Filing Fees

Lorain County, Ohio

Fee Type	Amount
Filing of Application for Letters of Authority to Administer Estate (with or without will)	$300.00
Application for Estate Relieved (with or without a will)	$182.00
Summary Release from Administration	$134.00
Affidavit and Application for Estate Relieved (Assets of $2,000.00 or less)	$80.00
Application for Certificate of Transfer only	$107.00
Filing of Will with no Application to Probate Court	$74.00
Tax Filing only	$5.00
Application to Probate Will only	$103.00
Application for Wrongful Death	$125.00
Filing of Authenticated or Exemplified Copies	$38.00
Affidavit of Inheritance	$81.00
Application to Bar Claims	$125.00
Disclaimer of Interest in Real Property	$80.00
Filing of Trust Estates	$200.00
Disposal of Minor's Estate	$103.00
Application for Appointment of Guardian-Minor (person only or estate only)	$250.00
Application for Appointment of Guardian-Incompetent (person and estate)	$300.00
Application for Appointment of Guardian-Incompetent (person only)	$300.00
Application for Settlement Claim of a Minor	$165.00
Appointment of a Conservator	$175.00
Complaint-Civil Actions (land sale, surviving spouse to purchase, completion of land contract, determination of heirship, declaratory judgment, concealment of assets, presumption of death, will contest and disinterment)	$250.00
Adoption Petition for One Child	$200.00
Petition for Foreign Adoption	$200.00
Petition for Adoption Placement	$130.00

Judges & Officers

James T. Walther

Required Forms

Form 1.0 Surviving Spouse, Children, Next of Kin, Legatees and Divisees

Probate Forms Library

118 fillable forms — scroll to browse

57.7 — “Filed” Stamped CopiescountyDownload

66.04 — (Reserved)countyDownload

2019 Lorain County Probate Court RulescountyDownload

66.20 — Additional Cost DepositcountyDownload

75.2 — AdoptionscountyDownload

66.11A — Affidavit of IndigencycountyDownload

22.3B — Annual Verification of Funds With Restricted AccesscountyDownload

75.7A — Application for Entry of Safe Deposit BoxcountyDownload

78.11 — Application for Unclaimed InheritancescountyDownload

60.2A — Application of Non-Resident Fiduciary to Deposit Assets With a Custodian In Lieu of BondcountyDownload

66.02 — Application of RulescountyDownload

65.2 — Approval of DescriptioncountyDownload

71.1 — Attorney FeescountyDownload

64.6 — BondcountyDownload

73.1A — Calculation of Guardian CompensationcountyDownload

74.1A — Calculation of Trustee CompensationcountyDownload

57.3 — Case NumbercountyDownload

59.2B — Certificate for Deposit of WillcountyDownload

13.9A — Certificate of Service of Account and Notice of HearingcountyDownload

78.2A — Certificate of Service of Inventory and Notice of HearingcountyDownload

78.3 — Certificate of Transfer of Real EstatecountyDownload

78.9 — Civil Case Management ProcedurescountyDownload

71.4A — Consent to Attorney FeescountyDownload

65.4 — Consent to Power to Sell Real EstatecountyDownload

8.1 — Court AppointmentscountyDownload

26.1 — Court Records Management and RetentioncountyDownload

57.13 — Decedent's NamescountyDownload

66.01 — DefinitionscountyDownload

67.1 — Dispense With GuardianshipcountyDownload

55.1 — Examination of Probate Records - PhotocopiescountyDownload

57.1 — Facsimile FilingscountyDownload

57.5 — Fiduciary SignaturecountyDownload

4.0A — Fiduciary's AcceptancecountyDownload

64.1 — Fiduciary's SignaturecountyDownload

73.1 — Guardian's CompensationcountyDownload

66.10A — Guardian's Credibility SupplementcountyDownload

64.9 — Hearing, Certificates, and ServicecountyDownload

53.1 — Hours of the CourtcountyDownload

60.3 — Identification With Photograph RequiredcountyDownload

66.17 — Indigent WardscountyDownload

22.3A — Initial Verification of Receipt and/or Deposit of CustodiancountyDownload

75.13 — Motions/BriefscountyDownload

66.11 — Next of Kin for Guardianship of Incompetent AdultscountyDownload

78.7 — Non-Oral Insolvency HearingscountyDownload

75.0A — Notice of Change of AddresscountyDownload

75.9 — Ohio Estate Tax Return (for Persons Dying Prior to January 1, 2013)countyDownload

