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Franklin County, Ohio · Columbus Probate Court · October 2026
Franklin County Probate Court: Case Search, Estates, Fees & E-Filing
Find official probate cases, prepare estate forms, file electronically, request certified copies and locate Franklin County Probate Court in Columbus. This guide explains which court system to use and what to check before paying or filing.
Independent resource: ProbateCourtUSA.org is not the Franklin County Probate Court or a government agency. Official searches and filings take place through the court’s own website.
- Address
- 373 S. High Street
22nd Floor
Columbus, OH 43215 - General hours
- Monday–Friday
8 a.m.–5 p.m. - Main phone
- 614-525-3894
- Payment and filing
- 4:30 p.m. cutoff
Arrive by 4 p.m. for payments
What do you need from Franklin County Probate Court?
The Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Probate Division, handles decedent estates, guardianships, wills, trusts, certain civil proceedings, adoptions, name changes, birth-record matters and marriage licensing. Not every service uses the same search or application system.
Find an estate case
Look up the public case index by name, case number, case type or other available fields.
Search instructions →Open an estate
Determine whether full administration, Release from Administration or Summary Release is appropriate.
Estate filing options →Submit probate forms
Use the mandatory probate e-filing system and review the court’s instructions.
E-filing procedure →Get official records
Request certified copies, a marriage abstract or records not available online.
Copy requests →Apply for guardianship
Review adult and minor guardianship forms, notices and court responsibilities.
Guardianship guide →Apply for a marriage license
Complete the online application before attending the Marriage Department.
Marriage requirements →Scam warning: Probate Court does not process ordinary traffic-ticket or unpaid-toll payments. Treat unexpected payment messages claiming to be from Probate Court cautiously. Verify requests using the court’s published telephone number and official website.
Franklin County’s court is in Columbus, Ohio. Do not confuse it with courts named Franklin County in other states or with Franklin County Municipal Court, which handles different categories of cases.
How to search Franklin County probate cases online
Use the official General Case Search. The court offers several search methods, including case name, case open date, case number and suffix, case type, attorney name and fiduciary name.
Index update: The official search page says its records are current as of the previous day’s date. A filing accepted today might not appear until a later index update.
- Open General Case Search.Use the court’s official website rather than an unrelated public-records advertisement.
- Choose the appropriate search method.Search a known case number first. For a name search, the court provides the format Last Name, First MI., for example, Doe, John B.
- Use the correct case category.Examples of case-type codes include E for Estate, C for Civil, T for Trust, GA for Adult Guardianship and GM for Minor Guardianship.
- Inspect the results carefully.Compare names, case number, type, date and other available information. Similar names may refer to different people.
- Check available entries and documents.Find the specific filing or order you need, rather than assuming that every docket result is an authorized certified copy.
- Keep the case details.Record the case number, party name and filing title before contacting the Certified Records department or submitting later filings.
What can you search by?
| Search field | How to use it |
|---|---|
| Case name | Use surname, given name and middle initial in the court’s stated format. |
| Case number / suffix | Use the identifying information shown on existing case papers. |
| Case open date | Enter the date in MM/DD/YYYY format. |
| Case type / subtype | Filter to estates, civil matters, trusts or applicable guardianships. |
| Attorney or fiduciary name | Useful when the decedent’s name does not produce a clear match. |
Why is the online search unavailable?
The court warns that routine backup activity can interfere with access, particularly on weekday evenings between approximately 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. and at some times on weekends. Try again outside those windows or contact the court if access problems persist.
Restricted proceedings, unindexed records and recently filed documents may also affect results. A blank result is not proof that no probate matter exists.
Which Franklin County probate records can you obtain?
The court maintains records in multiple formats, including electronic images, microfilm, microfiche and original paper documents. It reports that electronic images are available for most filings received on or after August 2, 1998.
Some older records can still be requested even when a convenient image is not available online. The format, location and public-access status depend on the record.
| Record type | Published coverage or rule |
|---|---|
| Estate, guardianship and name-change records | Franklin County Probate Court lists records dating from 1898 to the present. |
| Marriage records | Marriage records date from 1803 to the present. |
| Early Franklin County birth and death records | The Probate Court maintains records for 1867–1908. |
| Later death records | Records for December 20, 1908 through 1944 are held by Ohio History Connection; later death records are generally handled by Ohio vital-records authorities. |
| Confidential records | Certain adoptions, mental-illness proceedings and developmental-disability records are not open to ordinary public inspection. |
What is the difference between a docket and certified record?
A docket is a case activity record. It can identify a petition, order, appointment or other filing. A certified copy is issued with the clerk’s official certification and may be required for banks, property transfers, another court or an official administrative process.
