ProbateUS
Probate Court

Stark County

Ohio

330-451-7755

Phone

330-451-7755

Fax

330-451-7837

Website

Official Site →

Email

probatecourt@starkcountyohio.gov

Court Location & Contact

Address

110 Central Plaza South, Suite 501, Canton, OH 44702

Fax

330-451-7837

Visit Official Court Website

Filing Fees

Stark County, Ohio

Fee TypeAmount
Estate Administration$150–$250
Guardianship Application$125–$200
Marriage License$40–$50

Judges & Officers

CW
Curt Werren

Probate Forms Library

200 fillable forms — scroll to browse

1.0 — 1.0 - Surviving Spouse, Children, Next of Kin, Legatees and DeviseescountyDownload
10.0 — 10.0 - Application to Distribute in KindcountyDownload
10.2 — 10.2 - Notice of Hearing on Application to Distribute in KindcountyDownload
11.0 — 11.0 - Consent to Power to Sell Real EstatecountyDownload
12.0 — 12.0 - Application for Certificate of TransfercountyDownload
12.1 — 12.1 - Certificate of TransfercountyDownload
13.0 — 13.0 - Fiduciary's AccountcountyDownload
13.1 — 13.1 - Receipts and DisbursementscountyDownload
13.10 — 13.10 - Notice to Extend AdministrationcountyDownload
13.11 — 13.11 Application To Disburse Attorney Decedent's Trust Account(s)countyDownload
13.2 — 13.2 - Assets Remaining in Fiduciary's HandscountyDownload
13.4 — 13.4 - Waiver of Partial AccountcountyDownload
13.5 — 13.5 - Notice of Hearing on AccountcountyDownload
13.6 — 13.6 - Certificate of TerminationcountyDownload
13.7 — 13.7 - Waiver of Notice of Hearing on AccountcountyDownload
13.8 — 13.8 - Application to Extend AdministrationcountyDownload
13.9 — 13.9 - Certificate of Service of Account to Heirs or BeneficiariescountyDownload
14.0 — 14.0 - Application to Approve Settlement and Distribution of Wrongful Death and Survival ClaimscountyDownload
14.0C — 14.0C - Supplement to Application to Approve Wrongful Death/Survival ClaimscountyDownload
14.1 — 14.1 - Waiver and Consent Wrongful Death and Survival ClaimscountyDownload
14.2 — 14.2 - Entry Approving Settlement and Distribution of Wrongful Death and Survival ClaimscountyDownload
14.3 — 14.3 - Report of Distribution of Wrongful Death and Survival ClaimscountyDownload
15.0 — 15.0 - Next of Kin of Proposed WardcountyDownload
15.01 — 15.01 - Judgment Entry Setting HearingcountyDownload
15.1 — 15.1 - Waiver of Notice and ConsentcountyDownload
15.2 — 15.2 - Fiduciary's AcceptancecountyDownload
15.3 — 15.3 - Guardian's BondcountyDownload
15.4 — 15.4 - Letters of GuardianshipcountyDownload
15.5 — 15.5 - Guardian's InventorycountyDownload
15.6 — 15.6 - Application and Order to Release FundscountyDownload
15.7 — 15.7 - Application and Order to Expend FundscountyDownload
15.7DD - Application for Authority to Release and Expend FundscountyDownload
15.8 — 15.8 - Guardian's AccountcountyDownload
15.81 — 15.81 - Bank CertificatecountyDownload
15.9 — 15.9 - Oath of GuardiancountyDownload
16.0 — 16.0 - Application for Appointment of Guardian of MinorcountyDownload
16.1 — 16.1 - AffidavitcountyDownload
16.2 — 16.2 - Selection of Guardian by MinorcountyDownload
16.3 — 16.3 - Notice of Hearing to Minor Over Age 14countyDownload
16.4 — 16.4 - Notice of Hearing to Parent, Next of Kin and CustodianscountyDownload
16.5 — 16.5 - Judgment Entry Appointment of Guardian of MinorcountyDownload
17.0 — 17.0 - Application for Appointment of Guardian of Alleged IncompetentcountyDownload
17.1 — 17.1 - Statement of Expert EvaluationcountyDownload
17.1A — 17.1A - Supplement for Emergency Guardian of PersoncountyDownload
17.3 — 17.3 - Notice to Prospective Ward of Application and HearingcountyDownload
17.4 — 17.4 - Notice of Hearing to Spouse and Next of KincountyDownload
17.5 — 17.5 - Judgment Entry Appointment of Guardian for Incompetent PersoncountyDownload
17.7 — 17.7 - Guardian's ReportcountyDownload
18.0 — 18.0 - Petition for Adoption of MinorcountyDownload
18.1 — 18.1 - Judgment Entry Setting Hearing and Ordering NoticecountyDownload
18.2 — 18.2 - Notice of Hearing on Petition for AdoptioncountyDownload
18.3 — 18.3 - Consent to AdoptioncountyDownload
18.4 — 18.4 - Judgment Entry Finding Consent Not RequiredcountyDownload
18.5 — 18.5 - Interlocutory Order of AdoptioncountyDownload
18.8 — 18.8 - Adoption Certificate for ParentscountyDownload
18.9 — 18.9 - Petitioner's AccountcountyDownload
19.0 — 19.0 - Petition for Adoption of AdultcountyDownload
19.1 — 19.1 - Final Order of Adoption of AdultcountyDownload
19.2 — 19.2 - Petition to Recognized Foreign AdoptioncountyDownload
19.3 — 19.3 - Order for Ohio Birth Record for Foreign Born ChildcountyDownload
2.0 — 2.0 - Application to Probate WillcountyDownload
2.1 — 2.1 - Waiver of Notice of Probate of WillcountyDownload
2.2 — 2.2 - Notice of Probate of WillcountyDownload
2.4 — 2.4 - Certificate of Service of Notice of Probate WillcountyDownload
