Ohio Probate Types: Release vs Full Administration

Ohio generally uses a $35,000 Release from Administration limit, or up to $100,000 if all probate assets pass to the surviving spouse. Summary Release is narrower: it is usually limited to funeral/burial reimbursement up to $5,000, or for a qualifying surviving spouse to the support allowance plus up to $5,000 of funeral expenses.

Ohio does not generally require an attorney for probate. However, Full Administration is complex enough that many families still hire counsel. Simplified procedures are more likely to be handled without an attorney.

Release from Administration is a simplified court process for smaller estates, while Full Administration involves appointing an executor or administrator, filing inventories, and working through a full probate case with more court supervision.

Summary Release from Administration often takes a few weeks to a couple of months. Release from Administration varies by county and the notice requirements. Full Administration often takes 8-12 months or longer.

Ohio statutory executor compensation is generally 4% of the first $100,000, 3% of the next $300,000, and 2% of amounts over $400,000, plus possible extraordinary compensation in some cases.