The probate process isn’t necessarily the fastest process of asset distribution, mainly because the focus of probate is to ensure fairness and communication. Family members can become impatient with probate administration. Regardless, estate administration through probate usually takes at least six months.
Our firm helps many people administer their deceased loved ones’ estates, which is the process through which assets owned by someone who dies are used to pay the deceased person’s bills and distribute the rest to heirs. Assets governed by contracts (such as life insurance and some bank accounts) are governed by the applicable contract’s rules, with other assets governed by probate law.
The value of contracts such as life insurance, bank accounts and real estate transfers triggered by death is the speed and affordability when someone dies.
Read more about probate administration and why it takes at least six months after a death in Lee’s article in the Lima News here: Legal-Ease: Why Probate Court takes 6 months after a death
Source: LimaOhio.com, “Legal-Ease: Why Probate Court takes 6 months after a death,” by Lee R. Schroeder, May 19, 2018
Lee R. Schroeder is an Ohio licensed attorney at Schroeder Law LLC in Putnam County. He limits his practice to business, real estate, estate planning and agriculture issues in northwest Ohio. He can be reached at Lee@LeeSchroeder.com or at 419-659-2058. This article is not intended to serve as legal advice, and specific advice should be sought from the licensed attorney of your choice based upon the specific facts and circumstances that you face.