2.8 — 2.8 - Application for Appointment of a Commissioner for Safe Deposit BoxcountyDownload
20.0 — 20.0 - Application for Appointment of ConservatorcountyDownload
20.1 — 20.1 - Judgment Entry Appointment of ConservatorcountyDownload
20.2 — 20.2 - Letters of ConservatorshipcountyDownload
20.5 — 20.5 - Application for Authority to Expend Funds (Conservator)countyDownload
21.0 — 21.0 Application for Change of Name of AdultcountyDownload
21.01 — 21.01 Affidavit in Support of Application for Change of Name of AdultcountyDownload
21.02 — 21.02 Affidavit in Support of Application for Change of Name of MinorcountyDownload
21.03 — 21.03 Judgment Entry Setting Hearing and Ordering NoticecountyDownload
21.07 — 21.07 Affidavit in Support of Application to Conform Legal Name of AdultcountyDownload
21.09 — 21.09 Affidavit in Support of Application to Conform Legal Name of MinorcountyDownload
21.1 — 21.1 Judgment Entry- Change of Name of AdultcountyDownload
21.10 — 21.10 Judgment Entry Conforming Legal Name of MinorcountyDownload
21.11 — 21.11 Judgment Entry Setting Hearing and Ordering NoticecountyDownload
21.12 — 21.12 Notice of Hearing on Conforming Legal NamecountyDownload
21.13 — 21.13 Consent to Name ConformitycountyDownload
21.2 — 21.2 Application for Change of Name of MinorcountyDownload
21.4 — 21.4 Consent to Change of NamecountyDownload
21.5 — 21.5 Notice of Hearing on Change of NamecountyDownload
21.7 — 21.7 Application to Conform Legal Name of AdultcountyDownload
21.8 — 21.8 Judgment Entry Conforming Legal Name of AdultcountyDownload
21.9 — 21.9 Application to Conform Legal Name of MinorcountyDownload
22.0 — 22.0 - Application to Settle a Minor's ClaimcountyDownload
22.0A — 22.0A - Proposal for Minor SettlementcountyDownload
22.1 — 22.1 - Waiver and Consent to Settle Minor's ClaimcountyDownload
22.2 — 22.2 - Entry Approving Settlement of a Minor's ClaimcountyDownload
22.3 — 22.3 - Verification of Receipt and DepositcountyDownload
22.4 — 22.4 - Report of Distribution Minor's ClaimcountyDownload
22.6 — 22.6 - Entry Approving Settlement of a Claim of an Adult WardcountyDownload
22.7 — 22.7 - Report of DistributioncountyDownload
24.0 — 24.0 - Representation of InsolvencycountyDownload
24.1 — 24.1 - Judgment Entry Setting Hearing and Ordering NoticecountyDownload
24.2 — 24.2 - Notice of Hearing on Representation of Insolvency and Schedule of ClaimscountyDownload
24.3 — 24.3 - Verification of Service, Notice of Hearing on Representation of Insolvency, and Schedule of ClaimscountyDownload
24.4 — 24.4 - Insolvency Schedule of ClaimscountyDownload
24.5 — 24.5 - Continuation: Insolvency Schedule of ClaimscountyDownload
24.6 — 24.6 - Judgment Entry of InsolvencycountyDownload
25.0 — 25.0 Application for Order to Disinter RemainscountyDownload
25.1 — 25.1 Judgment Entry Setting Hearing On Application for DisintermentcountyDownload
25.2 — 25.2 Notice of Hearing on Application for DisintermentcountyDownload
25.3 — 25.3 Affidavit of Service of Notice on Hearing on Application for DisintermentcountyDownload
25.4 — 25.4 Verification of ReintermentcountyDownload
25.5 — 25.5 Waiver of Notice of Application to Disinter RemainscountyDownload
25.6 — 25.6 Order to Disinter RemainscountyDownload
26.0 — 26.0 - Petition for Involuntary Treatment for Alcohol and Other Drug AbusecountyDownload
26.1 — 26.1 - Certificate of PhysiciancountyDownload
26.10 — 26.10 - Probable Cause Hearing Decision and EntrycountyDownload
26.11 — 26.11 - Entry Setting Hearing & Ordering NoticecountyDownload
26.12 — 26.12 - SummonscountyDownload
26.13 — 26.13 - Order to TransportcountyDownload
26.14 — 26.14 - OrdercountyDownload
26.2 — 26.2 - Affidavit of Refusal of ExaminationcountyDownload
26.3 — 26.3 - Statement of TreatmentcountyDownload
26.4 — 26.4 - Notice of Hearing on PetitioncountyDownload
26.5 — 26.5 - Notice to Respondent and Order to Appear for Examinations and HearingcountyDownload
26.6 — 26.6 - Notice to Respondent and Emergency Order to Report to HospitalcountyDownload
26.7 — 26.7 - Respondent's RightscountyDownload
26.8 — 26.8 - Affidavit of IndigencycountyDownload
26.9 — 26.9 - Entry Appointing CounselcountyDownload
26.A - Instructions for Petition for Involuntary Treatment for Alcohol and Other Drug AbusecountyDownload
27.0 — 27.0 - Notice to Guardian-Submission of Comments or ComplaintscountyDownload
27.1 — 27.1 Notice to Guardian and Maker of Comments or Complaints- Disposition of Comments or ComplaintscountyDownload
27.10 — 27.10 - Notification of Guardian's Receipt of Fees Other Than Through GuardianshipcountyDownload
27.11 — 27.11 - Notification of Ward's Important Legal PaperscountyDownload
27.12 — 27.12 - ReceiptcountyDownload
27.2 — 27.2 - Notification of Compliance with Guardian Education RequirementscountyDownload
