Ohio Probate Form 4.0 is the Application to Probate Will, the standardized one-page document an applicant files with the county Probate Court to ask a judge to officially recognize a deceased person’s will as valid under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2107. The form is part of the Standard Probate Forms adopted by the Supreme Court of Ohio under Sup. R. 51, and every one of Ohio’s 88 county probate courts uses the same numbered form, though many add a local cover sheet.
If you file Form 4.0 wrong, the court will reject the will, delay your appointment as executor, or worse — treat the estate as if the decedent died without a will. According to the Ohio Supreme Court 2024 Statistical Report, Ohio probate courts open more than 50,000 estate cases each year, and clerks routinely flag Form 4.0 filings for missing next-of-kin entries, wrong death dates, or unsigned applications.
- 📜 What Form 4.0 does and which Ohio statute requires it
- 📝 How to fill out every box, line, and signature block on the form
- 👨👩👧 Three real-world examples, including a surviving spouse, a blended family, and a lost-will scenario
- 🏛️ How to file in any of Ohio’s 88 county probate courts, including Cuyahoga and Franklin
- ⚠️ The 10 mistakes that get Form 4.0 rejected and how to avoid each one
What Form 4.0 Is and Who Must File It
Ohio Probate Form 4.0 is the official Application to Probate Will used to open a testate estate in any of Ohio’s county probate courts. The form is authorized by R.C. 2107.11 and standardized by the Supreme Court of Ohio’s probate forms page. Its purpose is simple: it asks the probate judge to admit a written will to probate so the named executor can take control of the decedent’s assets.
The applicant is usually the person named as executor in the will, but R.C. 2107.11(A) also allows any interested person — a surviving spouse, an heir, a creditor, or even the person who has custody of the will — to file Form 4.0. The applicant does not have to be an Ohio resident, though out-of-state executors must follow R.C. 2109.21 and may need an Ohio resident agent. Attorneys, paralegals, and pro se filers all use the same Form 4.0; there is no separate version for represented parties.
You must file Form 4.0 within five years of the decedent’s death under R.C. 2107.10, or the will cannot be admitted at all and the estate passes by intestate succession under R.C. 2105.06. That five-year clock is strict and absolute. If you miss it, the will is dead paper, even if it was signed perfectly and witnessed by three pastors.
Form 4.0 is filed alongside several companion forms in the same packet. These include Form 1.0 Surviving Spouse, Children, Next of Kin, Form 4.1 Waiver of Notice, Form 4.2 Notice of Probate of Will, and Form 4.3 Entry Admitting Will to Probate. The probate judge cannot admit the will without all of them in front of the court.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Form 4.0 looks short, but the information it asks for sits inside several other documents. Gather everything before you sit down at the desk, because clerks in counties like Cuyahoga and Hamilton will reject incomplete packets at the counter. Each item below maps to a line on Form 4.0 or a companion form filed with it.
- Original signed will and any codicils. The court will not accept a photocopy unless you also file an Application to Admit Copy of Will under R.C. 2107.26. Without the original, the case stalls.
- Certified death certificate. Order it from the Ohio Department of Health Vital Statistics or the local health department. The court uses it to confirm the date of death and the decedent’s last residence.
- Decedent’s full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number. These match the death certificate and prevent identity errors when the court indexes the case.
- Date and place of death. The county where the decedent was domiciled at death determines venue under R.C. 2113.01.
- Names, addresses, and ages of all next of kin and beneficiaries. This list goes on Form 1.0 and must be complete; missing a half-sibling can void the proceeding.
- Names and addresses of the will’s witnesses. If the will is not self-proving, the court may need their testimony.
- Filing fee. Most counties charge between $100 and $250; Franklin County charges around $135 and Cuyahoga County around $200.
- Government photo ID for the applicant. Counties like Summit and Hamilton require ID at the counter for in-person filing.
- The applicant’s mailing address and phone number. The court uses this for hearing notices and bond paperwork.
- Bond information, if required. If the will does not waive bond, the applicant needs a surety bond under R.C. 2109.04.
Missing any one of these items can push your hearing back by weeks. The clerk will not chase you down for the death certificate or the witness list.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The official Form 4.0 lives on the Supreme Court of Ohio’s probate forms library, which posts every standard probate form in fillable PDF format. You can also pick up a paper copy at any county probate court counter, and most county sites — including Cuyahoga County Probate, Franklin County Probate, and Hamilton County Probate — host the same PDF with a local cover sheet attached.
