Ohio — What to do if the named executor refuses to serve
How to get appointed when the person named as executor declines in Ohio This article explains, in everyday language, how Ohio probate courts handle situations where the person named in a will refuses to serve, and what you can do to step in. This is general information, not legal advice. Detailed Answer — What happens […]
Read article →Ohio: Why an Inherited House May Not Be a Probate Asset and How to Avoid Foreclosure
How an Inherited House Can Bypass Probate and What You Can Do to Stop Foreclosure in Ohio Clear, practical answer Not every house a person leaves behind goes through probate. In Ohio, a home is a probate asset only when title to the property vests solely in the decedent and no automatic nonprobate transfer applies. […]
Read article →Challenging a Sibling’s Use of a Deceased Parent’s Bank Account — Ohio
Can you stop a sibling from using a deceased parent’s bank account before an administrator is appointed? Short answer Under Ohio law, a person is not automatically entitled to use a deceased person’s sole bank account. The authority to manage estate assets generally belongs to the court-appointed administrator (or executor). If your sibling is withdrawing […]
Read article →Ohio: Forcing the Return of Sentimental Items from a Sibling During Probate
Detailed Answer Short answer: Yes — under Ohio law you have options to try to force return of sentimental personal property taken by a sibling during probate, but the best route depends on whether probate has been opened, who is the personal representative (executor/administrator), and the proof of ownership. This article explains the legal paths, […]
Read article →How to Apply to Serve as Administrator of a Parent’s Intestate Estate in Ohio
Short answer If your mother died in Ohio without a will, you can ask the probate court in the county where she lived to appoint you as the estate administrator. The court will accept a written application (a petition), check who has priority under Ohio law, decide whether to require a fiduciary bond, and issue […]
Read article →Enforcing or Disputing an Oral Agreement Dividing Wrongful Death Proceeds — Ohio
Can you enforce or dispute an oral agreement dividing wrongful death proceeds in Ohio? Quick answer: Yes — sometimes. Ohio law allows parties to enforce oral contracts in many situations, but enforceability of an oral agreement about splitting wrongful-death proceeds depends on who has authority to settle the claim, whether a valid release or court […]
Read article →Ohio: Do You Have to Post a Bond to Serve as Administrator When There’s No Will?
Detailed Answer — Ohio probate bonds for administrators (intestate estates) Short answer: Under Ohio law, probate courts generally require an administrator (someone appointed when a person dies without a will) to give a fiduciary bond to protect the estate’s creditors and heirs. The persons with a legal interest in the estate can usually waive the […]
Read article →Selling an Estate House When a Co-Administrator Refuses to Sign — Ohio
Detailed Answer When a decedent's house is owned by the estate and faces imminent foreclosure, the probate process in Ohio prioritizes preserving estate value and paying creditors. If one co-administrator refuses to sign necessary documents to sell the property, the other co-administrator (or an interested party) can ask the probate court for relief. The court […]
Read article →Ohio — How to Get Court Approval to Release Estate Funds When Beneficiaries Disagree
Detailed Answer Short overview: When an estate’s beneficiaries disagree about how to split money, the personal representative (executor or administrator) must protect the estate and follow Ohio probate rules. The court can approve partial or full distributions, require money to be held in escrow or the court registry, or resolve disputes through hearings, mediation, or […]
Read article →How to Get a Realtor Approved by Everyone Before Marketing Property — Ohio
How to get everyone’s approval for a realtor before marketing a property — Ohio Detailed Answer Before you publicly market a property in Ohio, confirm who legally must agree to hire the realtor and list the property. Follow these steps so the listing is enforceable, avoids delays, and reduces the risk of later disputes. 1. […]
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