Ohio Probate Forms: Every Supreme Court Form by Number

Ohio probate forms list: the Supreme Court of Ohio has standardized probate forms that are used across all 88 county probate courts. While individual counties may have supplemental local forms, the standard forms provide the backbone of every probate filing. Knowing which forms you need, when to file them, and how to complete them correctly saves time, reduces rejected filings, and keeps the estate on track.

This guide provides a complete index of Ohio's standardized probate forms, organized by category, with descriptions of when and why you need each one.

How Ohio Probate Forms Work

Standardized vs. Local Forms

The Supreme Court of Ohio publishes standardized probate forms that all 88 counties accept. These forms are numbered (for example, Form 1.0, Form 4.0, Form 6.0):

Standard forms are mandatory and uniform statewide
Local forms are supplementary and vary by county
Always confirm the form number against the current Supreme Court of Ohio standard forms before filing, because the numbers do not follow a simple "category" scheme

Always check with your specific county probate court for any additional local forms required. Use our Ohio court directory to find your county's probate court.

Where to Find the Forms

Ohio probate forms are available from:

The Supreme Court of Ohio website
Your county probate court (in person or online)
Legal form providers
Our Ohio forms finder

These are official Ohio court forms, so get them free from the Supreme Court of Ohio or your county probate court first. If you separately need a planning document the court does not provide, such as a will, power of attorney, or a deed, you can use LawDepot's estate-document templates (affiliate link) (opens in new tab). Match any template to Ohio's signing and recording rules before you rely on it.

Filing Tips

Before filing any form:

Use the most current version (forms are updated periodically)
Type or print clearly in black ink
Sign where indicated
Attach all required supporting documents
Make copies for your records
Pay the required filing fee

Opening the Estate: Application and Appointment Forms

These forms initiate the probate case and get the fiduciary appointed.

Form 1.0 - Surviving Spouse, Children, Next of Kin, Legatees, and Devisees

When to use: Filed with the opening application to identify everyone with an interest in the estate.

Purpose: Lists the surviving spouse, children, next of kin, and (when there is a will) the legatees and devisees, so the court knows who is entitled to notice. It accompanies the application to administer the estate.

Form 2.0 - Application to Probate Will

When to use: Submitting the decedent's will to the probate court for admission. For a full breakdown of what comes after appointment, see our Ohio executor duties guide.

Filed by: The person seeking to have the will admitted (often the named executor or their attorney).

Key information required:

Decedent's name, date of death, and county of residence
Names of the beneficiaries and heirs
Information about the will and its witnesses

This is typically the first form filed in any probate case where a will exists.

Form 2.1 - Waiver of Notice of Probate of Will

When to use: When interested parties agree to waive their right to advance notice of the hearing to probate the will.

Purpose: Speeds up admission of the will by showing the court that interested parties consent.

Form 4.0 - Application for Authority to Administer Estate

When to use: To open a full estate administration and request appointment as executor (with a will) or administrator (without a will). This is the primary application that opens full administration.

Filed by: The person seeking appointment (the named executor, or the surviving spouse or next of kin in an intestate estate).

Key information required:

Decedent's information
Applicant's relationship to the decedent
Names and addresses of all heirs and beneficiaries
Estimated estate value

Form 4.2 - Fiduciary's Bond

When to use: When the court requires a surety bond. See our Ohio bond requirements guide for details on when a bond is needed.

Purpose: Protects the estate from potential fiduciary misconduct. The bond amount is typically set based on the value of the estate's personal property.

Form 4.5 - Entry Appointing Fiduciary; Letter of Authority

When to use: Issued by the court after it approves the application.

Purpose: This is the court order appointing the fiduciary, and it includes the Letter of Authority, your proof of authority to act on behalf of the estate. Banks, financial institutions, and government agencies require certified copies. Learn more in our Ohio Letters of Authority guide.

Tip: Order at least 10 certified copies. You will use them constantly throughout administration.

Inventory Forms

Form 6.0 - Inventory and Appraisal

When to use: Filing the complete inventory of estate assets.

Deadline: Within three months of appointment as fiduciary (ORC § 2115.16).

Required information:

Complete list of all estate assets
Fair market value of each asset as of date of death
Description of each asset
Encumbrances and liens

This is one of the most important filings in the probate process. An incomplete or inaccurate inventory can cause major problems later.

Form 6.1 - Schedule of Assets

When to use: Supplemental schedule attached to the Inventory and Appraisal.

Purpose: Provides detailed listings when the main inventory form does not have enough space.

Account and Distribution Forms

Form 13.0 - Fiduciary's Account

When to use: Filing the fiduciary's financial accounting with the court.

Purpose: Shows all income received, expenses paid, and distributions made. This is your formal report to the court and beneficiaries.

Required sections:

Starting balances (from inventory)
Income received during administration
Expenses and disbursements
Distributions
Ending balances

For guidance on preparing the accounting, see our Ohio probate accounting guide.

Form 13.1 - Receipts and Disbursements

When to use: The itemized schedule of receipts and disbursements that supports the Fiduciary's Account.

Purpose: Documents every dollar received and paid out during the period covered by the account.

Form 13.6 - Certificate of Termination

When to use: Officially closes the estate after the final account is approved.

Purpose: Confirms all duties have been completed and the fiduciary is discharged.

