Lucas County Probate Process Explained

Ohio Probate in Lucas County

Probate might be the last thing you want to think about after losing someone close. But if your loved one owned property, bank accounts, or other assets in their name alone, Ohio law requires that their estate go through probate before those assets can be legally transferred to heirs.

The good news? If you’re in Lucas County, the probate process, although formal, is manageable with the right steps, a bit of patience, and some guidance. Whether you’ve been named an executor in a will or are simply trying to figure out where to begin, this article will walk you through what probate in Lucas County really involves.

What Is Probate, and Why Does It Matter?

Probate is the legal process of settling a person’s estate after death. It ensures debts are paid, assets are properly distributed, and the terms of the will (if there is one) are carried out under court supervision. If there’s no will, Ohio’s default inheritance laws, called intestate succession, determine who inherits.

In Lucas County, the Probate Court oversees this process. The court doesn’t take over someone’s assets, but it does make sure everything is handled properly and legally. In short, it’s about protecting both the deceased’s wishes and the rights of the heirs.

Where Probate Happens in Lucas County

The probate process starts at the Lucas County Probate Court, located at 700 Adams Street, Suite 200, Toledo, OH 43604. Their office is open weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and the phone number is 419-213-4775.

To begin a case, the person named in the will as executor usually files a formal application to administer the estate. This includes submitting the original will (if one exists), the death certificate, and a list of known heirs. The court then reviews the filings, appoints the executor or administrator, and issues legal documents called “Letters of Authority” that permit them to act on behalf of the estate.

What to Expect Once the Case Is Open

Once the probate court appoints you as executor or administrator, the real work begins. You now serve as a fiduciary, meaning you have a legal obligation to act in the estate’s best interest, managing the assets responsibly, following the will (if one exists), and maintaining transparency. The court expects timely filings, accurate records, and fair treatment of beneficiaries.

Here’s what to expect in the months that follow:

• Send a formal notice to heirs and beneficiaries. You must notify all interested parties that a probate case has been opened. This includes people named in the will and the legal next of kin. The court requires proof that everyone entitled to notice has been properly informed.
• File the Inventory and Appraisal. Within a few months, you’ll need to submit a full list of probate assets, including fair market values as of the date of death. Real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, and valuables must all be documented and, in some cases, formally appraised.
• Secure and manage estate property. During the process, you’re responsible for protecting estate assets, maintaining insurance on real property, and keeping financial records for every transaction.
• Wait out the creditor claim window. Under Ohio law, creditors have six months from the date of death to file claims. Even if you complete paperwork quickly, the court usually won’t approve final distribution until that period ends.
• Prepare for delays or a faster option. A typical Lucas County estate takes 9–12 months to settle, but disputes, complex property, or slow asset sales can stretch that timeline. If the estate is small and qualifies for a Release from Administration, the process may be finished in just a few weeks.

Local Filing Fees and Forms

Filing fees vary based on the type of probate case. Currently, expect to pay approximately $350 to open a full estate. If the estate qualifies for the simplified release procedures, fees may range from $90 to $130, depending on whether a will exists. A Summary Release used for very small estates can cost even less, typically around $95 to $105.

Lucas County Probate Court provides downloadable form packets on its website for different types of cases, including full administration and small estate procedures. These packets help make the filing process more accessible, but they still require attention to detail; mistakes can delay your case or even require you to start over.

Assets That May Skip Probate Entirely

Not everything goes through probate. Some assets pass automatically to a survivor or beneficiary. These “non-probate” assets include:

• Jointly owned property with survivorship rights
• Life insurance policies or retirement accounts with named beneficiaries
• Payable-on-death (POD) bank accounts
• Transfer-on-death (TOD) real estate or vehicle titles
• Assets in a living trust

What Happens at the End?

Once debts are paid, taxes are filed, and the required six-month window has passed, the executor prepares a final account. This is a detailed report that shows exactly what came into the estate, what was spent, and what remains to be distributed.

The court will review the final accounting, and if everything checks out, it will approve the executor’s plan for distributing assets. Once distributions are made and the final paperwork is submitted, the court will close the case, and your role as executor will officially come to an end.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Probate is a paperwork-heavy, deadline-driven, and emotionally charged process. That’s why many families in Toledo turn to Heban, Murphree & Lewandowski, LLC. We’ve guided hundreds of Lucas County clients through the probate process, helping them understand their role, meet their obligations, and protect their family’s interests at every step.

Whether you need help from start to finish or have a few questions, we’re here for you.

Call (419) 662-3100 or send us a message to schedule a consultation.