About Return for Certificate of Service of Citation to Surviving Spouse to Exercise Elective Rights
A return form certifying service of a citation on a surviving spouse regarding the exercise of elective rights in an Ohio probate estate.
When you'd use it: Used to document that a citation about a surviving spouse's right to elect has been served, with the return receipt attached to the form.
Where to get the official form
The official version of Return for Certificate of Service 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:
Verified official PDF
Source: supremecourt.ohio.gov
Link last checked: November 5, 2026
How to file Return for Certificate of Service of Citation to Surviving Spouse to Exercise Elective Rights in Ohio
- Step 1 — Confirm you have the correct formUse Return for Certificate of Service of Citation to Surviving Spouse to Exercise Elective Rights (Form 8.5) when used to document that a citation about a surviving spouse's right to elect has been served, with the return receipt attached to the form. 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 Return for Certificate of Service 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 Return for Certificate of Service 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).