Always check the revision date printed in the bottom-left corner of Form 4.0. The current Standard Probate Form 4.0 carries a revision date adopted by the Supreme Court of Ohio under Sup. R. 51, and counties update their local copies whenever the rule changes. If you download a stale version from a third-party legal blog, the clerk may reject it because the field labels or signature blocks no longer match the current standard.
Cuyahoga County requires e-filing through its eFiling portal for attorney filers, while pro se filers may still file in person. Franklin County accepts both paper and electronic filings through its online filing system. Smaller counties like Vinton or Noble still expect paper-only filings at the counter.
If you use the fillable PDF, type your answers, print the form, and sign in blue or black ink. Do not sign electronically unless your county’s local rule specifically allows it. The clerk needs a wet signature on the applicant line in most counties.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out Form 4.0 Line by Line
Form 4.0 has a caption block, a body with numbered paragraphs, and a signature section. Each piece below has its own H3 with plain-English instructions, a sample entry, a nuance, the most common mistake, and the misconception filers carry into the box. Use the exact field names printed on the official Form 4.0 PDF so the clerk can match your entries against the standard.
Caption: County and Court Name
The top of Form 4.0 asks you to fill in the county where the decedent was domiciled at death, followed by “Probate Court of ____ County, Ohio.” This is the venue line, and it controls which judge hears the case.
To answer it, write the county name in all capital letters, such as FRANKLIN or CUYAHOGA. Then write the judge’s name on the line below if the form asks for it; many counties pre-print the judge’s name on the local version.
For example, Maria Lopez, whose mother died in Worthington, writes FRANKLIN in the county blank because Worthington sits inside Franklin County. She does not write Worthington, because the court wants the county, not the city.
A nuance arises when the decedent moved shortly before death. Under R.C. 2113.01, the venue is the decedent’s legal domicile at the moment of death, not where they were physically located. A Cleveland resident who died at the Cleveland Clinic in Florida is still a Cuyahoga County case.
The most common mistake is writing the wrong county, which forces the clerk to reject the filing and refund any fee. If you file in the wrong county, the case must be transferred or refiled, costing weeks.
The misconception is that you file where the decedent owned the most property. You do not. Venue follows domicile, not real estate.
Estate Caption: “In the Matter of the Estate of”
Just under the county block, Form 4.0 asks you to fill in the decedent’s full legal name on the line following “In the Matter of the Estate of.”
Write the decedent’s name exactly as it appears on the will and the death certificate. Use the full legal name, including middle name or initial, and add suffixes like Jr. or III when they appear on official documents.
For example, Marcus Bennett writes Eleanor Marie Bennett because his mother’s death certificate and her signed will both use that exact name.
The nuance involves nicknames or maiden names. If the will reads “Eleanor M. Bennett” and the death certificate reads “Eleanor Marie Bennett a.k.a. Ellie Bennett,” use the formal version and add aka names in parentheses to prevent indexing problems.
The most common mistake is using a nickname. Writing Ellie Bennett on Form 4.0 when the will says Eleanor Marie Bennett makes the clerk question whether the applicant is probating the same person’s will.
The misconception is that minor name differences “don’t matter.” They do. The court indexes the estate by this name, and a typo here haunts every filing for the next two years.
Case Number
The case number box sits in the upper right of Form 4.0. The clerk fills it in when you file, but the form leaves space for it.
Leave the case number blank when you submit the application. The clerk stamps the case number across the top after assigning it, often in a format like 2026 ES 001234.
For example, Janet Hughes leaves the box empty, hands the form to the clerk in Summit County, and the clerk stamps 2026 ES 0456 on her copy.
The nuance is that if you are filing a supplemental application or amending an earlier filing, you must write the existing case number in this box. Otherwise the new filing opens a duplicate case.
The most common mistake is guessing or copying a case number from a related estate. That creates conflicts in the docket system that take days to clean up.
The misconception is that you can call the court ahead of time to get a number. You cannot; case numbers are assigned only at the moment of filing.
Paragraph 1: Applicant’s Statement and Decedent’s Death Information
Paragraph 1 of Form 4.0 reads, “Applicant states that decedent died on (date), domiciled in (city/township and county).” It captures the date of death and the decedent’s home address.
