It can depend, however, a simple probate will likely take a few weeks depending on the Surrogate Court’s schedule. A more complex matter can be lengthy, and the Deliberato Law Center will oversee the process, making sure it is completed timely and efficiently.

Sometimes a loved one passes away without a will. If they had assets at the time of death, the estate will need to be administrated in a procedure known as administration by the Surrogate’s Court. During this, the estate is allocated under rules of succession.

It is not required to hire an attorney to handle probate proceedings for you. However, probate matters can be complicated, and having an experienced probate attorney to handle your case will be beneficial. A probate attorney can help you locate interested parties for jurisdictional purposes, understand the language of the will, and aid with anyone who may contest the will.

In Ohio, the cost to probate an estate is directly tied to the amount of time it takes to do. Most lawyers charge an hourly fee for probate work. With smaller estates in Ohio there, are less expensive options. If the total value of probate assets is less than $100,000, your attorney may be able to file a Release from Administration. If an estate’s value is less than $5,000, a probate attorney can file a Summary Release from Administration.

A more complex estate will be more expensive, because it requires more hours of work. On top of that, it may require the services of experts like accountants, insurance analysts, appraisers, experts in business valuation, real estate or other appraisers. If your lawyer suggests hiring an expert, be sure to understand why they believe their expertise is required.

Regardless of the size of the estate, it is smart to hire a probate attorney. Because probate laws are complicated and have strict deadlines, there are costly consequences if you are unable to adhere to the dates and deadlines. Hiring an attorney provides security that you will get everything done accurately and efficiently.