Rule 73.2.Standard Probate Forms

Last amended July 1, 2026 · Last verified July 1, 2026

In one sentenceRule 73.2 makes the Supreme Court’s Standard Probate Forms the default paperwork in Ohio probate courts, lets a filer strike or add to a form neatly or type an original instrument in the same format, and bars courts from routinely demanding changes to the standard forms.

Full Text of Rule 73.2

Text sizeJump to: (A) (B) (C)

(A) Applicability. This rule prescribes the format, content, and use of standard forms for designated applications, pleadings, waivers, notices, entries, and other filings in certain proceedings in the probate division of the courts of common pleas.

Where a standard form has not been prescribed by this rule, the form used shall be that required by the Civil Rules, or prescribed or permitted by the probate division of the court of common pleas in which it is being filed.

(B) Modification of standard forms; pleadings and filings prepared for particular cases.

(1) A printed, blank standard form may be modified by deletion or interlineation to meet the circumstances of a particular case or proceeding, if the modification can be accomplished neatly and conveniently. No court shall require the modification of a standard form as a routine matter. If any allegation, statement, data, information, pleading, or filing is required by an appropriate local rule of court and a standard form does not make provision therefor, it shall be provided in a separate or supplemental filing.

(2) Even though a standard form is prescribed, an original instrument may be prepared for filing. Any such instrument shall be typed on eight and one-half by eleven inch paper. The caption prescribed in Civ.R. 73.3 shall be used, and the instrument shall follow the format prescribed for the standard forms. Any such instrument may modify the language of the standard form, omit inapplicable matter required by the standard form, and add matter not included in the standard form to the extent required by the circumstances of the particular case or proceeding.

(C) Standard probate forms. The standard forms prescribed for use in the probate division of the courts of common pleas are the Standard Probate Forms as approved and published by the Supreme Court of Ohio.

End

Amendment History

Effective Date: July 1, 2026

Plain-English Summary

Division (A) says the rule prescribes the format, content, and use of standard forms for designated applications, pleadings, waivers, notices, entries, and other filings in the probate division. Where no standard form exists, the filer uses whatever form the Civil Rules require or the local probate court prescribes or permits. Division (C) identifies the standard forms: the Standard Probate Forms as approved and published by the Supreme Court of Ohio.

Division (B) builds in flexibility. A printed blank form may be changed by deletion or interlineation to fit a particular case, so long as the change can be made neatly and conveniently. No court may require changes to a standard form as a routine matter, and if a local rule calls for information the standard form does not cover, the filer supplies it in a separate or supplemental filing rather than by rewriting the form. A filer may also skip the printed form and prepare an original instrument, typed on eight and one-half by eleven inch paper with the caption Rule 73.3 prescribes and the standard form’s format. That instrument may reword the form, drop what does not apply, and add what the case requires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do the standard probate forms come from?

Rule 73.2(C) adopts the Standard Probate Forms as the Supreme Court of Ohio approves and publishes them. The rule itself does not reprint the forms.

Can I prepare my own document instead of filling in a standard form?

Yes. Rule 73.2(B)(2) allows an original instrument even where a standard form is prescribed, as long as it is typed on eight and one-half by eleven inch paper, uses the caption in Rule 73.3, and follows the standard form’s format. It may modify the form’s language, omit what does not apply, and add what the case requires.

What if a local rule asks for information the standard form does not cover?

Provide it in a separate or supplemental filing. Rule 73.2(B)(1) also forbids any court to require modification of a standard form as a routine matter.

Source & verification. The rule text, Effective Date, Amended dates, and Staff Notes are reproduced verbatim from the official Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure (Ohio R. Civ. P. 73.2). Prescribed by the Supreme Court of Ohio (Ohio Constitution, Art. IV, § 5(B)). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 1, 2026. · Official source

Also known as: standard probate formsprobate forms