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    Ohio guide

    What to do when someone dies in Ohio

    Ohio's small estate procedure is called 'release from administration,' available for estates under $35,000. The surviving spouse receives a spousal allowance from the estate. Surviving spouses of 100% disabled veterans receive a 100% homestead exemption from property taxes.

    Content updated: July 2026

    What's unique in Ohio

    State-specific rules that affect how an estate is handled here.

    Release from administration

    Ohio's simplified procedure for small estates is called 'release from administration.' It's available for estates under $35,000 and can significantly reduce the time and cost of settling the estate.

    Spousal allowance

    The surviving spouse in Ohio is entitled to a spousal allowance from the estate — a set amount for living expenses during the administration period. This takes priority over most other claims.

    Probate Court process

    Ohio probate runs through Probate Court in the county where the deceased lived. Vehicle titles transfer through the BMV using Form BMV 3772.

    State income tax and OPERS/STRS

    Ohio has its own income tax. A final state return must be filed. If the deceased was a state employee (OPERS) or teacher (STRS), survivor benefits need to be claimed separately.

    A glimpse at what Order covers in Ohio

    These are just a few of the Ohio-specific tasks Order surfaces automatically when you select your state.

    File for Ohio probate (or release from administration)Legal & Estate

    Ohio's simplified procedure is called 'release from administration' — available for estates under $35,000. Unlike a simple affidavit, it requires a Probate Court filing. File in the county where the deceased lived.

    Claim the Ohio spousal allowanceLegal & Estate

    Surviving spouse is entitled to a statutory spousal allowance from the estate — paid before most creditors. It must be filed with the Probate Court; it doesn't arrive automatically and is often overlooked.

    Review Ohio elective share rightsLegal & Estate

    Surviving spouse has elective share rights — must act within the required timeframe after the estate is opened.

    Plus dozens more tasks across all 8 categories: funeral arrangements, digital accounts, dependents, and more.

    Official resources for Ohio

    Ohio Probate Courts (by county)File probate in the county Probate Court and obtain letters testamentaryOhio Dept. of TaxationFile the final state income tax return for the year of deathOhio BMVTransfer vehicle titles to heirs through the Bureau of Motor VehiclesOhio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS)Notify the pension and apply for any survivor benefit for public employeesOhio Dept. of Veterans ServicesApply for the 100% Homestead Exemption for surviving spouses of disabled veterans and burial eligibility at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman or Dayton National Cemetery

    What families commonly miss in Ohio

    • Many Ohio families confuse 'release from administration' with a small estate affidavit — they sound similar, but have distinct requirements, and families who treat them as interchangeable often find their paperwork rejected and have to start over.
    • Ohio's spousal allowance is a separate immediate payment available to the surviving spouse through the probate court — completely distinct from the elective share, and it goes unclaimed when no one thinks to ask.
    • Many Ohio families assume that because the state estate tax was repealed, there are no state tax filings after a death — but a final state income tax return is still required for any income earned during the year of death.

    Deeper reading

    Probate: what families need to know

    Probate rules vary significantly by state. Our full guide explains the process, timelines, and how to avoid common delays in Ohio.

    Military families in Ohio

    Ohio has additional veteran & survivor benefits

    • Apply for Ohio 100% Homestead Exemption (surviving spouse of disabled veteran)
    • Contact Ohio Western Reserve or Dayton National Cemetery for burial

    Ohio-specific

    Start these Ohio-specific tasks in Order

    These tasks appear automatically in your checklist when you select Ohio as your state.

    File for Ohio probate in Probate CourtLegal & Estate

    Admit the will in the probate court of domicile.

    Review Ohio spousal allowanceLegal & Estate

    Surviving spouse entitled to support allowance

    Transfer vehicle at Ohio BMVLegal & Estate

    Use BMV 3772 form for title transfer

    Plus dozens more tasks added automatically for Ohio families.

    Order walks your family through every step, for Ohio and beyond.

    One-time purchase. Lifetime access. Unlimited family members. Everything your family needs, organized in one place.

    Covers all 50 states + DC · Jurisdiction-specific tasks added automatically

    See guides for other states

    Browse all 51 state guides Full guide: what to do when someone dies Back to home