27.3 — 27.3 - Notice of/Application for Change of AddresscountyDownload
27.4 — 27.4 - Entry On Application to Change of AddresscountyDownload
27.5 — 27.5 - Annual Registration Guardian with Ten or More WardscountyDownload
27.6 — 27.6 - Annual Fee SchedulecountyDownload
27.7 — 27.7 - Annual Guardianship Plan PersoncountyDownload
27.8 — 27.8 - Annual Guardianship Plan - EstatecountyDownload
27.9 — 27.9 - Application to Terminate GuardianshipcountyDownload
28.0 — 28.0 - Motion by Guardian for Real Estate Sale by ConsentcountyDownload
28.1 — 28.1 - Consent to Power to Sell Real Estate - GuardianshipcountyDownload
29.0 — 29.0 - Application to Release Medical Records and Medical Billing RecordscountyDownload
29.1 — 29.1 - Entry Authorizing Release of Medical Records and Medical Billing RecordscountyDownload
29.2 — 29.2 - Report on Receipt of Medical Records and Medical Billing RecordscountyDownload
29.3 — 29.3 - Notice of Application to Release Medical Records and Medical Billing RecordscountyDownload
29.4 — 29.4 - Waiver of Notice / ConsentcountyDownload
3.0 — 3.0 - Appointment of AppraisercountyDownload
35.5 — 35.5 - Trustee's AccountcountyDownload
4.0 — 4.0 - Application for Authority to Administer EstatecountyDownload
4.01 — 4.01 - Application for Reinstatement of FiduciarycountyDownload
4.1 — 4.1 - Supplemental Application for Ancillary AdministrationcountyDownload
4.2 — 4.2 - Fiduciary's BondcountyDownload
4.25 — 4.25 - Application to Deposit Personal Property in Lieu of BondcountyDownload
4.26 — 4.26 - Judgment Entry Directing Deposit of Personal Property in Lieu of BondcountyDownload
4.27 — 4.27 - Verification of ReceiptcountyDownload
4.3 — 4.3 - Waiver of Right to AdministercountyDownload
4.4 — 4.4 - Notice of Hearing on Appointment of FiduciarycountyDownload
4.5 — 4.5 - Entry Appointing Fiduciary; Letters of AuthoritycountyDownload
22.3 — 45(D) - Confidential Disclosure of Personal IdentifierscountyDownload
5.0 — 5.0 - Application to Relieve Estate from AdministrationcountyDownload
5.0A — 5.0A - Application for Summary Estate AdministrationcountyDownload
5.1 — 5.1 - Assets and Liabilities of Estate to be Relieved fromcountyDownload
5.10 — 5.10 - Application For Summary Release From AdministrationcountyDownload
5.11 — 5.11 - Entry Granting Summary Release From AdministrationcountyDownload
5.2 — 5.2 - Waiver of Notice to Relieve EstatecountyDownload
5.3 — 5.3 - Notice of Application to Relieve EstatecountyDownload
5.4 — 5.4 - Publication of NoticecountyDownload
5.5 — 5.5 - Publication of Notice Proof of PublicationcountyDownload
5.6 — 5.6 - Entry Relieving Estate from AdministrationcountyDownload
5.9 — 5.9 - Report of CommissionercountyDownload
6.0 — 6.0 - Inventory and AppraisalcountyDownload
6.1 — 6.1 - Schedule of AssetscountyDownload
6.2 — 6.2 - Waiver of Notice of Hearing on InventorycountyDownload
6.3 — 6.3 - Notice of Hearing on InventorycountyDownload
66.03 — 66.03 - Guardianship Comments/ComplaintscountyDownload
66.05 — 66.05 - Affidavit of Guardian ApplicantcountyDownload
SCPC-66 — 66.9 - Application to Sell Personal Property- GuardianshipcountyDownload
7.0 — 7.0 - Certification of Notice To Administrator of Estate Recovery ProgramcountyDownload
7.0 — 7.0(A) - Notice To Administrator Of The Medicaid Estate Recovery ProgramcountyDownload
7.1 — 7.1 - Application for Family AllowancecountyDownload
7.2 — 7.2 - Application for Apportionment of Family AllowancecountyDownload
71.2 — 71.2 - Waiver of Estate Attorney FeescountyDownload
8.0 — 8.0 - Citation to Surviving Spouse to Exercise Elective RightscountyDownload
8.3 — 8.3 - Summary of General Rights of Surviving SpousecountyDownload
8.4 — 8.4 - Certificate of Service and Notice of Citation to Surviving Spouse to Exercise Elective RightscountyDownload
8.5 — 8.5 - Return for Certificate of Service of Citation to Surviving Spouse to Exercise Elective RightscountyDownload
8.6 — 8.6 - Waiver of Service to Surviving Spouse of the Citation to ElectcountyDownload
9.0 — 9.0 - Application to Sell Personal PropertycountyDownload
9.1 — 9.1 - Entry Authorizing Sale of Personal PropertycountyDownload
9.2 — 9.2 - Notice of Sale of Personal PropertycountyDownload
17.1 — Adult Guardianship PacketcountyDownload
Application for Search of Putative Father RegistrycountyDownload
Application To Extend TimecountyDownload
Certificate of AdoptioncountyDownload
Declaration For Funeral Arrangements FormcountyDownload
Full Administration PacketcountyDownload
Guardianship Training - Online InstructionscountyDownload
66.06 — Letter to Guardian ApplicantcountyDownload
15.0 — Minor Guardianship PacketcountyDownload
Real Estate Only PacketcountyDownload
1.0 — Release From Administration PacketcountyDownload
12.0A — SCPC 12.0A - Petition for Certificate of Transfer Only Without AdministrationcountyDownload

