Estate Info

• What is Estate Administration?
• What are the Duties of the Fiduciary?
• Does a fiduciary Need an Attorney?
• How Long Should it take to Administer an Estate?
• What are the Steps of an Estate Administration?
• What is a Release from Administration?
• May Funds be Withdrawn from the Bank Account?
• May Items be Removed from a Safe Deposit Box?
• What if There is NO Will?
• What if the Will is Unclear?
• May One Object to the Will?
• Must a Will be Presented to the Court?
• What Property Must be Appraised?
• How is a Problem With an Estate brought to the Attention of the Court?
• How are Court Cost Determined?

What is Estate Administration?

When an individual dies, certain assets of the decedent (non-probate) may be transferred by contract, such as joint survivorship property, payable on death accounts, transfer on death property, and most life insurance and retirement benefits. Other assets (probate) may be transferred through proceedings in Probate Court. Most persons die owning both probate and non-probate assets, all of which generally require some type of documentation to complete the transfer. There are advantages and disadvantages in using non-probate or probate proceedings. It is prudent to consult an attorney to determine the best manner in which to hold one’s assets.

It is the Probate Court’s responsibility to ensure the probate assets are collected, maintained, and distributed among the decedent’s heir’s, beneficiaries, and/or creditors according to the direction of the decedent as expressed through a Will and the Laws of Ohio. This process is known as the administration of a decedent’s estate.

What are the Duties of the Fiduciary?

After the death of an individual, an estate may be opened by any interested person filing an application to administer the estate. The application is filed in the county in which the decedent resided. The Court will appoint an estate representative, called a fiduciary, and issue Letter of Authority. The fiduciary is appointed by the Court according to the decedent’s Will or statutory guidelines. If nominated by will, the fiduciary is an executor. If there is no will, the fiduciary is an administrator. It is the responsibility of the fiduciary to administer the decedent’s estate and to account to the Court for that administration. A fiduciary who fails to perform the statutory duties is subject to removal by the Court. A bond may be required of the fiduciary to protect the beneficiaries and creditors of the estate and to insure proper administration.

Does a Fiduciary Need an Attorney?

Due to the complexity of the law and the legal problems that are involved in estate administration, the Court strongly recommends that all fiduciaries seek legal counsel. Good legal advice and guidance can expedite the probate process, prevent costly errors, and protect against the fiduciary being sued.

How Long Should it Take to Administer an Estate?

Most estates should be finalized within six months of the date of appointment of the fiduciary. However, where family, creditor, tax, or other issues or disputes exist, the estate administration may take longer to conclude.

What are the Steps of an Administration?

Pursuant to statutes and Local Court Rules, the basic steps of administration are as follows:
• Application for Authority to administer the estate and admit the will to probate if one exists;
• Appointment of Fiduciary;
• Gathering assets and obtaining appraisals as required;
• Filing the inventory in a timely manner;
• Payments to creditors;
• Filing estate and income tax returns and payment of taxes, if any;
• Distribution of remaining assets to beneficiaries;
• Closing the estate by filing final account or certificate of termination in a timely manner.

What is a Release From Administration?

If the decedents probate estate consists of property of a gross value less than $35,000.00 the estate maybe released from administration. When the surviving spouse is the sole beneficiary, an estate of a gross value up to $100,000.00 maybe released from administration. The release from administration is less complicated and maybe completed more quickly that a full administration.

Also available in small estates is a summary release from administration. The summary release is used for reimbursement of the funeral and burial expenses up to $2,000.00. If there is a surviving spouse who is entitled to the entire family allowance, the surviving spouse may use the summary release for estates up to $40,000.00 plus reimbursement of funeral and burial expenses up to $2,000.00.

May Funds be Withdrawn from Bank Accounts?

Accounts registered in the decedent’s name alone may only be withdrawn by a Court appointed fiduciary or by Court Order. Survivorship, payable on death accounts, and transfer on death accounts may be withdrawn by the survivor.

May Items be Removed from a Safe Deposit Box?

Effective January 1, 2001, the Tax Commissioner has ruled that safe deposit boxes need not be audited after the death of the owner for estate tax purpose. However, financial institutions may require a death certificate and a Letter of Authority from the Probate Court prior to authorizing another individual to enter the box.

What if there is NO Will?

If the decedent had no will, the estate is administered in a similar manner as if a will had been probated. In completing the estate administration, the decedent’s property is distributed according to the law of descent and distribution, which divides the estate between the surviving spouse and the next of kin. If the next of kin are unknown, the filing of a civil action to determine heirship maybe required.

What if The Will is Unclear?

If the Will is unclear, a civil action to construe the will may be filed in the Probate Court. A hearing shall be held to determine the intent of the testator.

May one Object to the Will?

Any interested party may file a civil action to contest the validity of a Will. That party must establish by clear and convincing evidence that the testator was mentally incompetent to write a will or was subject to undue influence in the preparation of the Will. A will contest must be filed within 3 months after the filing of a certificate that all interested persons were given or waived notice of the admission of the Will to Probate.

Must a Will be Presented to the Court?

A Will should be presented to the Probate Court as soon as possible after the death of the decedent, even if there are no known probate assets. A person who withholds a Will intentionally, negligently, or without reasonable cause may lose the right to inherit. An action may be filed to require the production of the Will any time after the death of the decedent, and failure to produce a Will upon Court Order may result in penalties for contempt of Court.

What Property Must Be Appraised?

Property must be appraised if the value is not readily ascertainable. Example would include real estate, closely held by corporation, and partnership.

How is a Problem With an Estate Brought to the Attention of the Court?

Problems with an estate may be brought to the Court’s attention by an interested party through the filing of pleadings. The matter may be set for hearing and notice shall be given to all interested parties.

How are Court Cost Determined?

Court cost are determined by statute. The total cost for administering an estate will vary depending on the type of actions and pleadings filed. An estate will require an initial minimum deposit of $164.00 Court cost for an estate are usually less than $200.00.