Write the date of death in MM/DD/YYYY format exactly as it appears on the death certificate. Write the township or city, then the county and state. Use the decedent’s last permanent residence, not the hospital or nursing home.
For example, Carlos Rivera writes 03/14/2026 and Hilliard, Franklin County, Ohio because his uncle lived in Hilliard before entering hospice in Columbus.
The nuance is decedents who split time between two homes. Use the address on their Ohio driver’s license, voter registration, or last tax return as the domicile, not the snowbird condo in Naples, Florida.
The most common mistake is entering the date the will was executed instead of the date of death. That triggers an immediate clerk rejection and costs the applicant another trip to the courthouse.
The misconception is that “domicile” means “where they died.” It means where they intended to live permanently, which is a legal test under R.C. 2113.01.
Paragraph 2: Decedent’s Last Address
Paragraph 2 asks for the decedent’s last residence address with street, city, state, and ZIP code.
Enter the full mailing address of the decedent’s primary home as of the date of death. Use the address on the death certificate to be safe.
For example, Aisha Thomas writes 4421 Lee Road, Shaker Heights, OH 44120 for her father, whose Cuyahoga County home was his primary residence for 30 years.
The nuance is decedents who lived in assisted living or a nursing home at death. Many counties accept the facility address if the decedent had given up the prior home, but check local practice in places like Lucas County Probate.
The most common mistake is using a P.O. Box. Probate courts want a physical address because notice rules under R.C. 2107.19 depend on physical residence.
The misconception is that the address must match the will. It does not; people move between signing a will and dying.
Paragraph 3: Statement That a Writing Purporting to Be Decedent’s Last Will Is Presented
This paragraph confirms that the document attached is the decedent’s last will. It usually reads, “A writing, which purports to be decedent’s last will (and codicil(s)), is presented to the Court herewith.”
Check the box or fill in the blank to indicate whether codicils accompany the will. List the date of the will and the dates of any codicils on the lines provided.
For example, Janet Hughes writes that the will is dated 06/02/2018 with one codicil dated 11/14/2022, and she attaches both originals.
The nuance is multiple wills. If the decedent left two wills, file the most recent one and let the court resolve any conflict. Filing both at once creates a will-contest mess.
The most common mistake is forgetting to list a codicil. If a codicil exists and is not listed on Form 4.0, the court treats it as if it were never offered, and its provisions never take effect.
The misconception is that a codicil is just a “small change” that does not need to be probated. Every codicil must be admitted as part of the will under R.C. 2107.18.
Paragraph 4: Self-Proving Affidavit Box
Form 4.0 includes a checkbox indicating whether the will contains a self-proving affidavit under R.C. 2107.04.
Check the box if the will has a notarized affidavit signed by the testator and witnesses. Leave it blank if the will is not self-proving, because the court will then need live or deposition testimony from the witnesses.
For example, Marcus Bennett checks the self-proving box because his mother’s 2018 will included a notarized affidavit signed by both witnesses and a notary.
The nuance is older wills. Wills signed before October 1991 may not have a self-proving affidavit because Ohio’s statute changed that year. Those wills need witness testimony.
The most common mistake is checking the box when no affidavit exists. The clerk will compare the box to the attached will and reject the filing if they do not match.
The misconception is that any notarized will is self-proving. It is not; the affidavit must use specific statutory language under R.C. 2107.04.
Paragraph 5: Names and Addresses of Witnesses
If the will is not self-proving, Form 4.0 requires the names and addresses of the attesting witnesses.
Type or print the full name and current address of each witness. If you cannot locate a witness, write unknown and explain in a separate affidavit.
For example, Carlos Rivera lists Diane Park, 119 Maple Ave., Dublin, OH 43017 and Robert Chen, 88 High St., Columbus, OH 43215 because his uncle’s 1998 will lacked a self-proving affidavit.
The nuance is deceased witnesses. If a witness has died, attach a death certificate or sworn statement and the court can rely on signature proof under R.C. 2107.181.
The most common mistake is leaving the box blank for a non-self-proving will. The court cannot admit the will without witness information, and the case stalls.
The misconception is that the witnesses must testify in person. They often do not; written depositions or signature proof are usually enough.
Paragraph 6: Estimated Estate Value
Form 4.0 asks for the approximate value of the probate estate, broken into real estate and personal property.
Enter your best good-faith estimate of the gross value as of the date of death. You will refine the numbers later on Form 6.0 (Inventory).
