Written by Sarah Mitchell
Estate Planning Editor, Law-Trust.com
Legally reviewed by James Hartley, J.D.
Texas Bar · Estate Planning Attorney
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Ohio is one of the most straightforward states for making a will online. Its requirements are minimal, its probate system is well-established, and — crucially — Ohio eliminated its state estate tax back in 2013, meaning most Ohio residents only have to think about the federal threshold. If you've been putting off making a will, Ohio's simplicity is a good reason to get it done today.
This guide covers everything Ohio residents need to know: the legal requirements, the best services, what you'll pay, and how Ohio's probate and estate tax landscape affects your planning decisions.
Is an Online Will Legal in Ohio?
Yes — an online will is fully legal in Ohio when properly executed. Ohio will law is governed by Ohio Revised Code §2107.03, which requires a testator's signature and two witnesses. There is no requirement that the document be created by an attorney, printed on special paper, or notarized. An online service creates a valid Ohio-specific document; proper execution at home makes it legally binding.
The critical step is the signing ceremony: you must sign the will in front of two witnesses, and they must sign in your presence. Both witnesses must be 18 or older. Do this correctly and your online will is every bit as valid as one drafted by an Ohio attorney.
Ohio Will Requirements Checklist
- Testator age: Must be 18 years or older (or legally married).
- Sound mind: Must be of sound mind and memory at the time of signing.
- Signature: Must be signed by the testator at the end of the will.
- Two witnesses: Must be witnessed by two competent adults at least 18 years old.
- Presence requirement: Witnesses must sign in the conscious presence of the testator.
- Witness eligibility: Witnesses should not be beneficiaries to avoid complications at probate.
- Notarization: NOT required. Optional self-proving affidavit requires notary.
- Holographic wills: NOT valid under Ohio law for Ohio residents.
💡 Tip: Consider adding a self-proving affidavit when you sign your will. It requires a notary but eliminates the need for witnesses to appear in probate court later. Most UPS Stores, banks, and libraries offer notary services for a few dollars.
Best Online Will Services for Ohio Residents
We evaluated three leading services on Ohio document quality, ease of use, and value. Here's our ranking:
Best overall for Ohio residents — guided, state-specific, and affordable
Individual will from
$69
Ohio-Specific Documents
Self-Proving Affidavit
Free Updates
Trust Plans Available
Attorney-Drafted
Trust & Will is our top pick for Ohio. Their guided questionnaire walks you through every decision clearly, and the output is Ohio-specific attorney-drafted language. The $69 individual plan covers a complete will with guardian and executor designations. The $199 comprehensive plan adds healthcare directive and financial power of attorney — highly recommended for Ohio residents with children or significant assets.
Start Your Ohio Will at Trust & Will →
Best for Ohio residents who want included attorney access
Basic will from
$89
Attorney Network
Ohio-Specific
Subscription Plans
LegalZoom produces valid Ohio wills and offers attorney access via subscription — valuable if you have questions about your specific situation. Higher base pricing than Trust & Will and known for aggressive upsells, but the breadth of coverage (business, estate, family) makes it worthwhile for Ohio residents with complex needs.
Visit LegalZoom →
Best budget option for straightforward Ohio estates
Subscription from
$9.95/mo
Very Low Cost
Ohio Templates
Multiple Documents
LawDepot's Ohio will template is solid for basic estates. The subscription model is excellent value if you need multiple documents (will, power of attorney, healthcare directive). Less guided than Trust & Will, but the lower price point makes it the best option for budget-conscious Ohio residents.
Visit LawDepot →
How Much Does an Online Will Cost in Ohio?
| Option | Cost Range | What's Included |
|---|
| Trust & Will (Individual Will) | $69 | Will, witness instructions, storage |
| Trust & Will (Comprehensive) | $199 | Will + POA + healthcare directive |
| LegalZoom Basic Will | $89 | Will document only |
| LegalZoom Estate Bundle | $299–$499 | Will + trust + POA + directive |
| LawDepot (subscription) | $9.95–$39.95/mo | All documents |
| Ohio Estate Planning Attorney | $1,200–$3,000+ | Full custom estate plan |
For most Ohio residents, an online service is excellent value. Given that Ohio has no state estate tax and straightforward probate rules, most people don't need a custom attorney-drafted plan unless they have complex family situations, business interests, or large estates subject to federal tax.
Ohio-Specific Considerations
No State Estate Tax — A Real Advantage
Ohio repealed its estate tax effective January 1, 2013 — making it one of only a handful of states with no estate or inheritance tax. Ohio residents pay only federal estate taxes, which have an exemption of over $13 million per individual in 2026. For the vast majority of Ohio residents, estate tax is simply not a planning concern. This is a meaningful advantage compared to states like Illinois, which imposes a state estate tax starting at $4 million.
