Detailed answer — step by step (Ohio law)

1. Confirm whether the estate is really closed and where it was filed

First, identify the county probate court that handled your father’s probate. Probate files stay with the county probate court. Call or visit the court clerk’s office and ask for the case file and the final order that closed the estate. If you cannot find the probate court, check Ohio’s county court listings online or contact the Ohio Judicial System for help.

2. Grounds for reopening an Ohio probate estate

Ohio probate courts will consider reopening a closed estate for several common reasons, including:

• Assets discovered after closing (bank accounts, real estate, retirement accounts, life insurance proceeds).
• Unknown or unpaid creditors whose claims require distribution or notice.
• Errors in the original administration (misdistribution, failure to notice heirs, or a clerk’s error).
• A need to appoint someone to administer assets left undistributed (often called an administrator de bonis non).

Ohio probate courts have continuing jurisdiction to supervise distribution and administration matters. For general probate court jurisdiction, see Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2109: https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/chapter/2109. For rules on descent and distribution, see Chapter 2113: https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/chapter/2113. For creditor claims and related procedures, see Chapter 2117: https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/chapter/2117.

3. Who can ask to reopen the estate and be appointed administrator?

Persons with legal interest can seek reopening and appointment. Typical petitioners include:

• Heirs or next-of-kin named under intestacy rules.
• Beneficiaries under a will (if there was one).
• Creditors with unpaid claims that require administration.
• Any person who can show a legitimate reason: discovered assets, improper distribution, or necessity of administration.

Ohio courts aim to place administration with whoever can best protect the estate and its creditors/beneficiaries. If you are an heir and wish to be administrator, state that in your petition and demonstrate suitability and availability.

4. What to file: petition to reopen and petition for appointment

Prepare a written petition with the probate court that states:

1. Case number and name of the original estate (e.g., Estate of John Doe).
2. A summary of the final order closing the estate and its date.
3. The new facts or errors that justify reopening (discovered assets, creditor claims, or procedural defects).
4. Who has an interest (heirs, creditors) and how they will be notified.
5. Your request to be appointed as administrator or administrator de bonis non (to complete administration of remaining assets).
6. Any proposed bond amount (if required) and your willingness/ability to post bond.

Attach supporting documents: account statements, deeds, affidavits of discovery, or correspondence from financial institutions. Ask the clerk for any local form the court prefers; many Ohio probate courts provide forms or guidance.

5. Notice, hearing, and bond requirements

After you file, the court will usually schedule a hearing and require notice to interested persons and known creditors. The court may require an estate bond for a new administrator (the amount depends on the value of assets to be administered). If the prior personal representative failed in duties, the court will examine that history before choosing a successor.

6. If someone disputes reopening or your appointment

Expect possible opposition from prior distributees or other heirs. The court will weigh the reasons to reopen, potential prejudice to those who already received assets, and the equities involved. The court can fashion remedies (partial recovery, reimbursement, or appointment of a neutral administrator).

7. Practical timeline and costs

Timelines vary by county and complexity. A simple reopening for a newly discovered bank account can be resolved in weeks to a few months. Complex cases (real estate, creditor disputes) can take longer. Expect court filing fees, possible bond premiums, and attorney fees if you use counsel.

8. When to get a lawyer

If assets are significant, if there are opposing heirs, or if creditors or tax issues appear, consult an Ohio probate attorney. A lawyer can help prepare pleadings, represent you at hearings, and negotiate distribution or recovery issues.

Example hypothetical

Suppose your father’s estate was closed after limited assets were distributed to his three children. A year later you discover a bank account in his name containing $25,000 that the personal representative did not list. As an heir, you can file a petition in the same county probate court asking the judge to reopen the estate, appoint an administrator (you) to collect and distribute that account, and require notice to the other heirs so they can receive any share due. Bring the bank statements and a declaration explaining how you found the account.

Helpful Hints

• Start at the probate court clerk’s office: they can pull the file and often tell you the local procedure.
• Gather evidence of the newly discovered asset or error before filing—banks, deeds, or affidavits are persuasive.
• Notify known heirs and creditors promptly. Good notice practices help your petition succeed.
• Be ready to post a bond if the court requires it. Ask the clerk for typical bond amounts in similar cases.
• If the prior representative distributed assets in good faith, the court may limit recovery—expect negotiation.
• Check local probate court forms online; many counties have fillable forms that speed the process.
• Keep records of everything you file and any communications with the court or other parties.