Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Ohio
My mother just recently passed away. She had a will. Her estate is small--some cd's with beneficiaries made payable to my siblings and me, her checking and savings were joint with me and some life insurance policies with named beneficiaries, and a modest home which she owned exclusively. Do we need to hire a lawyer to probabe the will?
2 Answers from Attorneys
You will need to start probate to transfer the house. The other assets will not need to be probated and will pass by the benefiicary designations to the named persons or to the surviving owner.
You are not requred to hire an attorney to open up a probate estate. Some county probate courts are very helpful in providing information as to what forms need to be filed and what steps you need to take, but do not give legal advice of any kind. You may be able to do this yourself but I have several clients that have tried it on their own, only to get frustrated and ended up hiring an attorney. If you need further assistance, you can contact my office at www.socrateslegal.com .