Ohio: Accessing a Minor’s Settlement Funds Before Age 18 for College or Medical Expenses
Short answer: Yes—sometimes. Under Ohio law, a parent or custodian cannot freely spend a minor’s settlement funds. To use those funds for things like college tuition or medical bills before the child reaches majority, you usually need a court-approved process or a custodial arrangement that authorizes such spending. Courts favor uses that directly benefit the […]
Read article →Ohio: Next Steps When Mediation Fails in a Partition or Probate Dispute
Detailed answer This answer explains what typically happens in Ohio when mediation does not resolve a dispute over partition of property or a probate-related claim. It covers the practical next steps, likely court outcomes, and options you can pursue. This is educational information only and not legal advice. Does a failed mediation mean you must […]
Read article →How to Open Probate in Ohio from Out of State
Opening Probate in Ohio from Another State: A Practical FAQ Probate is the court process that settles a person’s estate after death. If a sibling died owning assets in Ohio, you may need to open probate in Ohio even if you live elsewhere. This article explains, step‑by‑step, how to start probate in Ohio, what documents […]
Read article →Ohio — How to Settle a Parent’s Estate in Ohio and Handle Their Out‑of‑State Property
FAQ: Settling an Ohio estate and handling property in another state Detailed Answer This FAQ explains, in plain language, the common steps to settle a deceased parent’s estate when the decedent lived in Ohio and also owned real or personal property in another state. It describes the Ohio probate process, how out‑of‑state property is usually […]
Read article →Ohio: How to Transfer Property Ownership to a Child After a Spouse’s Death
Short answer The steps you must take turn on how the property was titled and whether the deceased spouse left a transfer-on-death deed or a will. Common outcomes: If the deed named a beneficiary (a transfer-on-death or TOD deed) or the property was held as joint tenants with right of survivorship, ownership often passes outside […]
Read article →Ohio: Do I Need a Transfer-on-Death Deed or a Payable-on-Death Designation if My Will Leaves Everything to My Daughter?
Detailed Answer Short answer: A will that leaves everything to your daughter does not by itself make transfer-on-death (TOD) deeds or payable-on-death (POD) designations unnecessary. Wills and nonprobate tools operate differently. Which tool you need depends on the type of property, your goals for avoiding probate, creditor and tax exposure, and whether you want immediate […]
Read article →Ohio: Can a Co-Heir Be Required to Reimburse an Appraisal Before an Estate Buyout?
How to handle appraisal costs when an heir is buying out an estate interest Short answer: Whether you can require a co-heir to reimburse you for an appraisal before completing a buyout depends on who ordered and paid for the appraisal, whether the appraisal was a proper estate administration expense, and whether the parties (or […]
Read article →How to transfer a deceased parent's house to you and siblings — Ohio
How to transfer a deceased parent's house to heirs in Ohio: step-by-step FAQ Detailed answer — what to do when a parent dies without a will in Ohio When a parent dies in Ohio without a will (intestate) and the house was owned only in their name, the property does not automatically become yours or […]
Read article →How to Take Over a Deceased Parent's Mortgage in Ohio
Can I take over my father’s mortgage after his death in Ohio? — Detailed answer Short answer: Maybe. Whether you can take over the mortgage depends on how the house is titled, whether the mortgage allows an assumption or the lender will agree to a transfer, and whether the property must go through probate. You […]
Read article →Ohio: Proving Paternity for Inheritance When Father’s Name Is Not on the Birth Certificate
Disclaimer: This is not legal advice. I am not a lawyer. This article explains general steps under Ohio law to help you decide whether to speak with a probate or family law attorney. Detailed Answer Under Ohio law a child who is the biological or legally established child of a decedent can inherit from that […]
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