Ohio Probate Forms: Complete List of Standard Forms (2026)

Ohio probate forms list: the Supreme Court of Ohio has standardized probate forms that are used across all 88 county probate courts. While individual counties may have supplemental local forms, the standard forms provide the backbone of every probate filing. Knowing which forms you need, when to file them, and how to complete them correctly saves time, reduces rejected filings, and keeps the estate on track.

This guide provides a complete index of Ohio's standardized probate forms, organized by category, with descriptions of when and why you need each one.

How Ohio Probate Forms Work

Standardized vs. Local Forms

The Supreme Court of Ohio publishes standardized probate forms that all 88 counties accept. These forms are numbered and categorized:

Form numbers typically start with a category prefix (e.g., 1.0 for Application forms, 2.0 for Wills)
Standard forms are mandatory and uniform statewide
Local forms are supplementary and vary by county

Always check with your specific county probate court for any additional local forms required. Use our Ohio court directory to find your county's probate court.

Where to Find the Forms

Ohio probate forms are available from:

The Supreme Court of Ohio website
Your county probate court (in person or online)
Legal form providers
Our Ohio forms finder

Filing Tips

Before filing any form:

Use the most current version (forms are updated periodically)
Type or print clearly in black ink
Sign where indicated
Attach all required supporting documents
Make copies for your records
Pay the required filing fee

Category 1: Application and Administration Forms

These forms initiate and manage the probate process.

Form 1.0 - Application to Probate Will

When to use: Filing a will with the probate court and requesting appointment as executor. For a full breakdown of what comes after appointment, see our Ohio executor duties guide.

Filed by: The person named as executor in the will (or their attorney).

Key information required:

Decedent's name, date of death, and county of residence
Executor's name and contact information
Names of beneficiaries and heirs
Estimated estate value

This is typically the first form filed in any probate case where a will exists.

Form 1.1 - Application for Authority to Administer Estate

When to use: When someone dies without a will (intestate) and you are seeking appointment as administrator.

Filed by: The person seeking appointment (usually the surviving spouse or next of kin).

Key information required:

Decedent's information
Applicant's relationship to the decedent
Names and addresses of all heirs
Estimated estate value

Form 1.2 - Waiver and Consent

When to use: When heirs or beneficiaries agree to the appointment of a specific executor or administrator.

Purpose: Speeds up the appointment process by showing the court that interested parties consent.

Form 1.3 - Entry Appointing Fiduciary

When to use: Issued by the court after approving the appointment.

Note: This is a court order, not a filing form. The court completes it based on your application.

Form 1.4 - Fiduciary's Acceptance

When to use: After being appointed, you sign this form accepting the role and its responsibilities.

Purpose: Confirms you understand and accept your fiduciary duties.

Form 1.5 - Bond

When to use: When the court requires a surety bond. See our Ohio bond requirements guide for details on when a bond is needed.

Purpose: Protects the estate from potential executor misconduct. The bond amount is typically set at the value of the estate's personal property.

Form 1.6 - Letters of Authority

When to use: Issued by the court after appointment.

Purpose: This is your proof of authority to act on behalf of the estate. Banks, financial institutions, and government agencies require certified copies of this document. Learn more in our Ohio Letters of Authority guide.

Tip: Order at least 10 certified copies. You will use them constantly throughout administration.

Category 2: Will-Related Forms

Form 2.0 - Entry Admitting Will to Probate

When to use: Court entry confirming the will has been accepted.

Note: Issued by the court, not filed by the executor.

Form 2.1 - Citation to Surviving Spouse

When to use: Notifies the surviving spouse of their right to elect against the will.

Purpose: Ohio law guarantees the surviving spouse certain rights regardless of what the will says. This citation informs them of those rights.

Form 2.2 - Election of Surviving Spouse

When to use: When the surviving spouse chooses to take their elective share instead of what the will provides.

Filed by: The surviving spouse or their attorney.

Category 3: Notice and Citation Forms

Form 3.0 - Notice of Probate of Will

When to use: Notifying beneficiaries and heirs that a will has been admitted to probate.

Required timing: Must be served within a reasonable time after the will is admitted.

Form 3.1 - Notice to Beneficiaries of Filing of Accounts

When to use: Notifying beneficiaries when the executor files an accounting with the court.

Purpose: Gives beneficiaries the opportunity to review and object to the accounting.

Form 3.2 - Notice to Creditors

When to use: Providing formal notice to creditors that the estate has been opened.

For a walkthrough of managing claims, see our Ohio creditor claims guide.

Two types:

Direct notice to known creditors (by mail)
Published notice for unknown creditors (in a newspaper)

Category 4: Inventory Forms

Form 4.0 - Inventory and Appraisal

When to use: Filing the complete inventory of estate assets.

Deadline: Within three months of appointment as executor.

Required information:

Complete list of all estate assets
Fair market value of each asset as of date of death
Description of each asset
Encumbrances and liens

This is one of the most important filings in the probate process. An incomplete or inaccurate inventory can cause major problems later.

Form 4.1 - Schedule of Assets

When to use: Supplemental schedule attached to the Inventory and Appraisal.

Purpose: Provides detailed listings when the main inventory form does not have enough space.

Form 4.2 - Certificate of Service of Inventory

When to use: Confirming that beneficiaries have been served with a copy of the inventory.

Category 5: Account and Distribution Forms

Form 5.0 - Account

When to use: Filing the executor's financial accounting with the court.

Purpose: Shows all income received, expenses paid, and distributions made. This is your formal report to the court and beneficiaries.

Required sections:

Starting balances (from inventory)
Income received during administration
Expenses and disbursements
Proposed distributions
Ending balances

For guidance on preparing the accounting, see our Ohio probate accounting guide.