Notice to Creditors

Ohio does not use a single numbered statewide "Notice to Creditors" court form. Instead, the fiduciary gives creditors notice by direct written notice to known creditors and, where required, by other statutory means, and creditors must present claims within the six-month period that runs from the date of death (ORC § 2117.06).

For a walkthrough of managing claims, see our Ohio creditor claims guide.

Surviving Spouse Forms

Form 8.0 - Citation to Surviving Spouse to Exercise Elective Rights

When to use: Notifies the surviving spouse of the right to take an elective share against the will.

Purpose: Ohio law guarantees the surviving spouse certain rights regardless of what the will says. This citation informs them of those rights.

Form 8.1 - Election of Surviving Spouse to Take Under Will

When to use: When the surviving spouse records their election regarding the will.

Filed by: The surviving spouse or their attorney.

Release and Summary Forms

Form 5.0 - Application to Relieve Estate From Administration

When to use: When the estate qualifies for simplified probate (generally personal property of $35,000 or less, or up to $100,000 when everything passes to a surviving spouse, with no full administration needed).

This form is the gateway to Ohio's simplified probate procedure. If the estate qualifies, you can avoid the full administration process.

For a detailed walkthrough of this process, see our Ohio Release from Administration guide.

Form 5.1 - Assets and Liabilities of Estate to be Relieved from Administration

When to use: Filed with Form 5.0 to list the estate's assets and liabilities.

Purpose: Shows the court that the estate's value falls within the relief-from-administration limits.

Form 5.6 - Entry Relieving Estate from Administration

When to use: Court order relieving the estate from full administration.

Note: Issued by the court after it approves the application.

Form 5.10 - Summary Release From Administration

When to use: For very small estates (generally $5,000 or less, or limited amounts passing to a surviving spouse who paid funeral expenses).

Purpose: Ohio's simplest and fastest release procedure.

Real Estate and Special Proceeding Forms

Form 9.0 - Application to Sell Personal Property

When to use: When the fiduciary needs court authority to sell estate personal property.

Form 7.1 - Application for Family Allowance

When to use: When the surviving spouse or minor children apply for the support allowance from the estate.

Purpose: Ohio provides an allowance to support the surviving spouse and dependent children during administration. For eligibility requirements, the $40,000 amount, and a walkthrough of the application process, see our Ohio family allowance guide.

Form 7.0 - Certification of Notice to Administrator of Medicaid Estate Recovery Program

When to use: To certify that notice was given to the Medicaid Estate Recovery Program when required.

Purpose: Ohio requires notice to the Medicaid Estate Recovery Program for estates that may be subject to recovery.

Forms for Full Administration: Filing Sequence

Here is the typical order of form filings for a standard full administration in Ohio:

Form 2.0 (Application to Probate Will), or Form 4.0 (Application for Authority) for an intestate estate
Form 1.0 (Surviving Spouse, Children, Next of Kin, Legatees, and Devisees) and Form 2.1 (Waiver of Notice of Probate of Will) from interested parties
Form 4.2 (Fiduciary's Bond, if required)
Court issues Form 4.5 (Entry Appointing Fiduciary; Letter of Authority)
Give notice to creditors and known creditors (see ORC § 2117.06)
Form 6.0 (Inventory and Appraisal) - within 3 months
Form 13.0 (Fiduciary's Account) with Form 13.1 (Receipts and Disbursements) - when ready to close
Court issues an entry approving the account and Form 13.6 (Certificate of Termination)

For a detailed walkthrough of full administration, see our Ohio full administration guide.

Forms for Release from Administration: Simplified Filing

If the estate qualifies for Release from Administration:

Form 5.0 (Application to Relieve Estate From Administration) with Form 5.1 (Assets and Liabilities)
Court issues Form 5.6 (Entry Relieving Estate from Administration)

That is the streamlined path instead of a full administration.

Tips for Completing Ohio Probate Forms

Use Current Versions

The Supreme Court updates forms periodically. Always download the latest version before filing.

Be Thorough on the Inventory

Form 6.0 (Inventory and Appraisal) is the most important form you will file. Take the time to list every asset with accurate values. Errors here cascade through the rest of the process.

Keep Copies of Everything

Make copies of every form before filing. Keep a master file organized chronologically.

Ask the Court for Help

Ohio probate courts often have helpful staff who can answer procedural questions. They cannot give legal advice, but they can tell you which forms to file and how to complete them.

Consider Professional Help

For full administration, a probate attorney can ensure forms are completed correctly and filed on time. The estate pays reasonable attorney fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Ohio probate forms the same in every county?

The standard Supreme Court forms are uniform statewide. But individual counties may require additional local forms. Always check with your specific county.

Can I fill out Ohio probate forms myself?

Yes. For Release from Administration, many families complete the forms without an attorney. For full administration, we recommend hiring a professional.

Where do I file Ohio probate forms?

File with the probate court in the county where the decedent lived at the time of death.

How much does it cost to file Ohio probate forms?

Filing fees vary by county and form type. Typical costs range from $20-$100 for initial filings. Use our Ohio probate costs guide for a detailed fee breakdown, or contact your county probate court for exact fees.

What if I make a mistake on a form?

You can usually correct minor errors by filing an amendment. Major errors may require refiling. Ask the court clerk for guidance.

Find Your County Forms

Every Ohio county probate court has its own local procedures and potentially supplemental forms. Find your county's court information, contact details, and form requirements in our Ohio probate court directory.