Your Trusted Advisors in Probate

Experience the Best in Ohio Probate Law

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About Heban, Murphree & Lewandowski, LLC

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Over 100 Years of Combined Experience

HML's attorneys bring extensive legal knowledge and expertise to each case.
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Focus on Probate Litigation

One of the few firms in Ohio focusing specifically on probate litigation.
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Licensed in Ohio and Michigan

Broad geographic reach with licensure in both states, offering more accessibility to clients.
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Client-Centered Approach

Dedicated to prioritizing clients' needs, ensuring personalized and effective legal representation.

Toledo's #1 Probate Law Firm

Heban, Murphree & Lewandowski, LLC is a premier probate law firm in Ohio, offering exceptional expertise with over 100 years of combined legal experience. Founded in 2010 by Kevin Heban, Gary Sommer, and Kent Murphree, the firm specializes in probate litigation, a niche yet crucial area of law.

Our services extend beyond probate law, encompassing business and corporate law, real estate, civil and commercial litigation, and labor and employment law. This diverse range of practice areas and a strong commitment to client-centric legal solutions solidify our law firm as a top choice for comprehensive legal representation in Ohio.

lawyers in ohio
 

Experience When It Matters

Heban, Murphree & Lewandowski, LLC is proud to be recognized for its outstanding legal services, with a 5-star rating on Google, reflecting our commitment to excellence and client satisfaction. Check out what some of our clients have to say!

 

CLIENTS TESTIMONIALS


Mr Heban is courteous, friendly, and very helpful. We would recommend him to anyone. Also, the receptionist is very polite and helpful.
Pat Lindner



Kevin and his staff were wonderful,, walking us through the estate process after my mother passed away. They thought of everything and made the process as painless as possible.
Laura Moon



Love this attorney. Kevin Heban is always available to answer your questions. Used him to create our wills and trust. Highly recommend Kevin
Lisa Turco



This is the best of businesses. Fair-minded people who look out for our family's interests, for decades. Thanks to all of you. 😊
Gloria Wagner

What We Do

We are dedicated to vigorously advocating for your rights, ensuring that your legal needs are met with the highest standards of professionalism and expertise. Our experienced team is committed to providing personalized and effective legal strategies, standing by your side every step of the way to safeguard your interests and achieve the best possible outcomes.

How We're Different

At Heban, Murphree & Lewandowski, LLC, we approach each legal case with a deep sense of responsibility and dedication. Our team works closely with clients, ensuring that every aspect of their case is handled with the utmost care and attention to detail. We believe in building strong, respectful relationships with our clients, allowing us to understand their unique needs better and customize our strategies accordingly.

Our approach is marked by diligence and caution as we go through the complexities of each case. We meticulously scrutinize every legal avenue and potential outcome, ensuring our client's interests are safeguarded at every turn. This methodical and thorough approach underlines our commitment to delivering results and peace of mind to those we represent.

Why People Hire Us

Probate and estate matters are complex, and families often need experienced guidance to navigate them with confidence. Our attorneys handle every step of the process, from filing wills and settling debts to distributing assets and ensuring that all documents are prepared and recorded correctly, so you don’t face the burden alone.

When disputes arise, such as will contests or disagreements among beneficiaries, we step in as skilled advocates. Our team protects your interests, resolves conflicts efficiently, and provides peace of mind in difficult situations. We also prepare transfer on death designations, draft or correct deeds, review purchase agreements, and interpret leases to prevent costly mistakes.

Because real estate often plays a central role in probate, we work closely with realtors and title professionals to clear up deed issues, manage property sales, and ensure rental properties are handled properly. With our blend of probate knowledge and real estate experience, families trust us to safeguard the estate and guide them through this challenging process with clarity and care.

 

How Can We Help?

We provide expert legal guidance through the complexities of probate, estate planning, and litigation, ensuring your rights are protected and your legal needs are met with the utmost professionalism and personalized attention. Learn more about our areas of focus...

 
 

Meet Our Team

Our legal team at Heban, Murphree & Lewandowski, LLC, combines over 100 years of collective expertise to provide Toledo with comprehensive probate, estate planning, and litigation services. Dedicated to delivering personalized and effective legal strategies, we ensure our clients navigate their legal challenges with confidence and clarity. Learn more about our team.

 

Need to Challenge a Will?

Facing the challenge of contesting a will is a delicate and complex process that requires careful consideration and expert legal guidance. At Heban, Murphree & Lewandowski, LLC, we understand the intricacies involved and are dedicated to supporting you through this difficult time.

