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Franklin County Probate Court Case Search, Forms, Fees & E-Filing
Search Franklin County probate cases, request certified records, choose the correct estate route, use mandatory e-Filing, find updated 2026 forms, check filing costs, handle guardianship or marriage tasks, and reach the correct Columbus Probate Court department.
Where Should Franklin County Probate Court Users Start?
Franklin County Probate Court is the Probate Division of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas in Columbus, Ohio. Start with General Case Search when you need available public case information, Certified Records when you need an official copy, the Forms page before preparing a filing, and the Court Costs page before paying.
Electronic filing is mandatory for Probate Court case types unless the court orders otherwise. If a case is already pending, use the e-Filing system’s Existing Cases option with the existing case number instead of opening another new case.
Scam warning: Franklin County Probate Court does not handle unpaid tolls or ordinary traffic tickets. Messages claiming you owe those charges to “Probate Court” should not be treated as legitimate Probate Court payment notices.
Choose the Franklin County Probate Task You Actually Need
Most users need one specific action: locate a case, request certified documents, open an estate, use e-Filing, check costs, start guardianship, or complete a marriage-license task.
Search a probate case, estate, trust or guardianship
Case name, case number, date, type, subtype, attorney, fiduciary or other available search fields.
Start with Franklin County Probate Court General Case Search.
The search is current through the previous day and some matters are confidential.
How to Search Franklin County Probate Court Records
Use General Case Search to identify the correct probate matter before filing, ordering documents or contacting the court about a specific case.
Confirm Franklin County, Ohio
Make sure the matter belongs to Franklin County Probate Court in Columbus rather than another Franklin County or another Franklin County court division.
Open General Case Search
Available fields include case name, open date, case number, suffix, type, subtype, attorney and fiduciary information.
Use the strongest identifier first
A case number is usually strongest. Otherwise use the court’s name format and try the decedent, fiduciary, guardian, ward or attorney.
Allow for the previous-day update
The official search says its records are current as of the previous day’s date, so a very recent filing may not appear immediately.
Use Certified Records when official proof is needed
A docket result is useful for lookup, but banks, agencies, title companies and other courts may require certified documents.
Search trouble: routine backups can affect access on weekday evenings between approximately 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. and at times on weekends.
Franklin County Certified Records and Older Probate Files
The Certified Records department maintains records for estates, guardianships, name changes, marriage licenses and other Probate Court matters, subject to confidentiality restrictions.
Estates, guardianships and name changes
The court lists these record groups from 1898 to the present.
Marriage records
Franklin County Probate Court lists marriage records beginning in 1803.
Older birth and death records
The court maintains certain Franklin County birth and death records from 1867 through 1908.
Electronic images
Electronic images are available for most filings received on or after August 2, 1998.
Older formats
Older records can exist as hard-copy originals, microfilm, microfiche or electronic images depending on age.
Confidential records: adoption, mental-illness, developmental-disability and certain protected-person information may not be open for public inspection.
Mail requests: Franklin County Probate Court, ATTN: Certified Desk, 373 South High Street, 22nd Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215-6311. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope when instructed.
Large Estate vs Release vs Summary Administration
Franklin County separates larger estate administration from qualifying small-estate procedures. Asset value is important, but surviving-spouse status, beneficiaries, debts, funeral expenses and the type of probate property also affect the correct route.
Full administration
$125 minimum / $250 recommendedLarge-estate administration is generally used when probate assets exceed the small-estate limits or formal fiduciary administration is otherwise required.
- The $125 statutory minimum does not cover Letters of Authority.
- The court recommends a $250 deposit.
- Inventories, claims, accounts and later filings may apply.
Qualifying small estate
$35,000 / $100,000Franklin County describes a small estate as less than $35,000 when someone other than a surviving spouse inherits, or less than $100,000 when a surviving spouse inherits the entire estate.
- All probate assets should be reported initially.
- Interested parties and creditors may require notice.
- Release filing cost is currently $105-$115.
Surviving-spouse route
$40,000 + up to $5,000When a surviving spouse is entitled to all assets and the estate is below the applicable level, current court guidance describes a summary route involving the $40,000 support allowance and qualifying funeral/burial expenses.
- Additional funeral amount is capped by the applicable lesser-of rule.
- Maximum described total can reach $45,000.
- Current summary administration filing cost is $105.
Do not choose a small-estate procedure from the threshold alone. Verify the current Franklin County packet and Ohio eligibility requirements before filing.
What Franklin County Says to Gather for a Small Estate
The court’s small-estate guidance identifies several items that can be important before filing a Release or Summary Administration matter.
Identity and death documents
- Government-issued photo identification.
- Certified copy of the death certificate.
- Original will when one exists.
Estate and family information
- Complete filing packet.
- Surviving-spouse information.
- Beneficiaries and next of kin.
Asset and funeral proof
- Bank statements or other account proof.
- Vehicle titles or real-estate deeds when relevant.