For example, Aisha Thomas writes Real estate: $285,000 and Personal property: $42,000 because her father’s Shaker Heights home and bank accounts add up to roughly $327,000.
The nuance is non-probate assets. Do not include life insurance with a named beneficiary, jointly titled real estate with right of survivorship, or POD/TOD accounts; those skip probate entirely.
The most common mistake is including non-probate assets, which inflates the bond requirement and the court costs.
The misconception is that the estimate is binding. It is not; the inventory you file later controls.
Paragraph 7: Surviving Spouse, Children, and Next of Kin Statement
Paragraph 7 cross-references Form 1.0 by stating that the names, ages, and addresses of the surviving spouse, children, and next of kin are listed on the attached Form 1.0.
Check the box and complete Form 1.0 carefully. Form 1.0 is a separate form filed at the same time and lists every heir under R.C. 2105.06.
For example, Janet Hughes attaches Form 1.0 listing her late husband’s surviving spouse (herself), three children, and two stepchildren from a prior marriage.
The nuance is half-blood and adopted relatives. Adopted children inherit as natural children under R.C. 3107.15, and half-siblings inherit equally with whole-blood siblings unless real estate from a parent is involved.
The most common mistake is omitting an estranged or unknown heir. The court can void the proceeding if a missing heir surfaces later.
The misconception is that you only list beneficiaries under the will. Form 1.0 lists heirs at law, even if they are disinherited under the will.
Applicant’s Signature Block
The bottom of Form 4.0 has a signature line for the applicant and a separate line for the applicant’s attorney, if any.
Sign in blue or black ink and print your name and address below the line. If you are represented, your attorney signs the second line and writes their Ohio Supreme Court attorney registration number.
For example, Maria Lopez signs Maria E. Lopez in blue ink and prints her name, address, and phone number underneath because she is filing pro se.
The nuance is multiple co-applicants. If two co-executors apply together, both must sign Form 4.0 and both must qualify under R.C. 2109.02.
The most common mistake is signing the wrong line. The applicant signs the top signature line; the attorney signs the bottom one.
The misconception is that the signature can be electronic. Most counties still demand a wet signature on the original Form 4.0.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
The three scenarios below show how different families fill out Form 4.0. Each filer is named, and each table follows the form’s order from caption to signature.
Scenario 1: Maria Lopez, Surviving Spouse, Simple Estate
Maria Lopez’s mother, Eleanor Marie Bennett, died in Worthington with a 2018 self-proving will leaving everything to Maria.
| Form Section | What Maria Enters |
|---|---|
| County | FRANKLIN |
| Estate of | Eleanor Marie Bennett |
| Case Number | (left blank for clerk) |
| Date of Death | 03/14/2026 |
| Domicile | Worthington, Franklin County, Ohio |
| Last Address | 612 Hartford St., Worthington, OH 43085 |
| Will Date | 06/02/2018, no codicils |
| Self-Proving Box | Checked |
| Estimated Real Estate | $310,000 |
| Estimated Personal Property | $58,000 |
| Form 1.0 Attached | Yes; lists Maria as sole child |
| Signature | Maria E. Lopez, blue ink, pro se |
Scenario 2: Marcus Bennett, Blended Family With Contested Heir
Marcus Bennett’s father remarried and had two stepchildren plus an estranged biological daughter from a prior marriage.
| Form Section | What Marcus Enters |
|---|---|
| County | CUYAHOGA |
| Estate of | Robert James Bennett, Sr. |
| Case Number | (left blank for clerk) |
| Date of Death | 01/22/2026 |
| Domicile | Shaker Heights, Cuyahoga County, Ohio |
| Last Address | 4421 Lee Road, Shaker Heights, OH 44120 |
| Will Date | 09/10/2020 with codicil 04/01/2023 |
| Self-Proving Box | Checked |
| Estimated Real Estate | $465,000 |
| Estimated Personal Property | $120,000 |
| Form 1.0 Attached | Yes; lists surviving spouse, two biological children, and one estranged daughter |
| Signature | Marcus T. Bennett with attorney co-signature |
Scenario 3: Janet Hughes, Lost-Will Copy Admitted Under R.C. 2107.26
Janet Hughes can only find a photocopy of her late husband’s will after a fire destroyed his home office.
