Overview
Crawford County is located in north-central Ohio with a population of approximately 41,626. The Crawford County Probate Court, a division of the Court of Common Pleas, handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Ohio probate is governed by Ohio Revised Code Title 21 (ORC Title 21). The process begins with filing an Application for Authority to Administer Estate (Form 4.0) to admit the will and appoint a fiduciary. The court then issues Letters of Authority (Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates).
Simplified Procedures:
- Release from Administration: For estates valued at $35,000 or less (or $100,000 or less if the surviving spouse is the sole heir).
- Summary Release from Administration: For estates valued at $5,000 or less (or $45,000 or less if the surviving spouse is the sole heir and pays funeral expenses).
Fees:
- Executor/Administrator Fees: Ohio law sets a statutory fee schedule based on the value of the estate (4% of the first $100,000, 3% of the next $300,000, and 2% of the balance).
- Attorney Fees: Fees must be reasonable and are often subject to local court guidelines or approval.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Crawford County probate process. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting a qualified attorney. Laws and local procedures may change --- verify current requirements with the court.
Courthouse Information
Crawford County Probate Court
Probate matters in Crawford County are handled at the Crawford County Courthouse.
Address: 112 E Mansfield Street, Suite 103, Bucyrus, OH 44820
Phone: (419) 562-5876 (Probate Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The Crawford County Courthouse houses the Common Pleas, Juvenile, Probate, and Municipal Courts. The Probate Court is located on the first floor.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available on the streets surrounding the courthouse in downtown Bucyrus and in nearby lots. Visitors should be prepared for security screening upon entering the building.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Release from Administration: If the estate is valued at $35,000 or less (or $100,000 if the surviving spouse is sole heir).
- Summary Release from Administration: If the estate is valued at $5,000 or less (or $45,000 if the surviving spouse is sole heir and pays funeral expenses).
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Application
If formal probate is needed, file an Application for Authority to Administer Estate (Form 4.0) with the Crawford County Probate Court. Include:
- Surviving Spouse, Children, Next of Kin, Legatees and Devisees (Form 1.0)
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (approximately $200-$300 deposit)
- Fiduciary's Bond (Form 4.2)
Documents must be filed in person or by mail at the Probate Court.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties at least 14 days before the hearing (or obtain waivers)
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Crawford County (such as the Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum) for three consecutive weeks if addresses of parties are unknown
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the application, typically 4 to 6 weeks after filing. At the hearing, the judge reviews the application and, if approved, issues Letters of Authority.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the fiduciary must:
- Notify creditors (creditors have 6 months from date of death to file claims)
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 3 months of appointment
- Pay valid creditor claims
- File federal and state tax returns as needed
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a final accounting and petition for discharge
Local Requirements
Crawford County-Specific Procedures
- Local Court Rules: The Crawford County Court of Common Pleas, Probate Division, has adopted local rules. Review the court's local rules before filing.
- Bond Requirements: Bond is generally required for administrators unless waived by the will or the court.
- Forms: The court utilizes the standard Ohio Supreme Court Probate Forms.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Crawford County, such as the Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum, for three consecutive weeks.
- Multi-Court Courthouse: The courthouse houses multiple courts, so confirm you are filing with the correct division.
Always check with the Probate Clerk at (419) 562-5876 for the most current local rules and filing requirements.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Crawford County)
- Full Administration: approximately $200-$300 (deposit)
- Release from Administration: approximately $125-$150
- Summary Release from Administration: approximately $60-$75
- Certified copies: approximately $2.00 per page
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$200 depending on the newspaper
- Claims Against Estate: approximately $10.00
Ohio law provides a statutory fee schedule for executors/administrators:
- 4% of the first $100,000
- 3% of the next $300,000
- 2% of the balance above $400,000
Payment Methods
Contact the Crawford County Probate Court for accepted payment methods. Courts typically accept cash, checks, and money orders.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 6-9 months
- Average estates: 9-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 1 year or more
Timelines are affected by the mandatory 6-month creditor claim period and tax filing requirements.
Local Resources
Crawford County Court Resources
- Court Website: crawfordcocpcourt.org
- Crawford County Clerk of Courts: coclerk.crawford-co.org
- Ohio Probate Forms: Supreme Court of Ohio Forms
- Ohio Legal Help: ohiolegalhelp.org
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Ohio State Bar Association: (800) 282-6556 --- Lawyer Referral Service
- Legal Aid of Western Ohio: (888) 534-1432 --- Serves Crawford County
- Ohio Bar Lawyer Referral: ohiobar.org
Publication
- Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: --- Newspaper of general circulation in Crawford County