After a loss
Probate and trust administration
- Guidance for executors, start to finish
- Estates with or without a will
- Settling a trust after a loved one passes
- Will and estate disputes
Fairfield estate planning and probate lawyers
Wills, trusts and probate for the City of Fairfield and Fairfield Township, both in Butler County, with estates handled at the Butler County Probate Court in Hamilton.
- Free first consultation
- Flat-fee estate plans
- Offices in Loveland and Blue Ash
Where an estate is filed
Butler County Probate Court
101 High Street, Hamilton, OH 45011
Fairfield is in
Butler County
Not Fairfield County near Columbus
How we meet
In person, phone or Zoom
First consultation is free
Probate in Fairfield
Ohio sets the steps: open the estate, file the inventory within three months of appointment, allow six months from the date of death for creditor claims, then distribute and close.
Smaller estates, $35,000 or less, or $100,000 or less when a surviving spouse inherits everything, may qualify for a shorter release from administration.
Sources: Ohio Revised Code 2115.02, 2117.06 and 2113.03.
Visiting the court
Butler County Probate Court
- 101 High Street, Hamilton, OH 45011
- (513) 887-3294 · probatecourt.bcohio.gov
We prepare and file the forms for you, and keep you updated on every court date.
Butler County, not Fairfield County
An easy mix-up
Fairfield is in Butler County. Fairfield County is a different county near Columbus. Fairfield estates are opened at the Butler County Probate Court.
In the city of Hamilton
That court is at 101 High Street in the city of Hamilton, which is easy to confuse with Hamilton County. It is not the court in downtown Cincinnati.
City or township, same court
The City of Fairfield and Fairfield Township are separate communities, but both are in Butler County and use the same probate court.
How we help Fairfield families
Whether you are planning ahead or handling things after a loss, you work directly with an attorney who explains every step in plain language.
Planning ahead
Estate planning
- Wills and living trusts
- Powers of attorney and health care directives
- Special needs and irrevocable trusts
- Flat-fee plans, explained before any work starts
You meet with an attorney, every time
Every consultation is with one of our estate planning and probate attorneys, backed by a team that keeps you updated between meetings.
“Most families don’t need the most complicated plan. They need the right one, explained in plain English.”
Steve R. Wolterman
Founding Attorney
Wills, trusts and probate for Ohio families since founding the firm in 2008.
- Admitted to the Ohio bar in 2007
- J.D., University of Cincinnati College of Law
- B.S. Finance, Clemson University
- Certified Exchange Specialist (CES)
“Probate is a lot to handle after a loss. My job is to make sure you always know what happens next.”
Cassidy Carstens
Attorney
Focuses on probate administration for estates of all sizes, and on estate planning.
- With the firm since 2015, from secretary to attorney
- J.D., University of Cincinnati College of Law
- Admitted to the Ohio bar in 2023
- B.S. Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati
And the team behind them
Emily Ames
Office Manager
Scheduling, documents and updates between meetings.
Alex Brammer
Client Services Coordinator
Document signings and help getting everything finalized.
Henrietta Heywood
Client Care Coordinator
Answers your calls, schedules meetings and checks in with clients.
“From start to finish, he was incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and thorough, ensuring every detail was carefully considered.”
Fairfield questions
Is Fairfield in Fairfield County?
No. Fairfield, Ohio near Cincinnati is in Butler County. Fairfield County is near Columbus. Fairfield estates go to the Butler County Probate Court, 101 High Street in Hamilton.
Which court handles Fairfield Township estates?
The same one. Fairfield Township is also in Butler County, so its estates are opened at the Butler County Probate Court in Hamilton.
Can you help if probate is already open?
Yes. We can step in to help an executor finish an estate, catch up on court deadlines or answer a question from the court.
How much does an estate plan cost?
Our estate plans are a flat fee, and we go over your exact cost at the free consultation before any work starts.
Can a small estate skip full probate?
Often, yes. Estates of $35,000 or less, or $100,000 or less when a surviving spouse inherits everything, may qualify for a shorter release from administration under Ohio Revised Code 2113.03.
Communities we serve nearby
Families across Greater Cincinnati work with our Loveland and Blue Ash offices.
Talk with an attorney for free
Tell us what is going on and we will explain your options and the next step.