If a receiving institution requests proof of an executor’s authority, ask whether it needs current Letters of Authority rather than an ordinary image of an appointment entry.
Privacy: Public access does not include every filed document. Protected personal identifiers and confidential attachments must be handled under the court’s disclosure rules.
How to open a decedent estate in Franklin County
Estate administration deals with probate assets, court appointment of a fiduciary, applicable creditor claims, asset inventories and distribution or transfer of property. The correct filing depends on how assets were owned, whether there is a will, the person’s domicile and the available simplified procedures.
Some assets transfer outside probate, such as property with valid payable-on-death or transfer-on-death designations or survivorship rights. The existence of a will does not mean every asset must pass through a full probate case.
Full estate administration
A larger estate or one that requires full administration generally involves a court-appointed executor or administrator. The fiduciary may need to collect and value probate property, identify liabilities, notify interested parties, file an inventory, seek permission for certain actions and submit accounts or closing documentation.
Franklin County’s current large-estate guidance lists a $125 statutory minimum deposit and a $250 recommended initial deposit. The minimum does not cover Letters of Authority. A deposit is not necessarily the complete final cost.
Documents commonly needed
- Certified death certificate and information about the decedent.
- Original will, if one exists, following the court’s instructions for presentation.
- Names and addresses of the surviving spouse, heirs, next of kin and beneficiaries.
- Asset descriptions, account statements, real-estate information and estimated values.
- Application for Authority to Administer Estate and required accompanying forms.
- Any necessary waiver, notice, bond or other supporting documentation.
A practical filing sequence
- Confirm venue.Check whether Franklin County Probate Court is the appropriate Ohio court for the proceeding.
- Choose the administration type.Review the official large-estate or small-estate instructions instead of guessing based on a single asset value.
- Obtain the current forms.Use Franklin County’s official estate forms and filing guide.
- Prepare supporting documents.Complete party details, signatures, death information, will documentation and any required notices.
- Submit through Probate E-Filing.Follow the court’s mandatory filing process unless a specific court order provides otherwise.
- Pay the required deposit or charge.Check the current fee schedule and applicable transaction fees.
- Track acceptance and later requirements.Follow court notices and any applicable hearings, appointments, inventories, fiduciary accounts or closing steps.
The official Large Estates department provides filing guidance, costs and resources for this process. The court’s instructions, not this independent article, determine the requirements for a particular filing.
Release from Administration versus Summary Release
Franklin County distinguishes regular estate administration from qualifying small-estate procedures. The dollar value of probate property is one factor, but the identity of beneficiaries, surviving-spouse rights, funeral and burial expenses, debts and other statutory conditions matter as well.
Release from Administration
The court’s small-estate guidance describes qualifying estates with probate assets below $35,000 when someone other than the surviving spouse inherits, or below $100,000 when a surviving spouse is entitled to the entire estate. This is not permission to omit property or disregard debts and notice requirements.
The court’s published release filing charge has been listed in the $105–$115 range, depending on the particular filing. Check the current cost schedule for the exact proceeding.
Summary Release from Administration
Summary Release is a separate procedure available only when the requirements of Ohio law are met. Franklin County’s guidance describes a surviving-spouse pathway involving the statutory support allowance and qualifying funeral or burial expenses. The court describes a potential calculation of $40,000 plus up to $5,000 for qualifying funeral and burial expenses, subject to the applicable limits.
The published base charge for Summary Release has been $105. Confirm eligibility and the live amount rather than assuming every estate valued below $45,000 qualifies.
Do not decide from the threshold alone. The simplified process can depend on the decedent’s marital status, who inherits, the value and type of probate assets, debts, funeral payments and supporting evidence. An attorney can help when those facts are disputed or complicated.
What should you gather before applying?
- Government-issued photo identification and a certified death certificate.
- The original will, if any, with the proper handling method.
- Complete names and addresses for heirs and interested parties.
- Bank statements, vehicle titles, real-property deeds and other evidence of ownership.
- Proof of funeral-home payment or qualifying funeral expenses where relevant.
- Marriage-related evidence when required for a surviving-spouse application.
Consult the Small Estates department and its application guide before preparing a packet. If eligibility cannot be established, full administration or another proceeding may be appropriate.
Searching for wills and Letters of Authority
A will signed during a person’s lifetime does not automatically create a public estate case. The will may be privately held, deposited with the court, or presented for probate after death. When a will is admitted, related filings may become part of the available estate record subject to court access rules.
How do I search for a will?
- Search the estate index.Use the deceased person’s legal name, alternate names and any available case number.
