Free Ohio Probate & Estate Planning Guides
Every resource below is completely free—no forms to fill out, no email signup required, no sales pitch. Just practical, helpful information for Ohio families navigating probate and estate planning.
To receive any of these guides, simply email or call me and let me know which ones you’d like. I’ll send them to you right away.
📋 Executor & Administrator Guides
Ohio Probate Roadmap with Real Estate
4-page comprehensive guide
Complete step-by-step walkthrough of the entire Ohio probate process when there’s a home involved. Covers every phase from opening the estate to closing it, with special attention to property management, sales, and common pitfalls.
Includes:
- Timeline expectations for each phase
- Critical deadlines with consequences
- Property management responsibilities
- Real estate sale procedures
- Special situations (multiple properties, out-of-state, reverse mortgages)
- Executor compensation guidelines
Executor First Week Action Plan
2-page checklist
The 7 essential things to do in your first week as executor, plus 3 common mistakes that create bigger problems later. Designed to help you get organized quickly and avoid early missteps.
Includes:
- Property security steps
- Document gathering checklist
- Insurance verification
- Simple tracking systems
- What NOT to do
Estate Inventory Guide
2-page guide
Everything you need to know about the critical 3-month inventory deadline, what to include, how to value assets, and how to avoid the serious consequences of missing this deadline.
Includes:
- Complete asset checklist
- Real estate valuation options
- Required forms (6.0 and 6.1)
- What gets excluded
- Extension request guidance
Notifying Heirs and Beneficiaries
3-page guide
How to properly notify heirs and beneficiaries in Ohio probate, including critical 2-week and 2-month deadlines. Covers who must be notified, how to send notices, and what to do when you can’t find someone.
Includes:
- Who must receive notice
- Certified mail procedures
- Signed waiver alternative
- Reasonable diligence standard
- Certificate of Service instructions
Handling Creditor Claims in Ohio Probate
2-page guide
Step-by-step process for reviewing, allowing, and rejecting creditor claims. Includes the 6-month claims period, payment priority order, and how to protect yourself from personal liability.
Includes:
- Publishing requirements
- 30-day direct notice advantage
- Claim review checklist
- Allow/reject letter templates
- Payment priority order
💰 Surviving Spouse Resources
Surviving Spouse Rights in Ohio
2-page guide
The 5 critical rights every surviving spouse has in Ohio probate—even if the will says otherwise. Includes the $40,000 allowance, vehicle rights, mansion house, and the 5-month deadline to claim them.
Includes:
- Complete rights breakdown
- 5-month deadline tracker
- Election against the will explanation
- Claiming procedures
- What happens if there’s no will
Understanding Mansion House Rights
1-page explainer
Clear explanation of the surviving spouse’s right to live rent-free in the marital home for one year, including what happens if the house must be sold and how to calculate compensation.
🏦 Estate Planning Resources
Is Your Trust Actually Avoiding Probate?
2-page guide
Most people create trusts but never fund them properly. This guide explains what needs to be IN the trust, what should NOT be in the trust, common funding mistakes, and annual checkup procedures.
Includes:
- Complete funding checklist
- Asset-by-asset instructions
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Pour-over will trap explanation
- When to update funding
⏰ Timeline & Deadline Resources
Medicaid Estate Recovery Timeline
1-page timeline
How Ohio’s Medicaid Estate Recovery process works, the timeline you actually control, and how to limit the state’s claim period from 6 months to 90 days.
Includes:
- 30-day notification requirement
- 90-day claim window
- Form 7.0(A) instructions
- What assets can be recovered
- Hardship waiver information
Critical Probate Deadlines Checklist
1-page reference
Quick-reference timeline of all major Ohio probate deadlines: 2 weeks (heir notice), 2 months (Certificate of Service), 3 months (inventory), 5 months (surviving spouse elections), 6 months (creditor claims).
📰 County-Specific Resources
Probate Publishing Guide – Clermont County
1-page guide
Approved newspapers for probate notice publication in Clermont County, contact information, typical costs, and step-by-step publishing instructions.
Probate Publishing Guide – Hamilton County
1-page guide
Approved newspapers for probate notice publication in Hamilton County, including Cincinnati Enquirer, Community Press, and Cincinnati Herald. Includes contact info and cost comparisons.
Probate Publishing Guide – Warren County
1-page guide
Approved newspapers for probate notice publication in Warren County, contact information, and publishing procedures.
📞 How to Get Your Free Guides
It’s simple:
📧 Email: danielle@swohio.homes
📱 Call or Text: 513.628.2880
Just let me know which guides you’d like, and I’ll send them to you right away.
You can request one guide or all of them—there’s no limit and no obligation.
💬 Have Questions?
These guides are designed to give you practical, actionable information. But every estate is unique, and you may have questions specific to your situation.
I’m happy to answer questions, point you toward the right resources, or help you understand your next steps—whether that’s related to probate real estate, executor duties, or general probate guidance.
Contact me anytime:
📧 danielle@swohio.homes
📱 513.628.2880
Service Areas:
Southwest Ohio – Clermont, Warren, and Hamilton Counties
🏠 Need Help with Probate Real Estate?
If you’re dealing with estate property and need hands-on support with property preparation, cleanouts, vendor coordination, or sales, visit my main service site:
All guides are specific to Ohio probate law and procedures. Always consult with a qualified probate attorney for legal advice regarding your specific situation.