Best Probate Attorneys in Cincinnati, OH

When a loved one passes away, dealing with their possessions and property can be overwhelming. You may have heard the term probate, but what exactly is it and why do we need it? Probate is the legal process of distributing a deceased person's assets and property as outlined in their will. In Ohio, probate may be necessary even if the person had a will, but why is this the case? This blog post will answer these questions and provide insight into the importance of probate in Ohio. Why do we even need probate when a property owner dies? Probate provides a legal process for distributing a deceased person's assets and property according to their will or state law. Without probate, disputes may arise between family members and beneficiaries over who receives what assets, leading to potentially lengthy and expensive legal battles. Additionally, probate ensures that all debts, taxes, and other financial obligations of the deceased are settled before distributing assets to beneficiaries. How do you know the will you record is the last will? The process of determining the most recent will is known as will contestation. In Ohio, a will contest can only be filed by a person who has standing, meaning they are interested parties, such as beneficiaries or potential heirs. A will can be contested if it was created through fraud, undue influence, lack of testamentary capacity, or another legal issue.