If you're contemplating the necessity to contest a will due to concerns such as the testator's competency, undue influence, or fraud, it's crucial to act with both precision and sensitivity.

Our team of seasoned attorneys is here to provide you with the clarity and comprehensive legal advice needed to navigate your rights and options effectively.

Below are some of the top reasons people choose to challenge a will in Ohio:

FAQs About Probate and Estate Law

1What is Probate?
Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person's assets are transferred to their heirs or beneficiaries, involving validating the will, paying debts, and distributing assets.
2What Should I Do When a Loved One Dies?
Upon a loved one's death, you should have a medical professional pronounce them legally dead and contact the primary care physician and county coroner. Next, arrange for caring for any dependents and pets and organize estate documents for probate.
3Do All Estates Need to Be Probated?
Not necessarily. Estates can avoid probate if all assets are transferable outside of it or if they qualify for simplified procedures under the Uniform Probate Code. However, estates must still settle debts and taxes.
4Must a Will Be Filed with the Court Even if There's No Probate?
Yes, most states require a will to be filed with the probate court within a certain timeframe after the death, even if the estate isn't going through formal probate.
5Where Should a Probate Petition Be Filed?
A probate petition is typically filed in the county where the decedent lived at the time of death. If the decedent owned property in multiple states, ancillary probate may be necessary.
6What Happens If the Executor Does Not Start Probate?
If an executor delays starting the probate process, another interested party, like a close relative, can initiate it. The timeframe considered "reasonable" varies by state.
7Am I Required to Serve as an Executor?
No, being named as an executor does not obligate you to serve. You can decline the role, but it's important to consider who will handle the estate instead.
 

News & Articles

Stay Informed on the Latest Updates from Our Firm.

 
December 5, 2025
Making a Valid Will During an Ohio Medical Crisis

Can You Make a Will in an Ohio Hospital?

Emergency Estate Planning in the Hospital Under Ohio law, you can create valid wills and powers of attorney right inside a hospital. Just keep in mind that the legal rules for these documents stay the same, even if you’re in a rush. Interestingly, documents signed in […]
December 3, 2025
remote estate administration Ohio

How to Handle an Entire Estate by Video, E-Signature, and Mail

Can You Do Probate Online in Ohio? Ohio has embraced a modern approach to probate. Many counties use e-filing systems, hearings are often held over video, and notarizations can be completed online. With the help of an experienced online probate lawyer in Ohio, most estates can […]
December 1, 2025
how to settle co executor disagreement

Resolving Co-Executor Conflicts in Ohio Probate Court

Co-Executors Not Agreeing? When a parent chooses more than one child as co-executors, it’s often done with the best intentions. It can feel fair, help avoid favoritism, and give siblings an equal say in carrying out their loved one’s wishes. However, sharing executor responsibilities during probate […]
November 14, 2025
How Family Settlement Agreements Protect You From Liability

How to Use a Family Settlement Agreement in Ohio

When Can Families Change Who Inherits What? When a loved one dies, families often face disputes over estate distribution, which may not align with actual family dynamics. Caregiving roles, outdated wills, perceived fairness, and practical distribution issues can all cause conflict, even if the legal plan […]
 

Areas We Serve

Headquartered in Toledo,OH, we are proud to serve both residents and businesses across the greater Ohio area. Our services extend throughout the region, ensuring comprehensive coverage and support.

 

Real Estate Law

Our firm stands out for its specialization in real estate and agricultural law, focusing on delivering top-tier legal services in farmland management and agricultural business operations.

Whether it's handling property transactions, navigating lease agreements, addressing zoning concerns, or engaging in real estate litigation, we are dedicated to facilitating transactions that are not only compliant but also strategically aligned with our clients’ objectives. Learn more about specific areas of real estate law.

land attorneys in ohio

Residential Real Estate

We manage matters such as property transactions, lease agreements, zoning issues, and real estate litigation. We facilitate smooth, compliant transactions that align with our clients' goals.

Farm Land

At HML, we tailor our services to meet the specific requirements of farmers, landowners, and agribusiness operators. Our expertise covers farm succession planning, agricultural leases, environmental law compliance, and the resolution of farmland disputes.

Agriculture

We can help navigate complex regulatory compliance, subsidies, conservation easements, Current Agricultural Use Valuation (CAUV), and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) issues. We aim to safeguard client interests while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Litigation

Our attorneys are equipped with the skills and resources to address a wide range of litigation issues, from property disputes to complex agricultural litigation. With a strategic approach and a commitment to achieving favorable outcomes, we stand ready to support our clients through challenging legal battles.

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