As executor in Ohio, you’re required to publish legal notices in a “newspaper of general circulation” in the county where the deceased lived.
This includes:
- Notice to Creditors (“Call for Creditors”)
- Notice of Real Estate Sale (if selling property)
- Other probate notices as required
But which newspapers qualify? And which one should you choose?
Here’s your guide to publishing probate notices in Southwest Ohio’s three main counties.
*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.*
What “Newspaper of General Circulation” Means
Ohio law requires you to publish in a newspaper that:
- Is published regularly (daily or weekly)
- Has general circulation in the county
- Is available to the public
The probate court maintains a list of approved newspapers for each county.
Clermont County Probate Publishing
Approved Newspapers:
The Clermont Sun
- Weekly publication
- Covers eastern Clermont County
- Phone: (513) 248-1600
- Website: clermontsun.com
Community Press
- Weekly publication
- Covers western Clermont County
- Part of Enquirer Media
- Phone: (513) 248-8700
The News-Democrat & Leader
- Weekly publication serving Bethel area
- Phone: (513) 734-2541
Cost:
Typically $150-$300 for three-week creditor notice publication
Which to Choose:
Any approved newspaper works legally. Many executors choose based on cost or which paper serves the area where the deceased lived.
Hamilton County Probate Publishing
Primary Newspapers:
The Cincinnati Enquirer
- Daily publication
- Largest circulation in the region
- Handles probate notices through legal notice department
- Phone: (513) 768-8500
- Email: cincinnati.legal@enquirer.com
- Website: cincinnati.com
The Cincinnati Herald
- Weekly publication
- Serves African American community
- Phone: (513) 961-3331
Community Press (various editions)
- Multiple weekly editions covering different Hamilton County areas
- Anderson, Blue Ash, Forest Hills, Western Hills, etc.
- Phone: (513) 248-8700
Cost:
- Enquirer: $250-$400 for three-week notice (higher circulation = higher cost)
- Community Press: $150-$250
- Herald: $150-$200
Which to Choose:
The Enquirer has the largest reach but costs more. Community Press editions and The Herald are less expensive and legally equivalent.
Warren County Probate Publishing
Approved Newspapers:
Western Star
- Weekly publication serving Warren County
- Phone: (513) 695-0380
- Owned by Enquirer Media
Community Press – Warren County Edition
- Weekly publication
- Phone: (513) 248-8700
Dayton Daily News (northern Warren County)
- Daily publication
- Also serves Montgomery County
- Phone: (937) 225-2000
Cost:
Typically $150-$300 depending on newspaper
Which to Choose:
Western Star is most commonly used for Warren County probate notices.
How to Publish Your Notice
Step 1: Prepare Your Notice
Most newspapers have templates for probate notices, or your attorney can provide the proper wording.
Typical “Call for Creditors” notice includes:
- Estate name
- Decedent’s name and date of death
- Executor’s name
- Case number
- Statement that creditors must file claims within 6 months
- Probate court location
Step 2: Contact the Newspaper
Call or email the newspaper’s legal notice department.
Say: “I need to publish a probate creditor notice for [county] probate court.”
They’ll walk you through their process.
Step 3: Provide the Notice Text
Email or fax your notice text to the newspaper.
They’ll format it according to legal requirements and send you a proof to approve.
Step 4: Approve and Pay
Review the proof carefully for accuracy.
Approve it and pay (usually by credit card or check).
Step 5: Publication
The newspaper publishes your notice once per week for three consecutive weeks.
Step 6: Receive Affidavit
After the third publication, the newspaper sends you an Affidavit of Publication.
This is your proof that you published the notice.
File it with the probate court.
Publication Timeline
From start to finish, expect:
- Week 1: First publication
- Week 2: Second publication
- Week 3: Third publication
- Week 4: Receive affidavit from newspaper
Total time: About 4 weeks
Pro Tips
Publish early – Don’t wait. Start the creditor notice publication as soon as you’re appointed executor.
Keep the affidavit – You’ll need it for your final accounting and estate closing.
Ask about package pricing – Some newspapers offer package deals if you need multiple notices (creditors + real estate sale, etc.).
Verify it published – Check the newspaper yourself during those three weeks to confirm your notice actually appeared.
Get multiple copies – Request several copies of the affidavit from the newspaper. You may need them for different purposes.
What If You Publish in the Wrong Paper?
If you accidentally publish in a newspaper that’s not approved by your county’s probate court, you may need to:
- Publish again in an approved newspaper
- File a motion with the court explaining the error
- Possibly extend the creditor claims period
This delays the estate and costs extra money. Always verify the newspaper is approved before publishing.
Other Required Publications
Beyond creditor notices, you may need to publish:
Real Estate Sale Notices
- Required before selling estate property in some situations
- Published 2-3 weeks before court hearing on sale
Final Accounting Notice
- Sometimes required when filing final accounting
- Gives interested parties notice they can object
Your probate attorney will tell you which publications are required for your specific estate.
Get the Complete Guide
My “Probate Publishing Guide for Southwest Ohio” includes:
- Complete contact information for all approved newspapers
- Sample notice templates
- Cost comparison charts
- Publication timeline worksheets
- Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren County specifics
To receive your free copy:
📧 Email: danielle@swohio.homes
📱 Call or Text: 513.628.2880
Take the guesswork out of probate publishing requirements.
**I am not an attorney, I am Probate Certified, and a Licensed Real Estate Professional with Plum Tree Realty.