Probate is a legal process that handles the distribution of a deceased person’s assets, settling debts, and resolving any claims against the estate. In Ohio, probate ensures that the deceased’s assets are divided according to their will or, if there is no will, according to the state’s intestacy laws. However, this process can be both time-consuming and costly, often consuming 3-7% of the estate’s total value. Understanding how probate works and how to potentially avoid it can save time, money, and stress for your loved ones.