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What to Do After A Loved One Dies: An Executor’s Guide to Settling an Estate in Ohio

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Losing a loved one is emotionally challenging and perhaps the most difficult moment in your life.  In the midst of grief, there are also important legal and financial responsibilities that must be handled – often by the person named as executor.

If you’ve been asked to serve in this role, you may be wondering what to do next. Settling an estate involves a series of steps, many of which take place through probate court in Ohio. This guide will help you understand what to expect and how to move forward with clarity and confidence.

First, Take Care of Yourself: Secure Your Oxygen Mask

Before stepping into the responsibilities of an executor, it’s important to acknowledge the weight of what you’re carrying.
Research suggests that grieving is not progressive, like a staircase. Having a terrible day after a relatively good day can be disheartening, but it is normal. As an estate attorney helping clients with numerous probate estates, I’ve found the following to be most helpful when dealing with grief and the responsibilities as Executor:

  • Share the burden with trusted family members and friends
  • Accept help – even if you don’t need it immediately
  • Prioritize rest, nutrition, and movement
  • Permit yourself to grieve without a timeline

You don’t have to carry everything at once.

Obtain the Trust or Will

One of the first steps in settling an estate is locating the estate planning documents.

  • A last will and testament is typically administered through probate court.
  • A trust is usually administered outside of court.

Review the document carefully to understand:

  • Who has been appointed as executor or trustee
  • Who the beneficiaries are
  • Whether there are any potential conflicts or surprises

If the estate will go through probate, it’s helpful to understand how that process works and what to expect. Learn more about the probate process in Ohio.

Create an Inventory of Assets and Debts

Settling an estate requires a clear understanding of what the person owned – and what they owed.

The process will generally involve liquidating the assets, depositing them into one large account, paying debts, and then making distributions to beneficiaries. To accomplish this task an inventory of assets and debts must be assembled.

Start by creating a running list of:

  • Bank accounts
  • Investment accounts
  • Real estate
  • Personal property
  • Outstanding debts and liabilities

A simple spreadsheet can go a long way. You don’t need to have everything immediately – this list will evolve. The list you start will be helpful to your attorney during your first meeting, and they will help develop it throughout the probate and/or trust process.

Important: Do not begin paying debts right away.

Your attorney will guide you as to which debts need to be paid and when. Do NOT start paying debts immediately because not all debts are required to be paid. Additionally, Ohio probate courts determine a hierarchy for creditors expecting payment. If you, as a fiduciary, have gone around that line, you may be personally liable for making sure the ones in the front of the line get paid.

This is one of the many areas where proper legal guidance is essential.

Secure Property and Assets

After a death, assets can become vulnerable—especially if the passing is publicly announced.

To protect the estate:

  • Secure any real estate (changing locks if necessary)
  • Ensure utilities like heat, water, and electricity remain functional
  • Prevent unauthorized removal of property

Even if it feels uncomfortable, your responsibility is to preserve the estate for proper administration and distribution.

When to Contact a Probate Attorney

Serving as an executor comes with significant legal responsibility. Even straightforward estates can involve complex rules, deadlines, and procedural requirements.

An experienced probate attorney can help you:

  • Open the estate properly with the court
  • Navigate creditor claims and legal obligations
  • Avoid costly mistakes or delays
  • Ensure assets are distributed correctly

If you’re unsure where to begin, this is the most important step you can take.

Work with an experienced Cleveland probate attorney.

How Long Does Probate Take in Ohio?

Every estate is different, but most probates in Northeast Ohio take at least 6 months (minimum required period). However, most estates are closer to 10-12 months on average.

Trust administration is often faster (about 4 months), but still requires careful attention and organization.

For a deeper look at what affects timing and complexity, see what impacts probate timelines in Ohio.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Being named executor is an honor – but it is also a significant responsibility, especially during a time of grief.

If you need help as the executor of an estate or would like to make your estate plan as seamless as possible, please contact our office by phone at 216-573-3723 or e-mail me at dan@baronlawcleveland.com.

As always, please feel free to e-mail me with any other legal concerns that you may have. Your questions and comments are much appreciated.