What does "probate" refer to in Ohio law?

In Ohio law, "probate" specifically refers to the legal process of validating a will and administering the estate of a deceased person. This process involves several key steps, including proving the validity of the will, appointing an executor or administrator, and overseeing the distribution of the deceased's assets according to the terms of the will or, if no will exists, according to Ohio's intestacy laws.

Probate ensures that creditors are paid, taxes are settled, and the remaining assets are distributed to the rightful heirs. The probate court oversees these proceedings, providing a legal framework that helps to resolve any disputes that might arise regarding the will or the estate's management.

This understanding of probate is distinct from other areas of law; for instance, establishing the validity of a business contract or managing a corporation involves different legal principles and procedures that do not involve estate matters. Similarly, resolving criminal cases falls outside the scope of probate law, focusing instead on criminal statutes and procedures. These distinctions highlight the specificity of the probate process in relation to estate matters and the validation of wills in Ohio.