Absolutely! Even if there’s a will, you can use the Small Estate Affidavit if the estate qualifies under the state's guidelines.
It's not strictly necessary to have a lawyer, but having one might save you some headaches, especially if the situation gets a bit sticky.
While there's no strict deadline, it's wise to file the affidavit soon after the person's passing to keep things moving along smoothly and avoid complications.
To kick things off, you'll need to gather information about the deceased's assets and find the appropriate form to fill out. It's pretty straightforward!
Typically, the affidavit can cover bank accounts, personal property, and other assets, as long as the total value doesn't exceed the threshold set by the state.
Generally, the surviving spouse, children, or close relatives can use this affidavit to claim assets of the deceased, as long as they meet the criteria set by Ohio law.
A Small Estate Affidavit is a legal document that allows you to settle a deceased person's estate without going through the lengthy probate process, provided the estate is below a certain value.