Probate cost · Ohio
Probate cost in Ohio
What every fee is, who sets it, and what a typical estate actually pays end to end.
Probate in Ohio costs about $25,760 to $38,400 for a $500,000 estate. The Probate Court charges $200 to open the case. Executor and attorney fees are the largest line items, set under § 2113.03. Publication, bond, and appraisal add $560-$3,200.
Fee breakdown
Every probate cost in Ohio, itemized. Amounts vary by county and by estate complexity.
| Court filing fee | $200 | Probate Court filing fee. Add ~$50 for certificates and $10 per certified copy. |
|---|---|---|
| Publication of notice | $60 - $200 | Newspaper notice to creditors, required in most counties. |
| Executor bond | $200 - $2,000 | Often waived by the will. When required, premium is ~0.5% of the estate value. |
| Appraisal | $300 - $1,000 | For real estate, business interests, or unique personal property. |
| Executor fee | $15,000 on $500k | Ohio Rev. Code §2113.35: 4% first $100k, 3% next $300k, 2% over $400k. 1% on non-probate real estate. |
| Attorney fee | $10,000 - $20,000 on $500k | Attorney fees are reviewed by the probate judge under Sup. R. 71 and run 2-4% for routine estates. |
Total by estate size
Estimated total probate cost in Ohio across three common estate sizes. Uses statutory fees where Ohio has them, market ranges where it doesn't.
| $200,000 estate | $11,760 - $18,400 |
|---|---|
| $500,000 estate | $25,760 - $38,400 |
| $1,000,000 estate | $45,760 - $68,400 |
Ranges assume an uncontested estate with one parcel of real property. Contested estates, out-of-state assets, and businesses add cost.
How to reduce probate cost in Ohio
- If the estate is under $35,000, use a small estate affidavit instead of full probate.
- Convert accounts to payable-on-death and beneficiary designations before death. Those assets bypass probate entirely.
- Use a revocable living trust for real estate to avoid the Probate Court probate process.
- Ask the will to waive bond. That saves the $200-$2,000 premium.
- For clean, uncontested estates, use a cost calculator first so you know what to expect before hiring counsel.
Common questions
How much does probate cost in Ohio?
Total probate cost in Ohio for a $500,000 estate typically runs $25,760 to $38,400. A $200,000 estate costs about $11,760-$18,400, a $1M estate $45,760-$68,400. Court filing alone is $200.
Who pays probate fees in Ohio?
The estate pays every probate cost from estate assets before heirs receive anything. Executor and attorney fees, the Probate Court filing fee, publication, and bond premiums all come out of the estate under § 2113.03.
Can I reduce probate cost?
Yes. Using the small estate affidavit skips full probate when the estate is under the state threshold ($35,000 in Ohio). Beneficiary designations, joint accounts, and living trusts also keep assets out of probate entirely.
What is the executor fee in Ohio?
Ohio Rev. Code §2113.35: 4% first $100k, 3% next $300k, 2% over $400k. 1% on non-probate real estate.
How long does it take to pay these fees?
Filing and publication are paid at filing. Executor and attorney fees are approved by the Probate Court at the end, typically 12 months after opening the estate.
Where in Ohio
In Ohio, probate fees are paid at the Probate Court in the county where your relative lived at death. These three counties handle the largest caseload.
- County seat
Franklin County
Probate Court - courthouse in Columbus
- County seat
Cuyahoga County
Probate Court - courthouse in Cleveland
- County seat
Hamilton County
Probate Court - courthouse in Cincinnati
Every Ohio county has its own Probate Court clerk. Filing fees and processing time vary by county.
Other tasks in Ohio
Related: Probate in Ohio · Cost calculator · Probate timeline