| Form Section | What Janet Enters |
|---|---|
| County | SUMMIT |
| Estate of | Daniel Patrick Hughes |
| Case Number | (left blank for clerk) |
| Date of Death | 02/02/2026 |
| Domicile | Akron, Summit County, Ohio |
| Last Address | 2201 Merriman Rd., Akron, OH 44313 |
| Will Date | 11/14/2019, photocopy only |
| Self-Proving Box | Unchecked; witnesses listed |
| Estimated Real Estate | $210,000 |
| Estimated Personal Property | $35,000 |
| Form 1.0 Attached | Yes; lists Janet and three adult children |
| Signature | Janet R. Hughes, filed with separate Application to Admit Copy of Will |
How to File the Completed Form
Once Form 4.0 is signed, you file it with the probate court of the county where the decedent was domiciled. Each county offers different filing channels, and the Supreme Court of Ohio’s local rules library lists every county’s local rule.
In person at the counter. This is the most common channel for pro se filers. Bring the original will, the original Form 4.0, Form 1.0, the death certificate, and your filing fee. Cuyahoga County’s counter sits at the Old Courthouse on Lakeside Avenue. Franklin County’s counter is at 373 South High Street, 22nd Floor, Columbus. Counters accept cash, check, money order, and most credit cards. Processing usually takes 1–2 weeks for a hearing date.
By mail. Smaller counties like Vinton and Holmes accept Form 4.0 by certified mail. Send the original will and Form 4.0 with a check made out to the probate court. Keep the green return-receipt card as your proof of filing. Mailed filings take 2–4 weeks to be set for hearing.
Electronically. Cuyahoga County requires attorney filers to use eFiling, and Franklin County offers online filing for both pro se and attorney filers. Even when you e-file Form 4.0, you must deliver the original signed will to the clerk in person or by mail because Ohio still requires a physical original. E-filed cases get a docket number within 24–48 hours.
By fax. Most counties no longer accept fax filings for new estates because Form 4.0 requires the original will. Always confirm with the local court before relying on fax.
Keep your stamped copy of Form 4.0 as proof of filing. The case number on that copy is your reference for every later document.
What Happens After You File
After you submit Form 4.0, the clerk indexes the case, assigns a case number, and routes the file to the probate judge or magistrate. The court then reviews whether the will is properly executed and whether notice has been given to every heir under R.C. 2107.19.
If the will is self-proving and Form 1.0 is complete, many counties admit the will to probate without a formal hearing. The judge signs Form 4.3 (Entry Admitting Will to Probate), and the case moves to the next phase: appointing the executor on Form 4.5 and Form 4.6. This typically happens within 2–4 weeks of filing.
If the will is not self-proving, the court schedules a brief hearing and may take witness testimony or accept signature-proof affidavits. After the will is admitted, the court issues Letters of Authority on Form 4.7, which the executor uses to access bank accounts and transfer titles.
The applicant must then file an inventory on Form 6.0 within three months of appointment under R.C. 2115.02, pay creditors, and ultimately file an account on Form 13.0 to close the estate.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
- Filing in the wrong county, which forces a refiling and can blow the five-year deadline.
- Using a nickname instead of the decedent’s full legal name, which causes indexing errors that haunt every later filing.
- Entering the will-execution date instead of the date of death in Paragraph 1, triggering an immediate clerk rejection.
- Checking the self-proving box when no affidavit is attached, which the clerk catches at intake.
- Forgetting to list a codicil, which means the codicil is never admitted and its bequests fail.
- Including non-probate assets in the value estimate, which inflates the bond and court cost.
- Omitting an heir on Form 1.0, which can void the entire proceeding if the missing heir later surfaces.
- Filing a photocopy of the will without filing an Application to Admit Copy of Will, which the court will reject under R.C. 2107.26.
- Signing electronically in a county that requires a wet signature, which means the original is unenforceable.
- Missing the five-year filing deadline under R.C. 2107.10, which renders the will void.
- Listing a P.O. Box as the decedent’s last address, which violates the physical-address rule clerks enforce.
- Forgetting the filing fee, which causes the clerk to refuse intake even if every other field is perfect.
Do’s and Don’ts
- Do bring the original will to the clerk’s counter; the court will not admit a will from a fax or scan.
- Do check the revision date in the bottom corner of Form 4.0 to make sure you are using the current Supreme Court of Ohio version.
- Do complete Form 1.0 at the same time and list every heir, even disinherited ones.
- Do keep a stamped copy of every filed document for your own records.
