Overview
Butler County, located in southwestern Ohio with approximately 390,000 residents, is served by the Butler County Probate Court. Located in the historic Butler County Courthouse in Hamilton, the court handles estate administration, guardianships, adoptions, name changes, trusts, and marriage licenses.
The Butler County Probate Court maintains a well-organized website with forms, FAQs, and estate information to assist filers. The court also participates in the county's e-filing system, which has been accepting electronically filed documents in certain case types since 2019.
Key Facts for Butler County Probate
- No Ohio estate tax — repealed effective January 1, 2013
- Release from Administration for qualifying estates valued at $35,000 or less (or $100,000 for surviving spouse)
- 6-month creditor claims period after fiduciary appointment
- Inventory due within 3 months of appointment
- E-filing available through the Butler County Clerk of Courts system
- The court provides comprehensive FAQ and estates information on its website
Courthouse Information
Butler County Probate Court
The Butler County Probate Court is located on the 2nd floor of the historic Butler County Courthouse in Hamilton.
Address:
101 High Street, 2nd Floor
Hamilton, OH 45011
Phone: (513) 887-3294
Email: probatecourt@bcohio.gov
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and court holidays
Parking:
Public parking is available near the courthouse in downtown Hamilton.
Accessibility:
The building is ADA-accessible.
E-Filing Support:
Phone: (513) 887-3278
Email: ClerkITHelp@bcohio.gov
Filing Process
How to File for Probate in Butler County
Step 1: Determine the Type of Administration
- Release from Administration — for estates valued at $35,000 or less (or $100,000 if the surviving spouse inherits everything)
- Full Administration (Testate) — when a valid will exists
- Full Administration (Intestate) — when no will exists
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
- Certified copy of the death certificate
- Original will (if one exists)
- Form 1.0 — surviving spouse, children, next of kin, legatees, and devisees
- Asset information and approximate values
- Fiduciary's personal information for bond purposes
Step 3: Obtain Forms
Download forms from the Butler County Probate Court website at probatecourt.bcohio.gov/forms.php or pick up forms in person at the courthouse.
Step 4: File the Application
File your application through the e-filing system or in person at the Probate Court, 101 High Street, 2nd Floor, Hamilton, OH 45011. Payment of court costs is required.
Step 5: Appointment and Letters of Authority
Once approved, the court issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 6: Complete Administration
- Publish notice to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation (such as the Journal-News)
- File inventory within 3 months of appointment
- Pay debts and taxes
- File a final account and distribute assets after the 6-month creditor period
Local Requirements
Butler County Local Rules and Requirements
- E-filing available — Butler County has accepted e-filed documents in certain case types since 2019. Register through the Clerk of Courts e-filing portal. For registration questions, contact ClerkITHelp@bcohio.gov or call (513) 887-3278.
- Bond requirements — standard Ohio bond requirements apply unless waived by the will
- Publication — notices published in a newspaper of general circulation in Butler County, such as the Journal-News
- Appraisals — the court may require formal appraisals for real property and other significant assets
- Attorney fees — computed per the statutory schedule under ORC 2113.35
- Court services — the court website at probatecourt.bcohio.gov/services.php provides information on available services
- Forms — downloadable forms are available at probatecourt.bcohio.gov/forms.php
Timeline & Fees
Timeline for Probate in Butler County
Simple estates (Release from Administration):
- Processing: 2 to 4 weeks
- Total timeline: 1 to 2 months
Standard full administration:
- Appointment of fiduciary: 1 to 3 weeks
- Inventory due: within 3 months
- Creditor claims period: 6 months
- Final account and distribution: 1 to 3 months after creditor period
- Total timeline: 9 to 14 months
Contested or complex estates:
- 18 months to 3+ years
Court Costs and Fees
Butler County Probate Court fees are established by statute:
- Full Estate Administration: approximately $150 to $250 initial deposit
- Release from Administration: approximately $75 to $125
- Additional fees for inventories, accounts, certificates of transfer, and certified copies
Payment: Contact the court for accepted payment methods, or pay through the e-filing system if filing electronically.
Note: Contact the court at (513) 887-3294 or email probatecourt@bcohio.gov for the current fee schedule.
Local Resources
Butler County Probate Resources
- Butler County Probate Court Website: probatecourt.bcohio.gov — forms, FAQs, estates information, and court services
- Forms: probatecourt.bcohio.gov/forms.php — downloadable probate forms
- FAQs: probatecourt.bcohio.gov/faq.php — frequently asked questions
- Estates Information: probatecourt.bcohio.gov/estates.php — estate administration details
- E-Filing Portal: clerkofcourts.bcohio.gov/efiling — Butler County e-filing system
- Ohio Supreme Court Probate Forms: supremecourt.ohio.gov — standard Ohio probate forms
- Ohio Legal Help: ohiolegalhelp.org — free legal information
- Butler County Bar Association: Lawyer referral services for probate attorneys