What are Ohio's intestate laws regarding estate distribution?

Full question:

Is there an intestate law in Ohio? If so, what is it? or where can I find it.

• Category: Wills and Estates
• Date: 04/07/2025
• State: Ohio

Answer:

In Ohio, if a person dies without a valid will (intestate), their estate is distributed according to specific laws. The distribution starts with the surviving spouse, who generally receives the following:

1. If there are no children or if all children are also children of the spouse, the spouse inherits the entire estate.
2. If there is one child and the spouse is not the child's parent, the spouse gets the first $20,000 plus half of the remaining estate. The child or their descendants receive the rest.
3. If there is a spouse and multiple children, the spouse receives the first $60,000 (if they are a parent of at least one child) or $20,000 (if they are not a parent), plus one-third of the remaining estate. The children share the rest equally or through their descendants.

If there is no surviving spouse, the estate is distributed as follows:

1. To the decedent's children or their descendants.
2. To the decedent's parents equally.
3. To the decedent's siblings or their descendants.
4. To the decedent's grandparents, half to each side (paternal and maternal).
5. To the lineal descendants of deceased grandparents.
6. To stepchildren or their descendants.

If no heirs are found, the estate goes to the state of Ohio. Personal property is paid to the county treasurer for the school fund, while real property is sold, with proceeds shared between state and local governments. Ohio's intestate succession laws are detailed in Title 21 of the Ohio Revised Code.