Ohio has a dedicated standalone Probate Court — a separate court of record with its own elected judge. Ohio eliminated its state estate tax in 2013. Statutory executor compensation schedule.
| Case Type | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Release from administration (under $35K) | 1–3 months | Simplified; no personal representative |
| Summary release from administration | 1–2 months | Surviving spouse or minor children only |
| Formal administration | 6–12 months | Letters testamentary; creditor notice; inventory |
| Complex administration | 12–24 months | Real estate; business interests; multiple creditors |
| Contested estate | 24–60+ months | Full civil discovery; possible jury |
| Estate Value | Attorney Fees | Executor Fees | Total Est. Cost | % of Estate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $500,000 | $10,000–$20,000 (est. reasonable) | $11,000 (statutory tiered) | $23,000–$40,000+ | 4.6%–8.0% |
| $2,000,000 | $25,000–$60,000 (est.) | $34,000 (statutory tiered) | $62,000–$100,000+ | 3.1%–5.0% |
| $5,000,000 | $50,000–$150,000+ | $74,000 (statutory tiered) | $130,000–$250,000+ | 2.6%–5.0% |
* Estimates based on Probate Insider Reference Series 2026. Actual costs vary. Not legal advice.