About Election of Surviving Spouse to Take Against Will
This form lets a decedent's surviving spouse state an election to take against the decedent's will, with a judge or magistrate recording that the will and rights were explained.
When you'd use it: The form is for a surviving spouse who chooses to take against a deceased person's will, made in person before a probate judge or magistrate.
Where to get the official form
The official version of Election of Surviving Spouse to Take Against Will is published as a PDF by the Ohio courts. We checked this link and it resolved to a form on an official court or government website — always download the current version directly from the source rather than a third-party copy:
Download Election of Surviving Spouse to Take Against Will (PDF) →
Source: supremecourt.ohio.gov
Link last checked: November 5, 2026
How to file Election of Surviving Spouse to Take Against Will in Ohio
- Step 1 — Confirm you have the correct formUse Election of Surviving Spouse to Take Against Will (Form 8.2) when the form is for a surviving spouse who chooses to take against a deceased person's will, made in person before a probate judge or magistrate. Double-check it's the right form for your situation — Ohio probate forms are revised periodically, so verify the name and number against your court's current form list before you start.
- Step 2 — Complete every required fieldFill out Election of Surviving Spouse to Take Against Will carefully and review it for errors before filing. Probate cases can already take months — a small mistake on the form can set your timeline back further.
- Step 3 — Get it notarized or witnessed if requiredSome probate forms must be signed in front of a notary or witnesses. Check the instructions on the form itself, and arrange notarization before you file if it's required.
- Step 4 — File it with the correct courtSubmit Election of Surviving Spouse to Take Against Will to the probate court or county clerk handling the estate — usually in the Ohio county where the deceased lived. Ask the clerk how they prefer to receive filings (in person, by mail, or e-filing).