- Check the docket.Look for an application to probate a will or an entry showing its admission or another disposition.
- Ask about a deposited will.If you cannot find an estate case, ask the clerk about the appropriate procedure to search for a will held for safekeeping.
- Request the correct document.If legal proof is required, ask for an appropriate certified copy or official court record.
What are Letters of Authority?
Letters of Authority demonstrate that the Probate Court appointed a fiduciary and granted specified powers. Banks and other institutions may ask for current official letters. Being named executor in a will does not automatically mean the person can exercise all executor powers before an appropriate court appointment.
What if there is no will?
Property subject to probate can be distributed according to Ohio intestacy law. The court may appoint an administrator, and surviving relatives’ rights depend on the applicable statute and case facts. The court’s estate administration resources describe the difference between probate and non-probate assets.
Franklin County Probate Court E-Filing step by step
Electronic filing is mandatory for Probate Court case types unless otherwise ordered by the court. The court uses a dedicated e-filing system for new cases and documents in cases already pending.
Scheduled outage: The court has announced e-filing maintenance for Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The application is expected to be unavailable during that window. Check the official court notice before attempting a time-sensitive filing.
- Open the official e-filing instructions.Go to the Probate Court E-Filing page and review the guide for your case type.
- Register as a filer.Use a working email address and agree to the court’s applicable filing requirements.
- Select New Case or Existing Cases correctly.If a matter is already pending, choose Existing Cases, enter the existing case number and select eFile. Do not create a duplicate case.
- Prepare PDF and proposed-order documents.The court requires the capability to save PDF documents and may require Microsoft Word .doc or .docx format for proposed orders or entries.
- Redact protected information.Check every attachment and exhibit for personal identifiers and confidential information. The court expressly places redaction responsibility on the filer.
- Choose the correct document type.Attach the necessary forms and supporting material according to the relevant filing guide.
- Review and submit payment.Pay the required deposit or charge and any transaction fee through the system.
- Monitor filing status.Check for acceptance or rejection and correct deficiencies. An electronic submission is not necessarily an accepted filing.
When is the e-filing cutoff?
The court’s e-filing guidance states that pleadings requiring a new case number or payment of court costs must be filed by 4:30 p.m.. The building remaining open until 5 p.m. does not extend the transaction cutoff.
Can I view filed documents online?
The court says registered users may view available non-confidential documents through E-Filing Case History. That service differs from the public General Case Search, and access remains subject to applicable restrictions.
Important original documents and notarization
Check the estate filing guide for special treatment of original wills and other documents. The court also says that if an individual physically located in Ohio uses an online notary, the notary must be licensed in Ohio and physically located in Ohio during the notarization.
Technical support: [email protected].
Find current Franklin County probate forms
The court provides different forms for large estates, small estates, guardianships, adoptions, name changes, trusts, marriage services and other proceedings. Use the court’s own form directory instead of a packet copied from another county.
Estate forms
Estate matters may require applications to probate a will, applications for authority to administer an estate, surviving-spouse and next-of-kin details, notices, waivers, inventories, bond documents and fiduciary accounts. The exact set depends on the proceeding.
2026 form updates
Franklin County has updated several filing workflows and forms during 2026, including fiduciary-bond, hearing and continuance-related materials. The court also announced that, starting February 23, 2026, it stopped issuing the former Notice of Compliance – Legal in new large-estate cases.
Do not wait for that former notice before submitting a proposed entry if the current filing guide permits submission. Check the official instructions instead of reusing an old checklist.
Before you submit any form
- Verify the latest form number and revision.
- Read the court’s specific case-type filing guide.
- Confirm whether the form must be signed, sworn or notarized.
- Include any required supporting evidence and notices.
- Check whether a proposed entry is required in Word format.
- Remove confidential personal information from public-filed material.
- Confirm deposit, filing method and deadline.
Open the official court homepage and choose its Forms / EZ Forms Search menu to find the current court materials. The court’s e-filing page links to workflow-specific guides.