Probate Guide

Probate in Stark County, Ohio

The Stark 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 Stark 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 Stark County

  1. Locate the will (if one exists) and gather the death certificate

  2. File a petition with the Stark County Probate Court to open probate

  3. Notify heirs and creditors as required by Ohio law

  4. Inventory the estate — identify all assets, debts, and liabilities

  5. Pay debts and taxes — settle outstanding obligations from estate funds

  6. Distribute remaining assets — according to the will or state intestacy laws

  7. 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 Stark County Probate Court procedures can help navigate the process efficiently.

Resources

For more information about the probate process, visit the Stark 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 Stark County Probate Court handles cases involving estates, guardianships, adoptions, name changes, marriage licenses, and mental health commitments. Marriage records are maintained by the court. Residents can access probate records and case dockets online.

Office Hours

Monday-Friday8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

FAQ

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

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

How much does probate cost in Stark County?

Probate filing fees in Stark 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 Stark 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 Stark County Probate Court will appoint an administrator to manage the estate.

Probate Attorneys

Closest to this court, Ohio

Brian Layman

Layman Law Group, LLC

Canton · 5 mi

General Trust & Estate

Daniel Griffith

Huntington Private Bank

Canton · 5 mi

Asset ProtectionBusiness Planning+1

David (Dave) Simmons

David J. Simmons & Associates, LLC

Canton · 5 mi

John Clark

John D. Clark

Canton · 5 mi

Business PlanningCharitable Planning+1

Richard (Rick) Davis

Krugliak, Wilkins, Griffiths & Dougherty Co., L.P.A.

Canton · 5 mi

See more attorneys near Stark County →

Related Resources

Ohio Probate Guide →All Ohio Courts →Financial Institutions →