Columbus, Ohio Probate Attorney

Lisa M. Slotnick, Attorney at Law

Probate

Probate Court is the division of Common Pleas Court that handles all legal issues surrounding the administration of estates. They verify that the assets collected in the probate estate are preserved and distributed according to the laws of the state of Ohio and the wishes of the decedent (person who passed away) as previously stated in a will.

When a person passes away in the state of Ohio, the best method to probate the decedent's estate must be determined. The process can be very complicated to understand and there are several methods to probate the estate. The first phase of determining what type of estate administration is necessary entails identifying and gathering all of the assets of the probate estate. Unless the decedent was very well organized, gathering probate estate assets may take some time.

Some people will not have many assets that will pass through the probate estate, and may, therefore, not need the full administration of an estate. Not all property owned at death qualifies as a probate asset. Rather, only those assets not titled jointly with rights of survivorship, or assets that do not pass to another by contract (such as payable on death provisions), qualify as probate assets. Most life insurance policies and retirement benefits do not qualify as probate assets. It is very important to consult with an experienced, Columbus, Ohio Probate Attorney to help you make determinations about assets.

The decedent’s estate can be administered by an executor or administrator, commonly referred to as the fiduciary. I represent fiduciaries of an estate, and also serve as an executor in my own capacity when appointed.

Please contact Lisa M. Slotnick, Attorney at Law, to further discuss your probate matter.

Columbus, Ohio Probate Lawyer