As executor of an Ohio estate, you have exactly three months from your appointment date to file a complete inventory with the probate court.
Miss this deadline, and you could face removal as executor, denied fees, fines, or even contempt of court.
Here’s everything you need to know to get it done right and on time.
*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 Deadline
You must file your inventory within 3 months of your appointment as executor.
This is not a suggestion. It’s a legal requirement.
The clock starts the day the probate court issues your Letters of Authority—not the day the person died, not the day the will was filed, but the day you were officially appointed.
Mark this date on your calendar immediately.
What Must Be Included
The inventory must list EVERY asset the deceased owned in their name alone at the time of death.
Real Estate
List each property separately with:
- Full legal description (from the deed)
- Street address
- County where located
- Date of death value
- Any mortgages or liens (don’t subtract these from the value—just note them)
Bank Accounts
- Name of financial institution
- Account type (checking, savings, CD, etc.)
- Account number (last 4 digits)
- Balance as of date of death
Investment Accounts
- Brokerage accounts
- Stocks and bonds
- Mutual funds
- Money market accounts
- Date of death value
Personal Property
- Vehicles (year, make, model, VIN)
- Boats and recreational vehicles
- Jewelry
- Collections
- Furniture
- Electronics
- Tools
- Other valuable items
Business Interests
- Ownership in LLCs, partnerships, or corporations
- Percentage owned
- Estimated value
Other Assets
- Life insurance proceeds payable to the estate
- Money owed to the deceased
- Tax refunds
- Pending lawsuit settlements
- Digital assets and cryptocurrency
What Gets Excluded
DO NOT include:
- Joint accounts with right of survivorship
- POD (Payable on Death) accounts
- TOD (Transfer on Death) assets
- Life insurance with named beneficiaries
- Retirement accounts with named beneficiaries
- Property held in trust
- Real estate owned as joint tenants with survivorship
These assets pass outside of probate and don’t belong on the inventory.
How to Value Assets
Real Estate: Two Options
Option 1: County Auditor’s Value (Easiest)
- Go to your county auditor’s website
- Look up the property
- Use the auditor’s market value
- Print the property card and attach to your inventory
Option 2: Court-Approved Appraiser
- More accurate
- Better if you plan to sell soon
- Costs $300-$600
- Required in some counties for estates over certain values
Bank and Investment Accounts
Use the balance or value as of the date of death. Request account statements from the institutions showing this date.
Vehicles
Use:
- Kelley Blue Book value
- NADA guide value
- Recent appraisal
- County auditor’s value for titled vehicles
Personal Property
For most items, a reasonable estimate is acceptable. For valuable items (jewelry, art, collections), consider getting an appraisal.
The Forms You Need
Ohio probate courts use standard forms:
Form 6.0: Inventory and Appraisal
Form 6.1: Schedule of Assets
Download these from your county’s probate court website, or pick them up at the courthouse.
Some counties also accept e-filing.
How to File
- Complete Form 6.0 and Form 6.1
- List every asset with description and value
- Total all assets at the bottom
- Sign and date the forms
- File with the probate court
- Serve copies on all interested parties
- File Certificate of Service proving you served everyone
What If You Can’t Finish in Time?
If you know you won’t meet the 3-month deadline, file a motion for extension BEFORE the deadline expires.
Explain why you need more time:
- Complex estate with many assets
- Assets in multiple states
- Difficulty obtaining valuations
- Business interests requiring professional appraisal
Courts typically grant reasonable extension requests if filed before the deadline.
Never just miss the deadline and hope no one notices.
Consequences of Missing the Deadline
The probate court takes this deadline seriously. Missing it can result in:
- Removal as executor – The court can replace you
- Denied compensation – You may lose your right to executor fees
- Fines – The court can impose monetary penalties
- Contempt of court – In extreme cases, jail time
- Personal liability – For any losses caused by the delay
After Filing: Updating the Inventory
If you discover assets after filing the inventory, you must file a supplemental inventory listing the additional assets.
Same if you discover an asset was valued incorrectly—file an amended inventory.
Get the Complete Guide
My comprehensive “Estate Inventory Guide for Ohio Executors” includes:
- Complete asset checklist
- Valuation methods for each asset type
- Sample completed forms
- Extension request template
- Timeline tracking worksheet
- Common mistakes to avoid
To receive your free copy:
📧 Email: danielle@swohio.homes
📱 Call or Text: 513.628.2880
Don’t risk missing this critical deadline. Get organized and get it filed on time.
**I am not an attorney, I am Probate Certified, and a Licensed Real Estate Professional with Plum Tree Realty.