State-Specific Legal Forms

Ohio quitclaim deeds must be signed, notarized, and recorded with the county recorder. A conveyance fee (real property transfer tax) applies in most counties at a rate of $1 per $1,000 of the sale price, plus optional local permissive taxes.

Ohio's Uniform Power of Attorney Act provides statutory forms and default rules. The POA must be signed by the principal and notarized. Ohio law presumes a POA is durable unless it expressly states otherwise. Healthcare POA is governed separately.

Ohio requires a will to be in writing, signed by the testator, and attested by two competent witnesses. Ohio does not recognize holographic wills. The surviving spouse's elective share is determined based on the number of children and ranges from one-third to all of the net estate.

Ohio provides statutory forms for both living wills and healthcare powers of attorney under the Modified Uniform Rights of the Terminally Ill Act. A living will declaration must be signed, dated, and witnessed by two adults or notarized.

Ohio does not require an operating agreement for LLCs, but one is strongly recommended. Articles of Organization are filed with the Ohio Secretary of State. Ohio recently eliminated the initial and biennial filing fees for Ohio LLCs.

Ohio's Landlord-Tenant Act applies to most residential rentals. There is no statewide rent control. Security deposits are limited to one month's rent for most tenancies, and the landlord must return the deposit within 30 days of move-out.

Ohio eviction (forcible entry and detainer) requires a 3-day notice for nonpayment of rent. The case is filed in Municipal Court or County Court. Ohio's eviction process is relatively quick compared to many states.

Ohio small claims court handles disputes up to $6,000. Cases are heard in Municipal Court or County Court. The process is informal, and mediation is often offered. Attorneys are permitted but not required.

Ohio offers both divorce (contested or uncontested) and dissolution (mutual agreement). A dissolution requires both parties to agree on all terms before filing. Ohio follows equitable distribution of marital property.

Ohio name changes are filed in Probate Court. The applicant must publish notice of the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation for 30 days before the hearing. Publication may be waived in cases involving domestic violence or stalking.