Overview
Franklin County, home to the state capital of Columbus and approximately 1.32 million residents, is served by the Franklin County Probate Court. Located in downtown Columbus on the 22nd floor of the county courthouse, this is one of the highest-volume probate courts in Ohio, reflecting the county's status as the most populous in the state.
The Franklin County Probate Court handles a wide range of matters including decedents' estates, guardianships, adoptions, name changes, trusts, and mental health commitments. The court has embraced technology through its mandatory e-filing system powered by the Tybera platform, making it one of the more digitally advanced probate courts in Ohio.
Key Facts for Franklin 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- No Ohio estate tax — repealed effective January 1, 2013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 is mandatory for many case types — the court uses the Tybera (eFlex) e-filing system
- Columbus Dispatch is now the designated newspaper for legal publications (as of December 2025, replacing The Daily Reporter)
Courthouse Information
Franklin County Probate Court
The Franklin County Probate Court is located on the 22nd floor of the Franklin County Courthouse in downtown Columbus.
Address:
373 South High Street, 22nd Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6311
Phone: (614) 525-3894
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and court holidays
Parking:
Public parking is available in various garages and surface lots surrounding the courthouse in downtown Columbus. Some metered street parking is also available.
Accessibility:
The courthouse is ADA-accessible. Elevator access to the 22nd floor is available.
E-Filing Support:
Phone: (614) 525-3894
Email: efiling-probate@franklincountyohio.gov
Filing Process
How to File for Probate in Franklin County
Step 1: Determine the Estate Type
- Release from Administration — for estates valued at $35,000 or less (or $100,000 if the surviving spouse inherits everything). File Form 5.0.
- Full Administration (Testate) — when there is a valid will and the estate exceeds simplified thresholds
- Full Administration (Intestate) — when no will exists
Step 2: Register for E-Filing
Franklin County Probate Court requires electronic filing for most case types. Register for an account at efile.franklincountyoh.tyberacloud.net. Documents must be submitted in PDF format (except proposed orders, which may be in Word format).
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
- Certified copy of the death certificate
- Original will (if applicable — the original must still be deposited with the court in person or by mail)
- List of surviving spouse, children, next of kin, legatees, and devisees
- Information about the decedent's assets and approximate values
- Fiduciary's personal information for bond calculation
Step 4: File the Application
Submit the application and supporting documents through the e-filing system. Pay applicable court costs electronically. The original will must still be delivered to the court in person or by mail.
Step 5: Receive Letters of Authority
Once the court approves the application, Letters Testamentary (testate) or Letters of Administration (intestate) are issued. These authorize the fiduciary to act on behalf of the estate.
Step 6: Complete Administration
- Publish notice to creditors in the Columbus Dispatch
- File inventory within 3 months of appointment
- Manage estate assets, pay debts and taxes
- File a final account and distribute assets after the 6-month creditor period
Local Requirements
Franklin County Local Rules and Requirements
- Mandatory e-filing — Franklin County requires e-filing for Probate Civil Action, Adoption, Name Change, and Mental Commitment cases. Estate filings are also processed through the e-filing system. Attorneys must use e-filing; pro se filers may register for accounts.
- Publication change (December 2025) — The Daily Reporter ceased operations in December 2025. All legal publications are now handled by the Columbus Dispatch at adjusted court rates.
- Bond requirements — standard Ohio bond requirements apply unless waived by the will
- Appraisals — the court may require formal appraisals of real property and other assets for the inventory
- Attorney fees — computed per the statutory schedule under ORC 2113.35
- Filing deadlines — the court enforces statutory deadlines for inventories (3 months) and accounts. Extensions may be requested but must be filed before the deadline passes.
- Original wills — even with e-filing, original wills must be physically deposited with the court
Timeline & Fees
Timeline for Probate in Franklin County
Simple estates (Release from Administration):
- Processing time: 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 depending on the issues involved
Court Costs and Fees
Franklin County Probate Court updated its fee schedule effective December 11, 2025. Key costs include:
- Full Estate Administration: approximately $200 to $300 initial deposit (varies by estate type)
- Release from Administration: approximately $75 to $150
- Additional filing fees apply for inventories, accounts, certificates of transfer, and other documents
- Publication costs increased as of December 2025 due to the transition from The Daily Reporter to the Columbus Dispatch
Payment: Court costs are paid through the e-filing system via credit/debit card, or at the Clerk's Office by check or money order.
Note: Fees are subject to change. Contact the court at (614) 525-3894 or visit the court website for the current schedule.
Local Resources
Franklin County Probate Resources
- Franklin County Probate Court Website: probate.franklincountyohio.gov — forms, news, filing guides, and court information
- E-Filing Portal: efile.franklincountyoh.tyberacloud.net — mandatory electronic filing system
- Court Costs Page: Court Costs — current fee schedule
- Ohio Supreme Court Probate Forms: supremecourt.ohio.gov — standard Ohio probate forms
- Franklin County Law Library: fclawlib.libguides.com — free research resources, e-filing guides, and probate information
- Ohio Legal Help: ohiolegalhelp.org — free legal information for self-represented individuals
- Columbus Bar Association: Lawyer referral services for probate attorneys in Franklin County