58.2 — Publication CostscountyDownload

65.3 — Report of DistributioncountyDownload

75.7B — Report on Entry of Safe Deposit BoxcountyDownload

1.1A — Request for Summons or Notice In Civil ActioncountyDownload

69.2 — Responsibility For Deposit Of FundscountyDownload

68.3 — Responsibility For Deposit Of FundscountyDownload

67.3 — Responsibility For Deposit Of FundscountyDownload

69.1 — Separate Case NumbercountyDownload

68.2 — Separate Case NumbercountyDownload

66.01 — Series NumberingcountyDownload

60.5 — Spousal Citation and Summary of RightscountyDownload

69.3 — Structured Settlements For Adult WardcountyDownload

65.1 — Title EvidencecountyDownload

78.8 — Unclaimed InheritancescountyDownload

66.18 — Veterans' GuardianshipscountyDownload

13.7A — Waiver of Notice of Hearing and Consent to AccountcountyDownload

78.2B — Waiver of Notice of Hearing and Consent to InventorycountyDownload

59.2A — Will for DepositcountyDownload

59.2 — Will for DepositcountyDownload

75.10 — Withdrawal And Substitution Of CounselcountyDownload

58.3 — Witness FeescountyDownload

1041 — Accumulation Distribution for Certain Complex TrustsfederalDownload

1041-T — Allocation of Estimated Tax Payments to BeneficiariesfederalDownload

1041 — Alternative Minimum Tax — Estates and TrustsfederalDownload

Application For Burial BenefitsfederalDownload

SSA-4 — Application for Child's Insurance BenefitsfederalDownload

SF 2800 — Application for Death Benefits (CSRS)federalDownload

SF 3104 — Application for Death Benefits (FERS)federalDownload

Application For DIC, Survivors Pension And/Or Accrued BenefitsfederalDownload

SS-4 — Application for Employer Identification NumberfederalDownload

706 — Application for Extension of Time To File a Return and/or Pay U.S. Estate TaxesfederalDownload

SSA-10 — Application for Widow's or Widower's Insurance BenefitsfederalDownload

1041 — Beneficiary's Share of Income, Deductions, Credits, etc.federalDownload

1041 — Capital Gains and Losses (Estates and Trusts)federalDownload

706-CE — Certification of Payment of Foreign Death TaxfederalDownload

FE6 — Claim for Death Benefits (FEGLI)federalDownload

VA40-1330 — Claim For Standard Government Headstone Or MarkerfederalDownload

SF 2818 — Continuation of Life Insurance Coverage as AnnuitantfederalDownload

FE7 — Designation Of Beneficiary (FEGLI)federalDownload

SF 2823 — Designation Of Beneficiary Federal Employees' Group Life InsurancefederalDownload

FS 5336 — Disposition of Treasury Securities Belonging to a Decedent's Estate Being Settled Without AdministrationfederalDownload

8855 — Election To Treat a Qualified Revocable Trust as Part of an EstatefederalDownload

1041 — Estimated Income Tax for Estates and TrustsfederalDownload

706 — Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax (Form 706)federalDownload

706-GS — Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return for DistributionsfederalDownload

706-GS — Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Return for TerminationsfederalDownload

8971 — Information Regarding Beneficiaries Acquiring Property From a DecedentfederalDownload

56 — Notice Concerning Fiduciary RelationshipfederalDownload

706-GS — Notification of Distribution From a Generation-Skipping TrustfederalDownload

1041-V — Payment Voucher (Estate or Trust)federalDownload

I-360 — Petition For Amerasian, Widow(er), Or Special ImmigrantfederalDownload

2848 — Power of Attorney and Declaration of RepresentativefederalDownload

FS 1455 — Request By Owner or Person Entitled to Payment for Reissue of United States Savings BondsfederalDownload

706 HAS — Request for Discharge From Personal Liability Under IRC 2204 or 6905federalDownload

4810 — Request For Prompt Assessment Under Internal Revenue Code Section 6501(d)federalDownload

FS 1522 — Special Form of Request for Payment of United States Savings and Retirement SecuritiesfederalDownload

SSA-721 — Statement of Death by Funeral DirectorfederalDownload

1310 — Statement of Person Claiming Refund Due a Deceased TaxpayerfederalDownload

706-NA — U.S. Estate Tax Return for Nonresident Not a Citizen of the U.S.federalDownload

706-QDT — U.S. Estate Tax Return for Qualified Domestic TrustsfederalDownload

1041 U — U.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and TrustsfederalDownload

1041-A — U.S. Information Return Trust Accumulation of Charitable AmountsfederalDownload

