Cleveland Probate Lawyer

The proven Cleveland probate lawyers at Schneider Smeltz Spieth Bell LLP are experienced in the effective resolution of probate lawsuits as related to the administration of estates in Ohio. Cleveland probate attorneys are knowledgeable in all areas of general probate law, including but not limited to probate administration and probate litigation in Cleveland, Ohio. Clients will have the confidence of knowing that their case is being handled by an experienced and knowledgeable Cleveland probate lawyer.

The Cleveland probate attorneys have experience representing clients in probate matters involving:

• Ancillary Probate
• Estates
• Probate Administration
• Probate Litigation
• Probate Taxation
• Wills

Experienced Cleveland Probate Litigation Attorney

Probate is a general term for the entire process of administration of estates of dead persons, including those without wills, with court supervision. The initial step in the process is proving a will is valid and then administering the estate of a dead person according to the terms of the will. The will must be filed with the clerk of the appropriate court in the county where the deceased person lived, along with a petition to have the court approve the will and appoint the executor named in the will. If an executor is not named in the will, an administrator is appointed. A declaration of a person who had signed the will as a witness is also filed. If the court determines the will is valid, the court then “admits” the will to probate.

Even if there is a will, probate may not be necessary if the estate is worth no more than a stated dollar value or is small with no real estate title to be transferred or all of the estate is either jointly owned or community property. The probate process in Ohio involves fees set by statute and/or the court (depending on state laws) for attorneys, executors and administrators, the need to publish notices, court hearings, paperwork, the public nature of the proceedings and delays while waiting for creditors to file claims, whether money was owed or not. The Cleveland probate lawyers are knowledgeable in understanding the details, facts, complications, and circumstances that arise in a probate case.

Trusted Cleveland Probate Law Firm

The Cleveland probate attorneys at Schneider Smeltz Spieth Bell LLP are distinguished by a history of successful probate claim recoveries and resolutions. For experienced representation in an estate or will dispute, contact the Cleveland probate litigation attorneys at Schneider Smeltz Spieth Bell LLP in Ohio.