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What to Do When Someone Dies in Ohio

Step-by-step guide for the first days and weeks after a death in Ohio. This guide helps you work through immediate tasks, legal requirements, and important decisions.

Get Death CertificatesDo I Need Probate?

Use this timeline to handle immediate post-death tasks in the right order before you move into probate, asset transfer, or executor paperwork.

Sources

If You Are the Named Executor in Ohio

In plain terms: if you are handling an Ohio estate, start with the records and court tasks below, at a steady pace. The details under each step explain exactly what to do.

If you are the named executor, personal representative, administrator, or the family member organizing an Ohio estate, start with the state-specific records, court, and transfer tasks below. Check each step against the current county office or agency handling the estate.

  1. Order Death Certificates

    You'll need multiple certified copies for legal and financial matters

    Ohio death certificates guide →

  2. Secure Property and Assets

    Protect the deceased's home and belongings

  3. Notify Social Security Administration

    Report death to stop benefit payments

  4. Determine if Probate is Needed

    Figure out if you need to go through probate court

    Ohio probate guide guide →

  5. File Will with Probate Court

    Submit original will to county probate court

    Statute: ORC § 2107.07

We're sorry for your loss. Take time to grieve and ask for help when you need it. This guide will be here when you're ready.

Timeline of Tasks

Start with the immediate tasks. Open each later phase as you reach it.

First 24-48 Hours

Get Official Pronouncement of Death
A medical professional must officially pronounce death before anything else can happen.
Contact Funeral Home
Funeral home will transport body and help with many initial tasks
Notify Close Family and Friends
Reach out to those who need to know right away

First Week

Order Death Certificates
You'll need multiple certified copies for legal and financial matters
Locate Important Documents
Find the will, insurance policies, financial records, and other key documents
Secure Property and Assets
Protect the deceased's home and belongings
Notify Social Security Administration
Report death to stop benefit payments
Plan Funeral or Memorial Service
Make arrangements to honor your loved one

First Month

Determine if Probate is Needed
Figure out if you need to go through probate court
File Will with Probate Court
Submit original will to county probate court
Notify Financial Institutions
Contact banks, investment firms, and credit card companies
Contact Life Insurance Companies
File claims for any life insurance policies
Notify Employers and Pension Plans
Contact employer and any pension or retirement plans

Ongoing Tasks (3+ Months)

Pay Estate Debts and Expenses
Pay valid creditor claims and ongoing expenses
File Tax Returns
File final income tax and estate tax returns
Distribute Assets
Transfer assets to beneficiaries after debts paid
Close Estate
File final account and close probate case

Who to Notify

Social Security Administration
Call 1-800-772-1213
Employer / HR Department
Phone call or email
Banks & Credit Unions
Visit branch with death certificate
Insurance Companies
Call policy customer service
Credit Card Companies
Call number on card
Utility Companies
Call to transfer or cancel
DMV / Vehicle Registration
Visit in person or online
Post Office
Submit change of address form

Documents to Gather

Death Certificates

Many estates start with 10-15 certified copies because banks, insurers, property-transfer contacts, and agencies may ask for them.

How to get death certificates →

Will & Trust Documents

Look in safe deposit boxes, home safes, attorney files, and records folders.

Probate guide →

Financial Statements

Bank statements, investment accounts, retirement accounts, and recent tax returns.

Asset transfer guide →

What Comes Next?

After the first 30 days, you may need to start probate or transfer assets. Use the Ohio assessment to sort what may apply.

Take the Probate AssessmentRead the Ohio Probate Guide

More Ohio Resources

Explore the rest of the Ohio probate hub.