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When someone dies in Ohio, the personal representative (formerly called executor) must follow statutory procedures to address estate expenses and creditor claims before distributing assets to heirs. These steps ensure all valid debts and costs are paid, protecting both creditors and beneficiaries.

1. Open Probate and Appoint Personal Representative
   The personal representative files the will (if one exists) or a petition for letters of administration in the probate court of the decedent’s county. See Ohio Rev. Code §2109.02 (codes.ohio.gov/2109.02). The court issues Letters of Authority, empowering the representative to administer the estate.
2. Inventory and Appraisal of Assets
   The representative compiles an inventory and appraises estate assets under Ohio Rev. Code §2115.02 (codes.ohio.gov/2115.02). This list helps calculate net estate value and determine available funds for debts and distributions.
3. Notice to Creditors
   To notify unknown creditors, the representative publishes a notice in a local newspaper once per week for three consecutive weeks as required by Ohio Rev. Code §2113.16 (codes.ohio.gov/2113.16). For known creditors, the representative mails individual notice within three months of appointment under Ohio Rev. Code §2113.18 (codes.ohio.gov/2113.18).
4. Filing and Reviewing Creditor Claims
   Creditors have six months from the first publication date to file claims under Ohio Rev. Code §2113.03 (codes.ohio.gov/2113.03). The representative reviews each claim. If a claim is disputed, the estate may contest it in probate court per Ohio Rev. Code §2117.06 (codes.ohio.gov/2117.06).
5. Payment of Debts and Administrative Expenses
   After the claim period expires, the representative pays allowed debts and estate expenses in priority order: funeral costs, administrative costs, taxes, secured debts, and unsecured claims. These priorities are defined in Ohio Rev. Code §2117.06 and §2117.09 (codes.ohio.gov/2117.09).
6. Final Accounting and Distribution
   The representative files a final accounting with the court showing all receipts, disbursements, and distributions. Once the court approves, the representative distributes remaining assets to heirs or devisees per the will or Ohio’s intestacy statutes (Ohio Rev. Code Chapter 2105).

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Ohio probate procedures and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance on your specific situation.

Helpful Hints

• Track deadlines: Missing the six-month claim period can allow creditors to revive claims under limited circumstances.
• Keep detailed records: Maintain receipts, invoices, and court filings to support the final accounting.
• Communicate with heirs: Explain delays caused by creditor notices and claim disputes to manage expectations.
• Consider bond: If the court requires a bond under Ohio Rev. Code §2109.41, it protects the estate against negligence or fraud.
• Consult probate rules: Each county may have local probate court rules alongside the Ohio Revised Code.