Cleveland Probate Attorney

Probate Administration Lawyer for Cuyahoga County, Lake County, & Lorain County

The loss of a family member brings profound emotional grief while simultaneously triggering a legal process known as probate administration. This court-supervised procedure transfers the deceased's assets to their rightful heirs and settles outstanding debts. Guiding families through the complexities of this process forms a core function of our practice at Law Offices of Daniel McGowan, LLC. We provide comprehensive legal counsel to executors and administrators, managing the bureaucratic demands so families can focus on healing.

Law Offices of Daniel McGowan, LLC operates extensively within the probate courts of Cuyahoga, Lake, and Lorain Counties. We navigate the specific filing requirements of each jurisdiction, including Cuyahoga County's mandatory e-filing system and Lorain County's particular protocols for attorney fee calculations. 

We handle a variety of probate case types, including: 

We move estates forward efficiently, preventing the delays that frequently occur when procedural steps are overlooked or missed.

Call (216) 616-7592 or contact us online to schedule an estimate with a probate attorney in Cleveland today.

Full Administration vs. Relief from Administration

Not every estate demands the heavy lifting of traditional probate. We assess the specific assets involved in your case to identify the most efficient method of transfer. For qualifying estates, we utilize streamlined procedures such as "relief from administration" (for assets under $35,000, or $100,000 if the spouse is the sole heir) or "summary release from administration." These expedited paths allow us to bypass the full administrative docket, significantly reducing both the timeline and the associated court costs.

When an estate requires "full administration," we steer the fiduciary through every statutory milestone. From the initial Application to Probate Will through the formal appointment of the executor, we oversee the critical procedural milestones. We handle the precise notification of next of kin and beneficiaries, verifying that all interested parties receive the notices mandated by Ohio Civil Rules and local court protocols.

Inventory, Appraisal, & Debt Resolution

One of the executor’s key responsibilities is identifying and valuing the decedent’s property. We coordinate with court-approved appraisers to determine the value of real estate, vehicles, and personal property. After completing this process, we prepare the “inventory and appraisal” and file it with the court within the statutory three-month deadline. This filing establishes the estate’s initial value for accounting purposes.

We also handle the complex process of creditor claims. Ohio law imposes a strict six-month statute of limitations for creditors to present claims against the estate. Our team reviews each claim for validity, rejects those that are improper or untimely, and advises the executor on the statutory priority of payments to protect the fiduciary from personal liability for incorrect distributions.  

What to Expect During Probate — Clear Steps, Typical Timeline, and Costs

Probate can feel overwhelming, especially while you’re grieving. Knowing the typical steps, how long each takes, and what costs to expect can make the process far less stressful. Below is a straightforward guide to help Cleveland families understand the probate journey and how our office supports them at every stage.

Typical Probate Timeline

• Initial consultation & document collection (1–4 weeks): We review the will (if any), death certificate, and asset information, and file the necessary petitions with the probate court.
• Notice & creditor period (3–6 months): The court requires that creditors and interested parties be notified. Claims are evaluated and resolved during this window.
• Inventory and appraisal (2–4 months): Assets are identified and valued. For complex estates this can take longer—our experience helps expedite accurate valuations.
• Administration & distribution (6–12+ months): After resolving debts and taxes, assets are distributed according to the will or Ohio intestacy law. Simple estates may close sooner; estates with real property, business interests, or disputes require more time.

Common Costs and How We Help Control Them

• Courts fees and filing fees — predictable and required; we provide a complete estimate upfront.
• Appraisal and valuation costs — we recommend cost-effective, qualified appraisers and coordinate the process to avoid duplicate charges.
• Attorney fees — we offer transparent billing, often with flat-fee options for straightforward matters and clear estimates for contested or complex cases.
• Tax preparation and accounting — we work with trusted tax professionals to limit surprises and ensure timely filings.

Practical Checklist to Get Started

Gathering the following documents before your first meeting speeds the process and reduces stress:

• Original will and any codicils
• Death certificate (or order for it)
• Recent account statements for bank, investment, retirement, and brokerage accounts
• Titles or deeds for real estate, vehicle titles
• Insurance policies and benefit information (life, long-term care)
• List of known creditors, bills, and outstanding loans

At the Law Offices of Daniel McGowan, LLC, we provide a realistic timeline for your specific estate, a written estimate of likely costs, and a single point of contact who keeps you informed at every step. If disputes arise, we can shift from an administrative approach to litigation when necessary—always with a focus on protecting the estate and minimizing expense.