Franklin County probate fees and deposits
Deposits and flat fees are different. A large-estate deposit can be used toward later costs, and a remaining balance may be returned when the case closes. Some other proceedings have a flat filing charge. Always check the current official fee page before submission.
| Procedure or service | Published amount | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Full estate administration | $125 minimum | $250 recommended deposit; minimum does not cover Letters of Authority. |
| Ancillary administration | $125 deposit | Additional costs may apply. |
| Release from Administration | Approximately $105–$115 | Use the exact current procedure and fee listing. |
| Summary Release | $105 | Subject to statutory eligibility. |
| Wrongful death | $175 deposit | Separate court procedure. |
| Probate only | $73 | Real-estate and tax variants have separate charges. |
| Will for record only | $63 | Other will-related filings may differ. |
| Adult guardianship | $189 | Additional obligations and charges can apply. |
| Minor guardianship | $114 | Check the correct minor guardianship packet. |
| Conservatorship | $189 | Court-specific requirements. |
| Marriage license | $65 | Card processing fee can apply. |
| Certified copies | $1 per page | Ordinary paper copies are 10¢ per page. |
Card fees and payment timing
The court’s general cost guidance distinguishes payment processing by channel. The published transaction charges include 2.5% with a $2 minimum for applicable in-person credit/debit transactions, and 3% for e-filing card payments. Marriage transactions have their own published 3% card-service rate.
Because publication charges, extra documents and financial-institution fees can change, the live cost schedule is the best final source. Some filing guides also explain that paper cash payments are not accepted in the e-filing transaction workflow.
How to get Franklin County certified probate records
The Certified Records department provides regular copies, certified records, record searches and information about historical documents. Some items may require searching stored paper, microfilm or microfiche records.
Published record-copy fees
| Copy type | Charge |
|---|---|
| Certified court copy | $1 per page |
| Regular paper copy | $0.10 per page |
| Regular copies on CD | $1 per CD |
| Certified marriage abstract | $2 per copy, plus applicable ordering or postage charges |
How to request a record
- Identify the record.Use the docket to find the case number, person and required order or filing.
- Ask the recipient what is needed.Determine whether a regular copy, certified record or Letters of Authority will satisfy the request.
- Contact the Certified Records office.Record searches may be requested by email or U.S. Mail, with the court advising the cost.
- Prepare a mail request if required.Include a clear description, appropriate payment as instructed and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Check delivery and access arrangements.For an in-person record search, the court states that an appointment may be necessary.
Certified record mail address:
Franklin County Probate Court
ATTN: Certified Desk
373 South High Street, 22nd Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215-6311
Email: [email protected]
For historical research, check the court’s published record date ranges. A court search may be more useful than a general online case query when the document predates electronic imaging.
Adult guardianship, minor guardianship and conservatorship
Guardianship allows a court-appointed person to carry out specific responsibilities for an individual or that individual’s property, depending on the proceeding and order. The Probate Court considers legal eligibility, required notice and evidence before making an appointment.
Adult guardianship
The court’s published adult guardianship application charge is $189. An application may require medical or expert evidence, next-of-kin information, notice, background checks, investigation and a hearing. Not all adult guardianship situations require precisely the same documents.
Minor guardianship
The listed application cost is $114. Minor guardianship cases may involve parental rights, consents, notice, assets and reporting requirements. Use the separate minor guardianship packet rather than adult guardianship forms.
After a guardian is appointed
A guardian may need to file inventories, reports or accounts, obtain court approval for certain decisions and observe continuing orders. Restricted medical or other confidential records may not be available in the public case index.
For guardianship filing instructions and current documents, use the official Guardianship Department and Probate Court forms directory. The court lists its general guardianship phone as 614-525-3894.
Legal rights: Guardianship can significantly affect an adult’s independent decisions or a child’s care and property. Contested cases and decisions about less-restrictive alternatives warrant advice from an Ohio attorney.
Franklin County marriage licenses and certified marriage abstracts
The Marriage Department is on the 23rd floor at 373 South High Street, not the Probate Court’s general 22nd-floor service area. Its published hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., with license issuance handled by 4 p.m.
How to get a marriage license
- Complete the online application.Both applicants must provide the necessary details before appearing in person. The court says the submitted application is valid for 30 days.
- Confirm eligibility and residency.Ohio residents generally obtain the license from the county where one applicant resides. Out-of-state applicants marrying in Franklin County may apply there.
- Gather valid identification.Each applicant needs unexpired photo identification with a birth date. Prior marriages, residency evidence or foreign documents may require additional certified records.
- Appear at the Marriage Department.Both applicants generally must be present during the allowed issuance window.
- Pay the fee and use the license.The published fee is $65, and the marriage license is valid for 60 days after issuance.
How to get a certified marriage abstract
A certified marriage abstract is available after the officiant returns the signed marriage certification and the court records it. Before ordering, check the Marriage License Search to make sure the record belongs to Franklin County and the certification has been returned.
The court lists certified marriage abstracts at $2 each. Online orders may include a $1 transaction service charge plus postage. It currently sends these records through standard U.S. Mail rather than expedited mailing.
Marriage Department phone: 614-525-3108. Consult the official marriage requirements before applying or ordering a document.
