Probate and Recording Deeds in Lucas County (Toledo), Ohio
Where to file a will or open probate, and where to record a deed, in Lucas County (Toledo) — with the state rules that apply.
Recording deeds
E-recording: yes - partnering companies: CSC, ePN, Simplifile - https://www.co.lucas.oh.us/675/Recorder
Recording fee: $39.00 for the first two pages and $8.00 for each additional page (effective April 1, 2026, Ohio SB 94) Fee schedule
Ohio rules that apply
| Small estate affidavit | Ohio does not use a small estate affidavit. Instead, the probate court may relieve an estate from administration on application (see simplified probate). A summary release from administration is available when estate assets do not exceed the lesser of $5,000 or the funeral and burial expenses, to a non-spouse who paid or is obligated in writing to pay those expenses; a surviving spouse may use it when assets do not exceed the spouse's support allowance plus up to $5,000 of funeral and burial expenses. The application must be on the Supreme Court form and signed before a notary or deputy probate clerk; real estate passes through a certificate of transfer. Source: Ohio Rev. Code 2113.031 |
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| Probate steps | Typical steps: apply to probate the will and/or for authority to administer the estate in the county probate court; the court issues letters and the fiduciary posts any required bond; the fiduciary files an inventory and appraisal within three months of appointment; creditors present claims within six months after death; the fiduciary files a final and distributive account within six months after appointment (or a certificate of termination when the fiduciary is the sole beneficiary), subject to statutory exceptions; real estate is transferred with a certificate of transfer. |
| Signing and recording a deed | A deed must be signed by the grantor and acknowledged before a notary public, a judge or clerk of an Ohio court of record, a county auditor or engineer, or a mayor. Witnesses are not required. Before recording, the grantee files a statement of the value of the property conveyed with the county auditor on the form prescribed by the tax commissioner; the deed is then recorded with the county recorder. The conveyance fee rate is set by statute and county resolution and varies by county. Source: Ohio Rev. Code 5301.01; 319.202 |
| Transfer-on-death deed | Yes. An owner of real property may sign a transfer on death designation affidavit naming one or more beneficiaries; a married owner's spouse also signs. The affidavit must be sworn before a person authorized to administer oaths and must be recorded with the county recorder where the property is located before the owner's death. It does not need delivery to, or consideration from, the beneficiaries. Source: Ohio Rev. Code 5302.22 |
All Ohio wills, probate and estate rules · Eviction court and tenant help in Lucas County (Toledo)
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.