- Proof of funeral-home payment.
If estate assets exceed $35,000 and the surviving-spouse route is being used, Franklin County’s current small-estate guidance may require additional proof such as a certified marriage abstract in certain no-will cases.
Franklin County Original Will and Will-on-Deposit Guidance
Franklin County’s estate guidance says a will should be presented to Probate Court as soon as practical after death, even when no probate assets are known. Small-estate instructions also tell users to bring the original will when one exists.
Use the original
Do not assume a photocopy or saved scan replaces the original will when the court requires the original document.
Will for record only
Franklin County’s current cost schedule lists a separate “Will for record only” procedure.
Will for safe keeping
A separate will-deposit or safe-keeping service is also available under the court’s current cost schedule.
Franklin County Probate Court E-Filing Rules
Franklin County Probate Court states that e-Filing is mandatory for all Probate Court case types unless otherwise ordered by the court.
Do not open a duplicate case
If your probate matter is already pending, choose Existing Cases, enter the case number and use the eFile option.
4:30 p.m. filing cutoff
Pleadings requiring a new case number or payment of court costs must be filed by 4:30 p.m.
E-Filing uses card payment
E-Filing payments are made by credit or debit card and the current Court Costs page lists a 3% transaction fee.
Redaction is the filer’s responsibility
Filers are responsible for removing personal identifiers and confidential information from filed documents and attachments.
Prepare PDF and Word documents
The court’s e-Filing information says filers need PDF capability and may need Word format for proposed orders or entries.
View non-confidential filed documents
Registered users can use E-Filing Case History to view available non-confidential filings.
Technical e-Filing help: efiling-probate@franklincountyohio.gov.
Franklin County Probate Form and Estate Procedure Changes
Franklin County Probate Court has been revising and simplifying forms during 2026, so an older saved packet may no longer match the court’s current form set.
Several forms were replaced
The court announced changes involving fiduciary-bond, hearing and continuance forms, with additional revisions still possible.
Notice of Compliance – Legal changed
Beginning February 23, 2026, the court stopped issuing a Notice of Compliance – Legal in new large estates.
No need to wait for the old legal notice
Current guidance says filers can submit proposed entries without waiting for the former Notice of Compliance – Legal workflow.
Before reusing any Franklin County probate form saved before 2026, search the official Forms page by form number or keyword and compare the current version.
How to Find Franklin County Probate Court Forms
Franklin County’s Forms page says users must use the search box on that page because it is the search that searches court documents.
Open the official Forms page
Do not begin with an old download from another website.
Search by form number first
If you know the form number, use it. Otherwise use a few specific keywords.
Confirm the correct case category
Estate, guardianship, civil probate, name change, adoption and other matters use different form groups.
Check local requirements
Review current court rules, filing guides and 2026 form changes before submitting the packet.
Franklin County Probate Filing Checklist
Correct case number
Search first when a matter may already exist. Do not create a second case for an existing proceeding.
Current form version
Franklin County is revising forms in 2026, so verify the version on the court’s Forms page.
Redacted personal data
Remove protected personal identifiers and confidential information before e-Filing.
Correct document format
Prepare the required PDF and, when necessary, Word proposed order or entry.
Correct payment amount
Check the current deposit, later court costs and transaction fee before submitting.
Submit before cutoff
New-case and cost-bearing pleadings must meet the court’s 4:30 p.m. filing deadline.
Local rules and administrative orders: Franklin County publishes current local rules, signature standards, e-Filing orders and procedure-specific administrative orders separately from the Forms page.
Common Franklin County Probate Court Filing Costs
Deposits are not necessarily the final cost of a probate case. Additional pleadings, Letters of Authority, copies, publication, hearings or other activity can change the final amount.
In-person card payments
The current general Court Costs page lists a 2.5% credit/debit transaction fee with a $2 minimum for applicable in-person transactions.
E-Filing card payments
E-Filing payments are currently subject to a 3% transaction fee.
Marriage transactions
The Marriage Department currently lists a 3% service fee for credit/debit marriage-license payments.
Verify the official Court Costs page immediately before paying.
Franklin County Guardianship Filing Help
Guardianship filings can involve an application, notice, investigation, background checks, expert evidence, hearings and continuing reports or accounts depending on the matter.
$189 application
Additional expenses such as background-check, expert-evaluation or hearing costs may apply.
$114 application
Use the separate current minor-guardianship packet and verify notice, consent, bond and hearing requirements.
$189 application
Financial management can involve ongoing accounting, reporting or court-permission requirements.
Court employees cannot give legal advice. Franklin County explains that legal practice in Probate Court is restricted to attorneys licensed by the Supreme Court of Ohio.
Franklin County Marriage License and Certified Marriage Abstracts
Franklin County Probate Court issues marriage licenses, while the Marriage Department has separate hours and is located on the 23rd floor.
Online application first
Complete the online application before appearing in person. The online application is valid for 30 days.