- Do order at least three certified death certificates because banks, insurers, and the court each need one.
- Do call the local probate court ahead of filing to confirm fees and accepted payment methods.
- Don’t sign Form 4.0 before the day you file; some counties want the signature dated within 30 days.
- Don’t guess at the decedent’s domicile; check the death certificate and driver’s license.
- Don’t include life insurance, joint accounts, or TOD assets in the estate value.
- Don’t alter the standard Form 4.0; counties reject modified or hand-redrawn forms.
- Don’t skip Form 4.1 (Waiver of Notice) when all heirs are willing to waive; it speeds the case.
- Don’t forget to attach the original will to Form 4.0; the form is meaningless without the will.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
Filing pro se saves money but adds risk, especially in contested or blended-family estates. Filing with an attorney costs more but reduces rejection risk. The table below frames the trade-off.
| Pros of Pro Se Filing | Cons of Pro Se Filing |
|---|---|
| Saves $1,500–$5,000 in attorney fees on a simple estate. | The clerk cannot give legal advice when you make a mistake. |
| Keeps the family in direct control of the timeline. | Missing an heir on Form 1.0 can void the proceeding. |
| Works well for self-proving wills with one beneficiary. | Contested wills almost always need an attorney. |
| Builds personal understanding of the estate’s assets. | Tax and creditor issues can become expensive without counsel. |
| Many county self-help centers offer free guidance. | Rejected filings can push past the five-year deadline. |
| Pro se filers can still hire counsel later if issues appear. | Bond and surety issues are tricky to navigate alone. |
FAQs
Do I need a lawyer to file Form 4.0?
No. Ohio allows pro se filing of Form 4.0 in any county. Many surviving spouses and adult children file it themselves, especially when the will is self-proving and the estate is small.
Where do I file Form 4.0?
No single statewide office handles it; you file in the probate court of the county where the decedent was domiciled at death under R.C. 2113.01.
What is the deadline to file Form 4.0?
Yes, there is a hard five-year deadline under R.C. 2107.10 running from the date of death. After five years, the will cannot be admitted at all.
How much does it cost to file?
Yes, every county charges a filing fee, usually $100–$250. Cuyahoga charges around $200 and Franklin around $135 as of 2026.
Do I have to attach the original will?
Yes. Ohio requires the original signed will. A photocopy can only be admitted under R.C. 2107.26 with a separate application.
Do I check the self-proving box if my will is just notarized?
No. Notarization alone does not create a self-proving affidavit. The affidavit must use the statutory language in R.C. 2107.04.
Do I list disinherited heirs on Form 1.0?
Yes. Form 1.0 lists statutory heirs, not just beneficiaries under the will. Omitting a disinherited child can void the proceeding later.
Can I file Form 4.0 electronically?
Yes, in counties like Cuyahoga and Franklin, but the original will must still reach the clerk on paper because Ohio requires a physical original.
What date do I write in Paragraph 1?
Yes, Paragraph 1 takes the date of death from the death certificate, not the date the will was signed. Mixing them up is the most common rejection.
Do I need to list witnesses if my will is self-proving?
No. A self-proving will under R.C. 2107.04 does not require witness names on Form 4.0 because the affidavit substitutes for live testimony.
Can two people sign as co-applicants?
Yes. Co-executors named in the will can both sign Form 4.0 and both must qualify under R.C. 2109.02.
Do I include life insurance in the estate value box?
No. Life insurance with a named beneficiary skips probate. Only include probate assets — those titled solely in the decedent’s name without a beneficiary or survivor.
What happens if I miss an heir on Form 1.0?
No outcome is worse than a missing heir. A missing heir can later move to vacate the entry admitting the will, undoing months of administration.
Do I need bond if the will waives it?
No, if the will expressly waives bond and the executor is an Ohio resident, the court honors the waiver under R.C. 2109.04. Out-of-state executors may still need bond.
Can I file Form 4.0 for a copy of a lost will?
Yes, but you must also file an Application to Admit Copy of Will under R.C. 2107.26 with proof that the original was not destroyed with intent to revoke.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out Ohio Probate Form 1.0 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Ohio Probate Form 2.0 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Ohio Probate Form 2.1 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Ohio Probate Form 6.0 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Ohio Probate Form 7.0 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Ohio Probate Form 8.0 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Arkansas Petition for Probate of Will (w/Examples) + FAQs