Hardin County, Ohio Probate
Cost Calculator

Estate administration in Hardin County, Ohio proceeds through the Hardin County Probate Court in Kenton. Understanding the local court's requirements — from petition formatting to hearing schedules — helps the process move efficiently.

The Hardin County Probate Court in Kenton handles probate alongside other civil matters, and the lighter docket often means more scheduling flexibility. Confirm local filing norms with the clerk's office.

The typical timeline runs 8-18 months, though straightforward estates may resolve faster.

Ohio's Probate Courts handle probate exclusively — specialized jurisdiction unavailable in general courts. Statutory fees under ORC § 2113.35: 4% on the first $100K, 3% on the next $300K, 2% above $400K.

Release from Administration is available for estates under $35,000. Full details: Ohio Probate Calculator.

The Hardin County Court of Common Pleas, Probate Division is located at 1 Courthouse Sq, Kenton, OH 43326. The court clerk can be reached at (419) 674-2278.

Visit the court's website for current forms, fee schedules, and filing instructions.

Office hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:30 PM.

• Ohio's statutory schedule (ORC § 2113.35): 4% on the first $100K, 3% on the next $300K, 2% above $400K — identical for executors and attorneys.
• The Hardin County Probate Court in Kenton approves all fee applications.
• Court costs include the filing fee, bond premiums, publication costs, and certified copies.

• Probate in Hardin County — Ohio's 72nd most populated county out of 88 — begins with filing an Application for Authority to Administer Estate at the Hardin County Probate Court in Kenton.
• Ohio's Probate Courts are specialized courts of limited jurisdiction, meaning the judge and staff in Hardin County handle probate, guardianship, and related matters exclusively.
• The court's probate-only focus provides specialized expertise for estate matters.

• After appointment, the fiduciary must file an inventory within 30 days (extendable by the court), publish notice to creditors, and manage the estate through the claims period.
• Ohio requires a final accounting before the estate can be closed, with the Hardin County Probate Court reviewing the fiduciary's administration and approving distributions.
• The typical timeline in Hardin County runs 8-18 months.
• Ohio's Release from Administration — for estates under $35,000 — and Summary Release from Administration — for estates under $100,000 with a surviving spouse — provide faster alternatives to full administration that are worth evaluating before beginning the full process.

Ohio offers two simplified probate alternatives in Hardin County — ranked 72nd of the state's 88 counties. Release from Administration under ORC § 2113.03 is available for estates valued under $35,000, allowing assets to be distributed without a formal administration.

Summary Release from Administration under § 2113.031 extends this option to estates under $100,000 when the surviving spouse is the sole heir or beneficiary, providing a streamlined pathway through the Hardin County Probate Court in Kenton.

In Hardin County, where estate values tend to be more moderate, a substantial portion of estates may qualify for one of Ohio's simplified procedures. The Hardin County Probate Court in Kenton can provide guidance on the specific requirements for Release from Administration, and evaluate eligibility early to minimize costs and timeline for qualifying families.

• Getting an accurate cost estimate before you start probate in Hardin County helps you budget for Ohio's statutory percentage schedule plus local filing fees at the Hardin County Probate Court.
• The clerk's office in Kenton can answer procedural questions about required forms and hearing schedules.

• This free probate calculator applies Ohio's specific rules automatically — enter the estate's approximate value to get an instant breakdown of expected fees.
• No account required.