Wills by state
How to Make a Will in Ohio
What Ohio law requires for a valid will, how signing works, and the details that trip people up — in plain English.
Ohio will requirements at a glance
18+
You must be at least 18 and of sound mind.
2 witnesses
Two adult witnesses must watch you sign (or acknowledge) your will and sign it themselves. Witnesses generally should not be people who inherit under the will.
Not required for validity
A notary is not what makes the will valid — but notarizing a self-proving affidavit (below) is strongly recommended.
Not used — not needed
Ohio has no self-proving-affidavit statute — and doesn't need one. Probate courts admit a will that appears properly executed on its face without witness testimony (ORC §2107.18).
Not recognized
Ohio does not accept unwitnessed handwritten wills.
Signing your will in Ohio
- 1
Put your wishes in writing
Decide who inherits, who serves as your personal representative (executor), and who would care for minor children. Our guided questions walk you through every decision.
- 2
Gather two adult witnesses
Choose adults who don't inherit under the will. You sign (or acknowledge your signature) in front of them; they sign in front of you.
- 3
Store it well and tell your executor
Keep the signed original somewhere safe and findable — a fireproof box at home beats a bank safe-deposit box your family can't open. Tell your executor where it is.
Ohio specifics worth knowing
Ohio wills are governed by ORC §2107.03, and Ohio takes a different path from most states on probate proof: there is no self-proving affidavit, because courts admit a will that appears properly executed on its face without calling the witnesses (ORC §2107.18). Our Ohio documents use Ohio's execution format.
Ohio will FAQs
Does a will need to be notarized in Ohio?
No. In Ohio, a will is made valid by your signature and two witnesses — not by a notary. Ohio has no self-proving-affidavit statute — and doesn't need one. Probate courts admit a will that appears properly executed on its face without witness testimony (ORC §2107.18).
Can I write my own will in Ohio?
You don't need a lawyer to make a valid will in Ohio, but it must be properly executed: in writing, signed by you, and signed by two witnesses. Ohio does not accept unwitnessed handwritten wills, so skipping the formalities means dying intestate — the state's default rules decide who inherits.
What happens if I die without a will in Ohio?
Your estate passes under Ohio's intestacy laws — a fixed priority list (usually spouse first, then children, then parents, then siblings). Unmarried partners, stepchildren, friends, and charities receive nothing under these defaults, and the court chooses your estate's administrator and your minor children's guardian without your input.
How much does a will cost in Ohio?
An attorney-drafted will in Ohio typically runs several hundred to a few thousand dollars. With Plan Your After you build your complete estate plan — will, trust, powers of attorney, living will, and HIPAA authorization — free, and pay $149 only when you're ready to finalize and download, including a year of unlimited updates.
This page is general information about Ohio law, not legal advice, and laws change. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed Ohio attorney.
Ohio estate planning
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