Probate

If you are the personal representative for a friend or relative that has died, the complexity of the probate process can be overly burdensome. At a time when you are grieving the loss of a loved one, you must locate all the assets and liabilities of the deceased, pay off any debts, and distribute the remainder of the estate. The Columbus legal firm of Artz, Dewhirst & Wheeler, LLP is experienced in helping people move through the stages of probate as efficiently as possible.

Even if a legal will exists and there is a trust, part or all of an estate still have to go through probate court. Probate is mandated by Ohio law for certain types of assets owned by the decedent.

Assets that generally have to go through the probate process include:

• Possessions such as jewelry, cars, and furniture only in the decedent’s name
• Individually owned real estate as well as property held as a tenant in common with no transfer on death beneficiary
• Investments such as stocks and bonds in the decedent’s name with no beneficiary
• Bank accounts with no co-owner or beneficiary

Assets that do not go through the probate process include:

• Property held in a Revocable Trust
• Real estate owned in a Tenancy By the Entirety or Joint Tenants With a Right of Survivorship arrangement, or owned with a transfer on death beneficiary
• Retirement accounts and life insurance policies that have designated beneficiaries
• Bank accounts with clauses such as Payable on Death or Transfer on Death

Our firm understands that this is not an easy time for you. We can work with you to make compliance with probate requirements a straightforward process.