Summary Release from Administration in Ohio
Summary release from administration in Ohio may be an option for an estate if one of the following two situations apply:
Anyone who is not a surviving spouse may apply if:
a) The value of the assets does not exceed the lesser of $5,000 or the amount of the decedent’s funeral and burial expenses; and
b) The applicant has paid or is obligated in writing to pay the decedent’s funeral and burial expenses.
or
There is a surviving spouse and the funeral and burial expenses have been prepaid or the surviving spouse has paid or is obligated in writing to pay the funeral and burial expenses, and the value of the assets of the estate does not exceed the total of the allowance for support and an amount not exceeding $5,000 for funeral and burial expenses.
Summary release provides an alternative to release from administration or full administration that is typically less costly and a faster process.
Summary Release from Administration Process in Ohio
As with any type of estate administration, the first step is usually a consultation with a licensed attorney. The attorney will determine if summary release is available and appropriate under the circumstances. The attorney will prepare the required forms and the applicant will sign the completed documents. The forms will then be filed with the Court along with any required filing fee. Once the Court has reviewed the documents, the Court will decide whether to approve the distributions.
If you have lost a loved one and have probate questions, contact a licensed Ohio attorney.