Probate Services

Estate Administration and Probate Services in Southeast Ohio

Estates – Guardianships – Adoptions – Name Changes – Settlements

At Fields, Dehmlow & Vessels, in Marietta, Ohio, we are experienced in the administration of estates and other matters before probate courts. The probate courts in Ohio essentially serve to protect those who cannot act on their own behalf: children, those who are mentally incompetent, and the deceased. Specifically, the probate courts oversee the safekeeping and lawful transfer of property related to the children, incompetents, and the deceased.

We have experience in handling the following types of matters in probate court:

  • Estate administration (transfer of property after death)
  • Guardianships of children and incompetent adults
  • Contested guardianships
  • Adoptions
  • Name changes
  • Wrongful death settlements
  • Settlements of behalf of minors
  • Recovery and payment of debts from estates
  • Will contests
  • Missing or concealed assets
  • Estate Administration

In almost every case in which a person dies with property, the heirs must have the transfer of that person’s property overseen by the probate court. The process is fairly complex and includes many forms and required reports. It is important to have an attorney who can guide you through the process and avoid unnecessary delays in settling your loved-one’s estate.

Guardianships

There are times when your loved one can no longer look after their own affairs. Ohio law provides procedures in which a person can apply to be the legal guardian for another person who has become incompetent—or guardian of that person’s property. Likewise, there are many situation in which an adult must apply to become the legal guardian of a minor or a minor’s property until they reach 18.

The probate court oversees this process, and like estate administration, it can be complex and require the filing of many forms and reports. Our firm is experienced in handling guardianship matters.

Adoptions

The probate court also oversees adoptions. Numerous legal issues can arise during the adoption process. For instance, when step-parents and grandparents adopt, the biological parents may contest the adoption. And, like guardianships and estate administration, the process can be complex. Our firm is experienced in advising clients wishing to adopt and handling the details of the adoption proceedings.

Contact Us

If you have questions regarding probate administration, guardianships, or adoption law, contact the lawyers of Fields, Dehmlow & Vessels. We accept credit cards and are conveniently located in downtown Marietta directly across from the courthouse. To contact our firm, call 740-374-5346.

Practice Area

Estate Planning & Probate Services

Estate Planning & Trusts

Probate Services

Elder Law