OH estate risk

Complexity triggers in Ohio

Scenarios that increase estate risk, such as blended families or multi-state property.

Ohio lets a surviving spouse elect between the will and the statutory share, and it provides a support allowance during administration.

Which situations create the most risk here?What types of families face higher default exposure?Where do disputes most often arise?

At a glance

Key takeaways

A surviving spouse may elect to take under the will or take the share provided by statute, which affects the distribution.
A $40,000 support allowance is available for the surviving spouse and minor children before other distributions.

Questions to consider

State overview

Ohio lets a surviving spouse elect between the will and the statutory share, and it provides a support allowance during administration.

A surviving spouse may elect to take under the will or take the share provided by statute, which affects the distribution.
A $40,000 support allowance is available for the surviving spouse and minor children before other distributions.

Sources

Background sources

National sources provide baseline context; state statutes and court rules control in Ohio.

Optional next steps

Educational resources only. No forms and no legal advice.

Context links

Understand death-risk context for Ohio

LifeRiskIQ gives broader mortality context that can help frame when estate planning becomes more urgent.

Understand retirement-risk context for Ohio

RetirementRiskIQ explains how asset growth and longevity can increase estate complexity over time.

Review federal estate tax basics

IRS guidance on federal estate tax thresholds, filings, and definitions.