Probate Lawyer in Cincinnati, OH
The loss of a loved one is never easy. A time of grieving is often complicated by the challenges of transferring the deceased's assets to beneficiaries and settling the estate. If your loved one had an estate plan in place, the process is somewhat easier. Whether or not the deceased had a will, however, the executor or administrator of the estate should have competent, supportive legal guidance through the probate administration process. (If the deceased had a will, it will name an executor; otherwise, the court will appoint an administrator.)
In Ohio, there are several types of probate administration. Full administration, and a simplified process known as relief from administration for smaller estates, are the most common. At the Law Offices of Katzman Logan Halper and Bennett, we help executors, administrators and families through the legal and practical requirements of Ohio probate administration.
Experienced, Efficient Legal Guidance for Ohio Probate
In order to protect the interests of heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors of the estate, Ohio probate administration has many processes and procedures that must be followed. It's not uncommon for a well-meaning, but inexperienced, executor or administrator of an estate to miss a filing deadline or make a mistake. Unfortunately, such errors can cause unnecessary delay or expense, and may even result in personal liability.
We have decades of experience in the Ohio probate courts and regularly assist executors and administrators with management of their fiduciary duties, including:
- Proving the validity of the will
- Locating, inventorying, and safeguarding assets of the estate
- Providing notice of probate proceedings to heirs and creditors
- Filing accounting and reports with the court
- Appearing at scheduled court hearings
- Coordinating efforts of accountants, investment advisers, insurance agents, and other professionals
- Settling estate debts
- Distributing estate assets to heirs
- Closing the estate
If, as occasionally happens, there is a dispute regarding your loved one's estate, we can represent you in any resulting probate and estate litigation, including will contests and allegations of undue influence. We also have experience helping families resolve disputes, whether they stem from an ambiguous will, a disappointed heir, or any other controversy.
The fees for an attorney representing an executor or administrator are paid out of the estate, not out of your pocket. This is because legal representation is considered a benefit to the estate, helping administration proceed more quickly and efficiently.
Detail-Oriented, Compassionate Blue Ash Probate Attorneys
At the Law Offices of Katzman Logan Halper and Bennett, we take pride in helping estate administrators, executors, and families understand the legal and practical requirements of probate, and in delegating tasks appropriately to minimize costs. We have over a quarter-century of experience with Ohio probate courts.
We know this is a difficult time for you and your family. We are committed to helping you handle the legal details of your loved one's estate, so that you can move forward in peace. We invite you to contact us so that we can answer your questions and offer the probate assistance you need.