Franklin County Probate Court address, departments and map
Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Probate Division
373 South High Street, 22nd Floor
Columbus, OH 43215-6311
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., except legal holidays.
For filings requiring payment, the cashier closes at 4:30 p.m. and the court recommends arriving no later than 4 p.m.. The Marriage Department occupies the 23rd floor and has a separate licensing schedule.
| Department | Contact |
|---|---|
| General Probate Court / Estates | 614-525-3894 |
| Accounts | 614-525-3844 |
| Adoption | 614-525-3840 |
| Marriage | 614-525-3108 |
| Guardianship investigators | 614-525-6109 / 614-525-6296 |
| Name change | 614-525-5362 |
| Mediation | 614-525-3830 |
| TTY | 614-525-7591 |
| General email / Certified Records requests | [email protected] |
Courthouse directions
The address below is the Franklin County Probate Court’s official Columbus location. Check the department floor, hearing instructions and whether an appointment is needed before visiting.
Accessibility and language assistance
The court provides contact information for TTY service and interpretation resources. If you need an accommodation, ask the court before your scheduled proceeding rather than assuming an interpreter or other service will be arranged automatically.
Common Franklin County probate filing problems
The search does not show the estate
Try a case number, the court’s last-name-first format and an alternate name. Check the court’s previous-day indexing rule. Make sure you selected the correct case type and Ohio county.
You opened a second case by mistake
The court specifically directs filers with a pending matter to use Existing Cases. Do not submit another new estate application to correct a document on an existing case. Ask the clerk how to resolve an accidental duplicate filing.
An e-filed document was rejected
Review the rejection reason, missing documents, signatures, confidentiality errors and cost requirements. Correct and resubmit in accordance with the court’s directions. Filing deadlines remain important.
You need a document for a bank or title company
Find out if the recipient requires current Letters of Authority, a certified appointment entry or another record. The Certified Records department can explain its procedures and charges.
You are using an old form packet
Compare your saved documents with the court’s current 2026 forms and e-filing guides. Revisions can affect forms, proposed entries, attachments and required notices.
Someone is demanding a toll or traffic payment
Do not assume the notice is genuine. Probate Court does not administer ordinary traffic tickets or unpaid tolls. Verify a questionable demand through the appropriate official agency rather than the contact information in a suspicious message.
Franklin County Probate Court FAQs
Where is Franklin County Probate Court?
It is at 373 South High Street, 22nd Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215-6311. The Marriage Department is on the 23rd floor.
How do I search Franklin County probate cases by name?
Use the official General Case Search and enter the name in the court’s surname-first format. You can also search by case number, open date, attorney or fiduciary details.
Are Franklin County probate search results updated immediately?
No. The court says the General Case Search index is current through the previous day’s date. Newly accepted cases can take time to appear.
Is e-filing mandatory for Franklin County probate matters?
Yes. The court states electronic filing is mandatory for Probate Court case types unless the court orders otherwise.
How much does full estate administration cost?
The court lists a $125 minimum statutory deposit and recommends $250. The minimum does not cover Letters of Authority, and total charges depend on the case.
What is the small-estate limit?
Franklin County guidance describes limits below $35,000 when someone other than the surviving spouse inherits, and below $100,000 when the surviving spouse inherits the entire estate. Other statutory conditions apply.
How much is a certified probate document?
The current Certified Records page lists certified court copies at $1 per page and ordinary paper copies at $0.10 per page.
Does Franklin County Probate Court have old estate records?
Yes. The court reports estate, guardianship and name-change records dating from 1898, although older items may be stored in non-digital formats.
What is the cutoff for fee-bearing filings?
Pleadings requiring a new case number or payment of court costs must be filed by 4:30 p.m. The court advises arriving by 4 p.m. if in-person payment is required.
Can I order a marriage abstract from another Ohio county?
No. Franklin County directs applicants to the Probate Court in the county that issued the marriage license. Check the issuance county before ordering.
How long is a Franklin County marriage license valid?
The license is valid for 60 days after issuance. The online application must be completed within 30 days before the in-person visit.
Can Probate Court staff advise me which estate process to use?
Court employees can explain procedures, forms and administrative requirements but cannot provide individualized legal advice. An Ohio attorney can advise you about a particular estate.
Official Franklin County court resources
The following links are the appropriate starting points for actual court services. Use the official website to confirm current fees, forms, filing rules, service restrictions and closures.
Related Ohio probate guides on ProbateCourtUSA.org
Probate cases are handled county by county. If your case belongs in another jurisdiction, the following existing guides can help you locate the correct court. Franklin County’s e-filing credentials, costs and docket are not shared with these other counties.