Overview
Putnam County is located in Ohio with a population of approximately 34,451. The Putnam 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:
* 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 up to $45,000 if the surviving spouse is the sole heir and pays the funeral bill).
Statutory attorney fees in Ohio are typically based on a sliding scale of the estate's value, though local court rules may establish specific guidelines. Executors are also entitled to a statutory commission.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Putnam 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
Putnam County Probate Court
Probate matters in Putnam County are handled at the Putnam County Government Center.
Address: 245 E. Main St., Ottawa, OH 45875
Phone: (419) 523-3110 (Common Pleas Court)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
The Probate Court is located on the third floor of the Government Center (Courthouse). Judge Michael Borer presides over the Probate and Juvenile Divisions.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available around the Government Center and in designated lots near the courthouse in downtown Ottawa. Visitors must pass through 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 ($100,000 if passing to a spouse).
- Summary Release from Administration: If the estate is valued at $5,000 or less (or burial 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 Putnam County Probate Court. Include:
- Original Will and Codicils (if any)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Surviving Spouse, Children, Next of Kin, Legatees and Devisees (Form 1.0)
- Filing fee deposit (typically around $200-$250)
- Fiduciary's Acceptance (Form 4.2)
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Putnam County (typically the Putnam County Sentinel) if addresses are unknown or as required by the court.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court may schedule a hearing on the application. If approved, the judge issues Letters of Authority, granting the personal representative the legal power to act on behalf of the estate.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors (claims must be filed within 6 months of death)
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 3 months
- Pay valid creditor claims and estate debts
- File federal and state tax returns as needed
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a Fiduciary's Account to close the estate
Local Requirements
Putnam County-Specific Procedures
- Local Forms: While Putnam County uses standard Ohio Supreme Court forms, check with the clerk for any specific local cover sheets or affidavits.
- Filing Fees: The court typically requires a cash, check, or money order deposit at the time of filing. Credit cards may not be accepted at the counter.
- Publication: Legal notices are typically published in the Putnam County Sentinel.
- Bond: A fiduciary bond is generally required unless the will waives it or all beneficiaries consent to waive it (and the court approves).
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Putnam County)
- Full Administration: approximately $250 deposit
- Release from Administration: approximately $150-$200
- Summary Release: approximately $60-$100
- Publication costs: approximately $50-$150 depending on the length of the notice
Note: Fees are subject to change. Contact the Probate Court at (419) 523-3110 for the most current fee schedule.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Confirm credit card availability before visiting.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 6-9 months
- Average estates: 9-12 months
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2 years or more
Creditors have 6 months from the date of death to file claims, which sets a minimum duration for most formal estates.
Local Resources
Putnam County Court Resources
- Court Website: putnamcountyohio.gov
- Probate Forms: Supreme Court of Ohio Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Ohio State Bar Association: ohiobar.org
- Legal Aid of Western Ohio: (877) 894-4599 — Provides legal assistance to low-income residents.
Publication
- Putnam County Sentinel: (419) 523-3130 — putnamsentinel.com