Overview
Warren County, located in southwestern Ohio between Cincinnati and Dayton with approximately 242,000 residents, is served by the Warren County Probate Court. The Probate and Juvenile Court shares a building at 900 Memorial Drive in Lebanon, the county seat. Warren County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Ohio and has seen increasing probate volume alongside its population growth.
The Warren County Probate Court handles estate administration, guardianships, adoptions, name changes, trusts, marriage licenses, and related matters. The court provides online record search capabilities and downloadable forms on its website.
Key Facts for Warren 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- No Ohio estate tax — repealed effective January 1, 2013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
- The court shares a building with the Juvenile Court at 900 Memorial Drive in Lebanon
- Online record search available through the court website
- The Western Star (Lebanon) is Ohio's oldest continuously published weekly newspaper
Courthouse Information
Warren County Probate Court
The Warren County Probate and Juvenile Court is located in Lebanon, the county seat.
Address:
900 Memorial Drive
Lebanon, OH 45036
Phone: (513) 695-1180
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Closed on weekends and court holidays
Parking:
Free parking is available at the courthouse complex on Memorial Drive.
Accessibility:
The building is ADA-accessible.
Administration Building:
406 Justice Drive, Lebanon, OH 45036 (for certain administrative matters)
Filing Process
How to File for Probate in Warren 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 Warren County Probate Court website at co.warren.oh.us/probate_juvenile/probate/forms or from the Ohio Supreme Court's standard forms. Forms are also available in person at the courthouse.
Step 4: File the Application
File your application and supporting documents in person at the Probate Court, 900 Memorial Drive, Lebanon, OH 45036. Payment of court costs is required at filing.
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
- 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
Warren County Local Rules and Requirements
- Local rules of practice — Warren County Probate Court maintains local rules available as a PDF on its website at warrencountyohio.gov
- Filing in person — estate filings are generally made in person at the Probate Court
- Bond requirements — standard Ohio bond requirements apply unless waived in the will
- Publication — notices published in a newspaper of general circulation in Warren County, such as the Western Star (Lebanon) or other qualifying publications
- 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
- Record search — online case record search is available at probate.co.warren.oh.us/search.php
- Combined Probate and Juvenile Court — the court handles both probate and juvenile matters in the same building
Timeline & Fees
Timeline for Probate in Warren 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
Warren 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.
Note: Contact the court at (513) 695-1180 for the current fee schedule.
Local Resources
Warren County Probate Resources
- Warren County Probate Court Website: co.warren.oh.us/probate_juvenile — court information, forms, and local rules
- Probate Court Forms: co.warren.oh.us/probate_juvenile/probate/forms — downloadable probate forms
- Online Record Search: probate.co.warren.oh.us/search.php — search probate case records by name or case number
- Local Rules: warrencountyohio.gov — rules of practice and procedure (PDF)
- Ohio Supreme Court Probate Forms: supremecourt.ohio.gov — standard Ohio probate forms
- Ohio Legal Help: ohiolegalhelp.org — free legal information
- Warren County Bar Association: Lawyer referral services for probate attorneys