As executor, one of your most important responsibilities is handling creditor claims against the estate. This means reviewing claims, verifying they’re legitimate, and paying valid debts in the correct legal order.
Get this wrong, and you could be personally liable for improper payments.
Here’s exactly how to handle creditor claims in Ohio probate.
*This is not a substitute for legal advice-I am not an attorney, information is for education only. This information was current as of 2-2026, if you have specific questions consult your attorney.*
The 6-Month Claims Period
Creditors have 6 months from the date of death to file claims against the estate.
This is a hard deadline set by Ohio law. Claims filed after 6 months must be rejected—even if they’re legitimate debts.
Your job is to:
- Notify creditors that the estate is in probate
- Review claims as they come in
- Allow or reject each claim in writing
- Pay allowed claims in the correct legal order
Step 1: Notify Creditors
You must notify creditors in two ways:
A) Publish “Call for Creditors” in Newspaper
Publish notice once per week for three consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the deceased lived.
The notice announces that the estate is in probate and creditors must file claims within 6 months.
Most newspapers know how to publish these notices—just call and say “I need to publish a probate creditor notice.”
Cost: Usually $150-$300 depending on the newspaper.
B) Send Direct Notice to Known Creditors
If you know about specific creditors (mortgage company, credit card companies, medical providers, etc.), send them direct notice by certified mail.
Why this matters: Direct notice shortens their deadline to just 30 days instead of 6 months.
If you send certified notice to a credit card company and they don’t file a claim within 30 days, that claim is barred—even though the general 6-month period hasn’t expired.
This can save the estate thousands of dollars.
Step 2: Review Each Claim
When a claim is filed, you have 30 days to review it and respond in writing.
Questions to Ask:
Is it a valid debt?
- Did the deceased actually owe this money?
- Do they have documentation proving the debt?
- Is the amount correct?
Was it filed on time?
- Within 6 months of death? OR
- Within 30 days of direct notice if you sent one?
Is it properly documented?
- Does the claim include copies of bills, statements, or contracts?
- Is it notarized if required?
What’s the nature of the debt?
- Funeral expenses?
- Medical bills?
- Credit cards?
- Mortgage?
- Taxes?
This matters because debts must be paid in a specific order.
Step 3: Allow or Reject in Writing
For each claim, you must send a written response within 30 days.
To ALLOW a Claim:
Send written notice to the creditor stating:
- You’ve reviewed the claim
- You’re allowing it
- The amount allowed (if different from claimed amount)
File a copy with the probate court.
To REJECT a Claim:
Send written notice to the creditor stating:
- You’ve reviewed the claim
- You’re rejecting it
- The reason for rejection (filed late, not valid debt, insufficient documentation, etc.)
File a copy with the probate court.
Important: Once you reject a claim, the creditor has 2 months to file a lawsuit against the estate if they disagree. If they don’t sue within 2 months, the claim is permanently barred.
Step 4: Pay Allowed Claims in Correct Order
Ohio law requires you to pay estate debts in this specific priority order:
Priority 1: Funeral and Burial Expenses
Priority 2: Estate Administration Costs
- Court fees
- Attorney fees
- Executor fees
- Appraisal fees
Priority 3: Allowance for Support
- $40,000 to surviving spouse and/or minor children
Priority 4: Federal and State Taxes
Priority 5: All Other Creditor Claims
- Medical bills
- Credit cards
- Personal loans
- Utility bills
- Other debts
If there’s not enough money: Higher priority debts get paid first. Lower priority debts may get nothing.
Within the same priority level: If there’s not enough to pay all debts at the same level, they’re paid proportionally.
Never Pay Barred Claims
You MUST reject claims filed after the 6-month deadline.
Even if:
- It’s a legitimate debt
- You feel bad about it
- The creditor threatens you
- It’s a family member
If you pay a barred claim, you can be personally liable for improperly depleting estate assets.
What If You’re Not Sure?
When in doubt about whether to allow or reject a claim:
- Consult your probate attorney
- Request additional documentation from the creditor
- File a motion with the probate court asking for guidance
Don’t just guess.
Special Situations
Medical Bills from Final Illness
These are valid claims but only if filed within 6 months. Review them carefully—medical billing errors are common.
Credit Card Debt
Verify the debt is actually the deceased’s, not a joint account holder’s or authorized user’s debt.
Medicaid Estate Recovery
The Ohio Medicaid Estate Recovery Unit has special rules and extended timelines. See my separate guide on this topic.
Mortgage and Secured Debts
Secured creditors (like mortgage companies) have rights to the collateral. If the estate wants to keep the house, the mortgage must be paid even if other debts go unpaid.
Get the Complete Guide
My “Handling Creditor Claims in Ohio Probate” guide includes:
- Sample allow/reject letters
- Claims review checklist
- Priority payment worksheet
- Timeline tracking tool
- What to do when claims are disputed
To receive your free copy:
📧 Email: danielle@swohio.homes
📱 Call or Text: 513.628.2880
Protect yourself and the estate by handling creditor claims correctly from the start.
**I am not an attorney, I am Probate Certified, and a Licensed Real Estate Professional with Plum Tree Realty.