Form 5.1 - Receipts of Distributees

When to use: After distributing assets, beneficiaries sign this form confirming they received their share.

Purpose: Protects the executor by proving distributions were made correctly.

Form 5.2 - Entry Approving and Settling Account

When to use: Court order approving the final accounting.

Note: Issued by the court after reviewing the accounting and any objections.

Form 5.3 - Certificate of Termination

When to use: Officially closes the estate.

Purpose: Confirms all duties have been completed and the executor is discharged.

Category 6: Claims and Creditor Forms

Form 6.0 - Presentment of Claim

When to use: Creditors use this form to file claims against the estate.

Filed by: Creditors, not the executor.

Information required:

Creditor's name and contact
Amount claimed
Basis for the claim
Supporting documentation

Form 6.1 - Allowance or Rejection of Claim

When to use: The executor's response to a creditor's claim.

Options:

Allow the claim in full
Allow the claim in part
Reject the claim entirely

Form 6.2 - Entry on Claims

When to use: Court entry regarding the disposition of creditor claims.

Category 7: Real Estate Forms

Form 7.0 - Application to Sell Real Estate

When to use: When the executor needs court approval to sell real property.

Purpose: Ohio may require court authorization for the sale of estate real estate, depending on the circumstances.

Form 7.1 - Entry Authorizing Sale of Real Estate

When to use: Court order approving the sale.

Form 7.2 - Report of Sale of Real Estate

When to use: After you complete the sale, file a report with the court.

Category 8: Release and Summary Forms

Form 8.0 - Application for Release from Administration

When to use: When the estate qualifies for simplified probate (estate valued at $35,000 or less with no real property).

This form is the gateway to Ohio's simplest probate procedure. If the estate qualifies, you can avoid the full administration process entirely.

For a detailed walkthrough of this process, see our Ohio Release from Administration guide.

Form 8.1 - Application for Summary Release from Administration

When to use: When the estate is valued at $100,000 or less and passes entirely to the surviving spouse.

Form 8.2 - Entry Granting Release from Administration

When to use: Court order releasing the estate from administration.

Category 9: Special Proceeding Forms

Form 9.0 - Application for Family Allowance

When to use: The surviving spouse or minor children apply for a year's allowance from the estate.

Purpose: Ohio provides a family allowance to support the surviving spouse and dependent children during the estate administration.

Form 9.1 - Application to Set Off Exempt Property

When to use: Claiming the surviving spouse's exempt property from the estate.

Purpose: Ohio law exempts certain property from estate debts. The surviving spouse can claim these exemptions.

Form 9.2 - Application for Certificate of Transfer

When to use: Transferring real property that passes outside of the probate estate (e.g., property held in survivorship).

Form 9.3 - Application to Relieve Estate from Administration

When to use: When the entire estate consists of exempt property and allowances, and the court does not need to administer it.

Forms for Full Administration: Filing Sequence

Here is the typical order of form filings for a standard full administration in Ohio:

Form 1.0 (Application to Probate Will) or Form 1.1 (Application for Authority)
Form 1.2 (Waivers and Consents from heirs)
Form 1.4 (Fiduciary's Acceptance)
Form 1.5 (Bond, if required)
Court issues Form 1.3 (Entry Appointing Fiduciary) and Form 1.6 (Letters of Authority)
Form 3.0 (Notice of Probate) and Form 3.2 (Notice to Creditors)
Form 4.0 (Inventory and Appraisal) - within 3 months
Review creditor claims using Form 6.1
Form 5.0 (Account) - when ready to close
Form 3.1 (Notice to Beneficiaries of Account Filing)
Form 5.1 (Receipts of Distributees) - after distribution
Court issues Form 5.2 (Entry Approving Account) and Form 5.3 (Certificate of Termination)

For a detailed walkthrough of full administration, see our Ohio full administration guide.

Forms for Release from Administration: Simplified Filing

If the estate qualifies for Release from Administration:

Form 8.0 (Application for Release from Administration)
Court issues Form 8.2 (Entry Granting Release)

That is it. Two forms instead of twelve.

Tips for Completing Ohio Probate Forms

Use Current Versions

The Supreme Court updates forms periodically. Always download the latest version before filing.

Be Thorough on the Inventory

Form 4.0 (Inventory and Appraisal) is the most important form you will file. Take the time to list every asset with accurate values. Errors here cascade through the rest of the process.

Keep Copies of Everything

Make copies of every form before filing. Keep a master file organized chronologically.

Ask the Court for Help

Ohio probate courts often have helpful staff who can answer procedural questions. They cannot give legal advice, but they can tell you which forms to file and how to complete them.

Consider Professional Help

For full administration, a probate attorney can ensure forms are completed correctly and filed on time. The estate pays reasonable attorney fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Ohio probate forms the same in every county?

The standard Supreme Court forms are uniform statewide. But individual counties may require additional local forms. Always check with your specific county.

Can I fill out Ohio probate forms myself?

Yes. For Release from Administration, many families complete the forms without an attorney. For full administration, we recommend hiring a professional.

Where do I file Ohio probate forms?

File with the probate court in the county where the decedent lived at the time of death.

How much does it cost to file Ohio probate forms?

Filing fees vary by county and form type. Typical costs range from $20-$100 for initial filings. Use our Ohio probate costs guide for a detailed fee breakdown, or contact your county probate court for exact fees.

What if I make a mistake on a form?

You can usually correct minor errors by filing an amendment. Major errors may require refiling. Ask the court clerk for guidance.

Find Your County Forms

Every Ohio county probate court has its own local procedures and potentially supplemental forms. Find your county's court information, contact details, and form requirements in our Ohio probate court directory.