What is probate?

Probate is a legal proceeding to administer certain kinds of property (called probate property) owned by someone who has died (the decedent), and to see that claims, expenses and taxes are properly paid, and that the remaining estate is distributed to those entitled to receive it under the decedent’s will or Ohio law.  Probate property is all property titled in the decedent’s name alone.  It is distributed only under the decedent’s will or according to Ohio law.  A probate proceeding takes place in the probate court of the county where the deceased property owned lived.  If the deceased also owned real estate in another state, additional proceedings may be necessary in that state.