Ohio Probate — County Probate Court
Ohio probate is handled through the Probate Division of the Court of Common Pleas in the county where the decedent lived. Ohio probate is relatively predictable and well-organized, though it can take 6–12 months for even straightforward estates. A valid will with a named executor makes the process smoother. Importantly, Ohio allows a small estate summary release for estates under $35,000 — no full probate required, just a simplified affidavit process.
Not a Community Property State
Ohio follows common law property principles. Each spouse owns what's in their name. Marital property laws apply at divorce, but Ohio does not have community property rules that would affect your estate plan. Proper titling and beneficiary designations remain important for Ohio residents to ensure assets pass as intended.
Survivorship Rights
Ohio gives surviving spouses certain statutory rights, including the right to an elective share of the deceased spouse's estate regardless of what the will says. This is worth discussing with an attorney if you have a blended family or are not leaving assets to a spouse.
Step-by-Step: How to Make a Will in Ohio Online
Select a service and start your account Visit Trust & Will and choose the Individual Will or Comprehensive plan. The comprehensive plan is the better value for most Ohio residents — it includes the healthcare directive and power of attorney that everyone should have.
Complete the questionnaire Answer questions about your assets, beneficiaries, executor choice, and (if applicable) guardians for minor children. Have full legal names, addresses, and relationship information ready. The process takes 15–25 minutes.
Review your Ohio will carefully Read through the entire document. Confirm all names are spelled correctly, beneficiary percentages add up, and all your wishes are accurately reflected. Download and print the final version.
Execute the will with two witnesses Gather two adults (at least 18, not beneficiaries) in the same room. Sign the will in their presence, then have each witness sign. For Ohio, all signatures should occur during one continuous ceremony — don't send the document around for signatures separately.
Secure the original and notify your executor Store the signed original in a safe place — fireproof safe, safety deposit box, or with your attorney. Tell your executor where it's kept. Ohio courts require the original will for probate, so do not lose it. Review and update whenever your circumstances change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an online will legally valid in Ohio?
Yes. An online will is fully valid in Ohio when signed by the testator and witnessed by two adults who are at least 18 years old. Ohio law doesn't care whether the document was created online or by an attorney — what matters is proper execution. Services like Trust & Will generate Ohio-compliant language automatically.
How many witnesses does an Ohio will require?
Two witnesses, both at least 18 years old. They must sign in the testator's conscious presence — meaning you should all be in the same room when signing. Ohio recommends that witnesses not be beneficiaries to avoid potential complications at probate.
Does Ohio require a notary for a will?
No. Ohio does not require notarization for a standard will. However, a self-proving affidavit signed before a notary allows your will to be admitted to probate without requiring the witnesses to appear. It's optional but convenient and inexpensive to add.
Are handwritten wills valid in Ohio?
No. Ohio does not recognize holographic (unwitnessed handwritten) wills for its own residents. A will must have two witnesses. Ohio will recognize a valid holographic will created in a state that permits them, but Ohio residents cannot rely on this for a will created in Ohio.
Does Ohio have a state estate tax?
No. Ohio repealed its estate tax effective January 1, 2013. Ohio residents are only subject to the federal estate tax, which has a very high exemption (over $13 million per individual in 2026). This makes estate tax planning less complex for Ohio residents compared to states like Illinois or Massachusetts.
What is the best online will service for Ohio?
Trust & Will is our top recommendation for Ohio residents. They offer Ohio-specific, attorney-drafted documents, a clear guided process, and competitive pricing starting at $69 for a will or $199 for a comprehensive estate plan including healthcare directive and power of attorney.
What is Ohio's small estate process?
Ohio allows a simplified small estate summary release for estates with a gross value under $35,000. This lets heirs collect assets using an affidavit instead of going through formal probate. For estates over $35,000, formal probate in the county Probate Court is typically required unless assets are held in a trust or have designated beneficiaries.
How do I avoid probate in Ohio?
The most effective method is a revocable living trust — assets in the trust pass directly to beneficiaries without probate. Proper beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance, and bank accounts (POD/TOD designations) also bypass probate automatically. Joint tenancy with right of survivorship for real estate is another common Ohio strategy.
Ready to Make Your Ohio Will?
Trust & Will creates Ohio-specific, attorney-drafted documents in under 30 minutes. Plans start at just $69.
Start Your Will at Trust & Will →
Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change and individual circumstances vary. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed Ohio estate planning attorney.