Free and official, in Columbus
Free help near you
You don't have to do this alone, and you shouldn't have to pay a stranger to do it. These are the free and official places in Franklin County that handle each step. Most are in one building downtown, at 373 S. High St.
Before you go
- Start with Legal Aid if someone has died and nothing was filed. It's free if you qualify.
- Call first. Hours change, and a 2-minute call can save a trip downtown.
- Bring your printable plan from this app. It has the home's address and parcel number.
- Be careful of anyone who offers to buy the home or fix the title for a fee. These offices are free or low cost.
-
Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio
Free lawyers for families with low incomes. They help with probate, heirs' property and deeds.
- Address
- 1108 City Park Ave., Suite 100, Columbus, OH 43206
- Phone
- Intake (888) 246-4420 · Office (614) 221-7201
- Hours
- Intake calls weekdays 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; apply online any time
- Bring
- A copy of the tax bill or deed, and any papers about the person who died.
-
Franklin County Recorder
Records Transfer on Death affidavits, survivorship affidavits and deeds, and lets you search what is already recorded.
- Address
- 373 S. High St., 18th floor, Columbus, OH 43215
- Phone
- (614) 525-3930
- Hours
- Weekdays; call to confirm hours
- Bring
- The signed, notarized form, and a check or card for the $34 fee.
-
Franklin County Auditor
Homestead exemption and owner occupancy credit applications, property values and tax records.
- Address
- 373 S. High St., 21st floor, Columbus, OH 43215
- Phone
- Homestead (614) 525-3240 · Main (614) 525-4663
- Hours
- Weekdays; you can also apply online
- Bring
- Photo ID, and proof of age or disability for the homestead exemption.
-
Franklin County Probate Court
Handles estates after someone dies, including the shorter small-estate options. Clerks explain the steps but can't give legal advice.
- Address
- 373 S. High St., 22nd floor, Columbus, OH 43215
- Phone
- (614) 525-3894
- Hours
- Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Bring
- Photo ID, a certified death certificate, and the original will if there is one.
-
Franklin County Law Library
Free Transfer on Death forms and librarians who help you find the right form (they can't give legal advice).
- Address
- 369 S. High St., 10th floor, Columbus, OH 43215
- Phone
- (614) 525-4971
- Hours
- Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Bring
- The home's address and parcel number (it's on this app's checklist).
Help you can use from home
- Ohio Legal Help: plain-English guides and forms for probate and property, from Ohio's legal aid groups.
- Transfer on Death forms from the Franklin County Law Library, free to download.
- Recorder's records search: see whether a Transfer on Death affidavit is already recorded.
- Homestead exemption: apply online with the County Auditor.