706-A — United States Additional Estate Tax ReturnfederalDownload

706 UNITED — United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax ReturnfederalDownload

709 — United States Gift (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax ReturnfederalDownload

12.0 — Probate Form 12.0: Application for Certificate of TransferOhio Supreme CourtstateDownload

13.1 — Probate Form 13.1: Receipts and DisbursementsOhio Supreme CourtstateDownload

Probate Form 2.2Ohio Supreme CourtstateDownload

4.3 — Probate Form 4.3: Waiver of Right to AdministerOhio Supreme CourtstateDownload

4.5 — Probate Form 4.5: Entry Appointing FiduciaryOhio Supreme CourtstateDownload

5.1 — Probate Form 5.1: Assets and Liabilities of Estate to be ...Ohio Supreme CourtstateDownload

Probate Form 5.2Ohio Supreme CourtstateDownload

Probate Guide

Probate in Lorain County, Ohio

The Lorain County Probate Court handles all matters related to the estates of deceased persons, including the validation of wills, appointment of executors and administrators, and the supervised distribution of assets. If you need to file for probate in Lorain County, OH, this guide covers what you need to know.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of settling a deceased person's estate. It involves validating the will (if one exists), identifying and inventorying assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to heirs and beneficiaries. In Ohio, the probate court in each county oversees this process.

When Is Probate Required in Ohio?

Probate is generally required when:

The deceased owned real estate solely in their name
The estate contains assets above Ohio's small estate threshold
There are disputes among heirs or creditors
Assets are not held in a trust or joint tenancy

Steps to File for Probate in Lorain County

Locate the will (if one exists) and gather the death certificate
File a petition with the Lorain County Probate Court to open probate
Notify heirs and creditors as required by Ohio law
Inventory the estate — identify all assets, debts, and liabilities
Pay debts and taxes — settle outstanding obligations from estate funds
Distribute remaining assets — according to the will or state intestacy laws
Close the estate — file a final accounting with the court

How Long Does Probate Take?

In Ohio, probate typically takes 6 to 18 months depending on the complexity of the estate. Simple estates with no disputes may be resolved faster, while contested wills or complex asset distributions can take longer.

Do You Need a Probate Attorney?

While Ohio does not always require an attorney for probate, it is strongly recommended, especially for estates with significant assets, real estate, business interests, or potential disputes. A local probate attorney familiar with Lorain County Probate Court procedures can help navigate the process efficiently.

Resources

For more information about the probate process, visit the Lorain County Probate Court directly or consult with a local probate attorney. You can also explore tools like EverSettled for step-by-step estate settlement guidance.

Additional Notes

The Lorain County Probate On-Line Records Search is updated every Saturday with the previous week's information. The search database contains all Probate related records since 1990. Records are available from 1824 to the present.

Office Hours

Monday-Friday8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

FAQ

Where do I file for probate in Lorain County, OH?

Probate petitions for estates in Lorain County are filed at the Lorain County Probate Court. Contact the court directly for filing instructions and office hours.

How much does probate cost in Lorain County?

Probate filing fees in Lorain County, Ohio vary based on the estate value and type of petition. Contact the probate court clerk for the current fee schedule.

How long does probate take in Ohio?

Probate in Ohio typically takes 6 to 18 months. Timeline depends on estate complexity, creditor claims, and whether the will is contested.

Can I avoid probate?

Assets held in trusts, joint tenancy, or with designated beneficiaries (like life insurance and retirement accounts) can pass outside of probate. Consult with an estate planning attorney for strategies specific to your situation.

Do I need a lawyer for probate in Lorain County?

While not always legally required in Ohio, a probate attorney is recommended for most estates, especially those involving real estate, business interests, or potential disputes among heirs.

What happens if someone dies without a will?

When someone dies intestate (without a will) in Ohio, their assets are distributed according to state intestacy laws. The Lorain County Probate Court will appoint an administrator to manage the estate.

Probate Attorneys

Closest to this court, Ohio

Erica McGregor

Tucker Ellis LLP

Cleveland · 23 mi

Susan Racey

Tucker Ellis LLP

Cleveland · 23 mi

Charitable PlanningFiduciary Litigation+3

Kimberly Stein

UB Greensfelder LLP

Cleveland · 23 mi

Chad Makuch

Baker & Hostetler LLP

Cleveland · 23 mi

Charitable PlanningGeneral Trust & Estate+1

Patrick Saccogna

Thompson Hine LLP

Cleveland · 23 mi

See more attorneys near Lorain County →

Related Resources

Ohio Probate Guide →All Ohio Courts →Financial Institutions →