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
Hamilton County estate planning and probate lawyers
Estate planning and probate across Hamilton County, from Cincinnati neighborhoods to suburbs like Blue Ash, Montgomery and Anderson Township. One county, one probate court.
- Free first consultation
- Flat-fee estate plans
- Offices in Loveland and Blue Ash
Where an estate is filed
Hamilton County Probate Court
William Howard Taft Center, 230 East Ninth Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
One court for the county
Taft Center, downtown
Every Hamilton County estate
How we meet
In person, phone or Zoom
First consultation is free
How Hamilton County probate works
One court for the whole county
Every estate for someone who lived in Hamilton County is opened at the Hamilton County Probate Court downtown, whether they lived in Cincinnati or a suburb.
Cities, villages and townships alike
That includes townships like Anderson, cities like Norwood that are surrounded by Cincinnati, and villages like Mariemont.
Planning keeps families out of court
A funded living trust, beneficiary designations and survivorship or transfer on death deeds can let an estate pass without opening probate at all.
Probate in Hamilton County
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
Hamilton County Probate Court
- William Howard Taft Center, 230 East Ninth Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
- (513) 946-3570 · probatect.org
We prepare and file the forms for you, and keep you updated on every court date.
How we help families across Hamilton County
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.
“The team made the emotional, but much needed task of estate planning very manageable and easy for my father.”
Hamilton County questions
Which probate court handles an estate in Hamilton County?
Every estate for someone who lived in Hamilton County is opened at the Hamilton County Probate Court, William Howard Taft Center, 230 East Ninth Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202.
How long does probate take?
At least six months in most cases, because Ohio gives creditors six months from the date of death to present claims (Ohio Revised Code 2117.06). Many estates take longer.
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.
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.
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.
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.