Both applicants appear
Both applicants generally must appear in Probate Court with the required identification and supporting records.
$65 license
The current marriage-license fee is $65.
60-day validity
A Franklin County marriage license is valid for 60 days from issuance.
Marriage Department
373 South High Street, 23rd Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215.
Phone: 614-525-3108.
Marriage hours
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The last marriage license is issued at 4:00 p.m.
Certified marriage abstract: $2 per copy. Confirm that the marriage license was issued in Franklin County before ordering because the court warns that some online orders are non-refundable.
Other Matters Franklin County Probate Court Handles
Probate Court work is broader than estates and guardianships. The court also handles several other probate-jurisdiction matters.
Trusts
Trust administration and accepting jurisdiction proceedings can be filed in Probate Court when applicable.
Name changes
Name-change petitions use separate forms, costs, notice and court procedures.
Adoptions
Adoptions are Probate Court matters but the records are generally confidential.
Birth corrections
The court handles certain delayed birth registration and birth-record correction matters.
Minor settlements
Court approval may be required for qualifying settlements involving minors.
Probate civil matters
The Probate Court also has jurisdiction over certain civil litigation related to probate matters.
Why a Franklin County Probate Case May Not Appear Online
Previous-day update
A very new filing may not appear because General Case Search is current through the previous day.
Backup window
Weekday evening backups and weekend maintenance can temporarily affect online access.
Name format
Try the court’s last-name, first-name format, alternate spelling, middle initial, fiduciary or attorney name.
Confidential matter
Adoption, mental-illness, developmental-disability and other protected information may not be public.
Wrong case type
Check whether the matter is estate, trust, guardianship, civil, name change, minor settlement or another type.
Older record format
Older files may require Certified Records help because they can be stored on microfilm, microfiche or hard copy.
Official Franklin County Probate Court Links
Franklin County Probate Court Address, Phone and Hours
Franklin County Probate Court
373 S. High Street
22nd Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
Main phone:
614-525-3894
General email:
probate@franklincountyohio.gov
Hours and department contacts
- General court hours: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday.
- Cashier closes: 4:30 p.m.
- Payment visit: arrive by 4:00 p.m.
- Certified Records: 614-525-3899.
- Marriage: 614-525-3108.
- Marriage Department: 23rd Floor.
The court remains open until 5:00 p.m. for informational, non-transaction business after the cashier closes.
Map to Franklin County Probate Court in Columbus
Verify the department floor, filing method, payment cutoff and required documents before traveling to the courthouse.
373 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
Franklin County Probate Terms to Know
General Case Search
The court’s public probate case-index search system.
Certified Records
The court department that handles official copies and record-search assistance.
Letters of Authority
Court-issued evidence of a fiduciary’s authority to act for an estate.
Release from Administration
A qualifying Ohio small-estate procedure that can avoid full administration.
Summary Administration
A limited surviving-spouse procedure subject to specific statutory requirements.
Conservatorship
A Probate Court proceeding involving financial or property management under Ohio law.
Franklin County Probate Court FAQs
Where is Franklin County Probate Court located?
Franklin County Probate Court is located at 373 South High Street, 22nd Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215.
What are Franklin County Probate Court hours?
General court hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The cashier closes at 4:30 p.m., and the court advises users with payment business to arrive by 4:00 p.m.
How do I search Franklin County probate cases?
Use the official General Case Search. Available search fields include case name, open date, case number, suffix, case type, attorney and fiduciary information.
How current is Franklin County Probate Court case search?
The official General Case Search says its records are current as of the previous day’s date.
Is e-Filing mandatory in Franklin County Probate Court?
Yes. The court states that e-Filing is mandatory for all Probate Court case types unless otherwise ordered by the court. Existing cases should be filed under the existing case number.
What is the Franklin County small-estate limit?
Current Franklin County guidance describes a gross-estate limit below $35,000 when someone other than a surviving spouse inherits, or below $100,000 when a surviving spouse inherits the entire estate. Other eligibility requirements apply.
How much does full estate administration cost?
The current Court Costs page lists a $125 ORC minimum deposit and a $250 court-recommended deposit. The minimum deposit does not cover Letters of Authority.
How much are certified Franklin County probate copies?
Certified court copies are currently listed at $1 per page. Regular paper copies are listed at $0.10 per page.
How much is a Franklin County marriage license?
The current marriage-license fee is $65. The license is valid for 60 days, and both applicants generally must appear in person after completing the online application.
Can Franklin County Probate Court staff give legal advice?
No. Court employees can provide procedural and administrative information but are prohibited from practicing law or giving legal advice.
Independent Guide Disclaimer
ProbateCourtUSA.org is an independent informational website. It is not Franklin County Probate Court, Franklin County Government, the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, the State of Ohio, a government agency, law firm or official filing service.
Probate rules, forms, filing costs, deadlines and access requirements can change. Verify case-specific requirements directly with Franklin County Probate Court or a qualified Ohio probate attorney before taking legal action.