COLUMBUS, Ohio — Mike DeWine has signed House Bill 55 into law, making changes to how fees are handled in the administration of probate estates across the state.
House Bill 55, sponsored by Brian Stewart (R-Ashville), amends Ohio law related to fees charged during the probate process — the legal procedure used to settle a deceased person’s estate.
Probate courts oversee the distribution of assets, payment of debts, and transfer of property after someone dies. Courts are permitted to charge fees to help cover administrative costs associated with managing those cases.
Supporters of the bill say the change is intended to clarify and standardize how probate-related fees are assessed, helping ensure consistency across counties and providing clearer guidance for courts and families navigating the probate system.
The new law updates provisions governing those administrative fees, which could affect the costs estates pay during probate proceedings. The measure aims to improve transparency and modernize portions of Ohio’s probate code.
The law will take effect 90 days after the governor’s signature.
