Overview
Pickaway County is located in Ohio with a population of approximately 60,000. The Pickaway County Probate Court handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Ohio probate is governed by Title 21 of the Ohio Revised Code. The process begins with filing an Application for Authority to Administer Estate (Form 4.0) to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters of Authority for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
Ohio offers simplified procedures for smaller estates. A Release from Administration is available if the estate is valued at $35,000 or less (or $100,000 or less if the surviving spouse is the sole heir). A Summary Release from Administration is available for estates valued at $5,000 or less, or for the amount of funeral expenses (up to $5,000) paid by the applicant.
Ohio law sets statutory fees for executors and administrators: 4% on the first $100,000, 3% on the next $300,000, and 2% on amounts above $400,000. Attorneys' fees are typically determined by local court rules or reasonable hourly rates.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Pickaway 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
Pickaway County Probate Court
Probate matters in Pickaway County are handled at the Pickaway County Courthouse. The court is presided over by Judge Shelly R. Harsha with Magistrate Carrie L. Charles.
Address: 207 South Court Street, Circleville, OH 43113
Phone: (740) 474-3950 (Probate Division)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Probate Court is located on the main floor of the historic courthouse in downtown Circleville.
Parking and Access
There is a parking lot available across the street on Walnut Street. Street parking is also available around the courthouse square. Security screening is required upon entry.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Summary Release from Administration: For estates worth $5,000 or less, or up to $5,000 for funeral expenses paid by the applicant.
- Release from Administration: If the estate is valued at $35,000 or less (or $100,000 or less if the sole beneficiary is the surviving spouse).
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file an Application for Authority to Administer Estate (Form 4.0) with the Pickaway County Probate Court. Include:
- Application to Probate Will (Form 2.0) if there is a will
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee deposit (typically ~$200.00 - $250.00)
- Next of Kin Form (Form 1.0)
E-filing is generally not available for initial estate openings; in-person or mail filing is preferred.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties at least 7 days before the hearing (or as required by local rule)
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Pickaway County (typically the Circleville Herald) if addresses are unknown or as required for creditor notice.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court may schedule a hearing on the application. At the hearing, the judge reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Letters of Authority.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors (claims must be presented within 6 months of death)
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 3 months
- 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
Pickaway County-Specific Procedures
- Filing Methods: In-person or mailed filings are strongly preferred. E-mail filings may be permitted for certain subsequent documents but check local rules first.
- Bond Requirements: Bond is generally required unless waived by the will or by the court.
- Local Rules: The court has specific local rules regarding attorney fees, guardianship, and adoption that supplement the state rules.
- Publication: Notice must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Pickaway County, such as the Circleville Herald.
Always check the latest local rules on the court's website before filing.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Pickaway County)
- Full Administration (with or without Will): approximately $200.00 - $250.00 deposit
- Release from Administration: approximately $150.00 - $200.00
- Summary Release from Administration: approximately $60.00 - $100.00
- Certified copies: approximately $1.00 - $2.00 per page plus certification fee
- Publication costs: approximately $60.00 - $100.00 depending on the newspaper
Ohio statutory executor fees are:
- 4% of the first $100,000
- 3% of the next $300,000
- 2% of amounts over $400,000
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit/debit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (Release from Administration): 2-4 months
- Average estates (Full Administration): 6-9 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2 years
Creditors have 6 months from the date of death to file claims, which often sets the minimum duration for full administration.
Local Resources
Pickaway County Court Resources
- Court Website: pickawaypjcourt.com
- Probate Self-Help: Ohio Legal Help
- Ohio Probate Forms: Supreme Court of Ohio Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Pickaway County Bar Association: Contact local court for directory
- Southeastern Ohio Legal Services (SEOLS): (740) 773-0012 — Provides legal assistance to low-income residents
- Ohio State Bar Association: ohiobar.org
Publication
- Circleville Herald: (740) 474-3141 — Newspaper of general circulation