About Certificate of Service and Notice of Citation to Surviving Spouse to Exercise Elective Rights
This form certifies that a citation and summary of rights were mailed to the surviving spouse about exercising elective rights in an Ohio estate.
When you'd use it: The form states it is used to certify mailing of a Citation to Surviving Spouse to Exercise Elective Rights and a Summary of General Rights, with a copy sent to the administrator or executor.
Where to get the official form
The official version of Certificate of Service and Notice of Citation to Surviving Spouse to Exercise Elective Rights 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:
Source: supremecourt.ohio.gov
Link last checked: November 5, 2026
How to file Certificate of Service and Notice of Citation to Surviving Spouse to Exercise Elective Rights in Ohio
- Step 1 — Confirm you have the correct formUse Certificate of Service and Notice of Citation to Surviving Spouse to Exercise Elective Rights (Form 8.4) when the form states it is used to certify mailing of a Citation to Surviving Spouse to Exercise Elective Rights and a Summary of General Rights, with a copy sent to the administrator or executor. 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 Certificate of Service and Notice of Citation to Surviving Spouse to Exercise Elective Rights 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 Certificate of Service and Notice of Citation to Surviving Spouse to Exercise Elective Rights 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).