: What to Expect
Probate duration varies due to estate size, legal issues, and more. Typically, it lasts around nine months. Engaging an experienced probate and estate administration attorney in Columbus, Ohio, can streamline the process.
Your lawyer will navigate probate court guidelines, legal issues, and creditors for you.
