Probate Lawyer in Sandusky, Ohio

Image of the city of Sandusky, Ohio, where Brumbaugh Law Firm helps families with probate

Since 2002, Brumbaugh Law Firm has guided families through every stage of the probate process.

We assist with validating wills and settling estates to resolving disputes and making sure assets are distributed according to Ohio law. We help executors, heirs, and beneficiaries handle probate efficiently while protecting family relationships and preserving estate value.

According to Census Reporter, nearly 26% of Sandusky residents are aged 65 and older, meaning probate cases are common, especially as families look to preserve homes and savings for the next generation. Our role is to guide you through this process with clarity and compassion.

Meet Brumbaugh Law Firm

Founded in 2002, Brumbaugh Law Firm has guided families in Sandusky, Erie County, and Ottawa County through probate, estate planning, and elder law for more than two decades.

Our mission has always been clear, empower people with the right education and guidance so they can live longer independently while protecting family assets from probate and long-term care costs.

We don’t approach probate as a stack of forms. Our practice is rooted in a holistic elder-care lens. That means we integrate legal strategy with family relations and health realities. This interdisciplinary perspective makes us unique in Ohio’s elder law field.

Our vision is to be the best-in-class law firm for estate planning, elder law, and wealth protection, and every probate case we handle is a step toward that mission of providing clarity, compassion, and confidence.

Understanding Probate in Sandusky

Probate is the legal process of validating a will, appointing an executor, and distributing assets through the Erie County Probate Court.

Local probate isn’t optional. If a loved one owned property solely in their name, the estate must go through court before heirs can claim it. This may involve recording deeds, settling debts, or using shortcuts like a summary release when eligible.

Without probate, transfers can stall, and heirs may lose access to assets.

Brumbaugh Law Firm helps families cut through the paperwork and confusion so they can focus on healing, not just forms. By combining legal strategy with local insight, from filing schedules at Erie County Probate Court to asset protection aligned with Ohio law, we make probate manageable instead of overwhelming.

Our Probate Services in Sandusky

Our probate services in Sandusky include:

Filing wills and Trusts with the court
Administering estates
Valuing and inventorying assets
Paying debts and taxes
Distributing assets to heirs
Closing estates
Managing probate disputes
Addressing fraud or undue influence
Resolving inheritance conflicts
Managing executor misconduct
Providing estate planning advice
Drafting wills and trusts
Creating powers of attorney
Setting up healthcare directives
Guiding trust administration
Assisting trustees with compliance
Resolving trust disputes
Establishing guardianships
Managing conservatorships
Advising legal guardians
Coordinating with accountants
Handling business succession

Get Trusted Legal Support Today

For straightforward legal advice and representation, contact Brumbaugh Law. Call (419) 504-4674 to schedule your consultation.

Schedule A Consultation

Why Families Choose Brumbaugh for Probate Guidance

At Brumbaugh Law Firm, our approach is different by design:

Education First, No Pressure

We offer educational workshops for all our clients. Attend to learn the basics of probate and asset protection, so you can make informed decisions about your next steps with confidence.

No-Drama, No-Litigation Boundary

We do not take on contentious family litigation. That boundary keeps legal costs in check and helps us stay focused on resolving probate efficiently, not fighting in court.

Strong Local Ties

We’ve served Sandusky and surrounding communities since 2002, with strong relationships at Erie County Probate Court, Firelands Regional Medical Center, and civic groups throughout Perkins Township and Ottawa County.

Our Probate Client Process in Sandusky

Our probate process is built to simplify a difficult time.

Step 1: Understanding Your Situation
We begin by learning about your loved one’s estate, reviewing wills, trusts, and assets to determine whether probate is required and what steps apply to your case.

Step 2: Filing and Legal Guidance
Our team handles all court filings, notices, and required documentation while explaining each step clearly so you know what to expect throughout the probate process.

Step 3: Asset and Debt Management
We assist with inventorying, valuing, and managing estate assets, paying debts and taxes, and making sure all financial matters are handled properly and on time.

Step 4: Distribution and Resolution
Once obligations are met, we oversee the transfer of assets to heirs and beneficiaries, resolve any disputes or claims, and help you close the estate with confidence and peace of mind.

Can A Handwritten Will Be Accepted in Sandusky Probate Court?

Yes, a handwritten will can be accepted in Sandusky, but only if it meets Ohio’s legal requirements. Under state law, all wills, even handwritten ones, must be signed by the person making the will and witnessed by two competent individuals.

If the handwritten will is not properly witnessed, the Erie County Probate Court is likely to reject it, and the estate may be distributed according to Ohio’s intestacy laws (as if no will existed).

If you’ve found a handwritten will or are unsure about its validity, contact Brumbaugh Law Firm for guidance through the probate process.

Local Resources We Work With in Sandusky

At Brumbaugh Law Firm, we coordinate with trusted organizations in Sandusky and throughout Erie County to make probate smoother for families.

Erie County Probate Court. 323 Columbus Ave, Sandusky. The courthouse where probate filings are handled daily.
Firelands Regional Medical Center. Often, the point where families begin the probate journey is after a hospital stay.
Sandusky Library. A community hub where we’ve placed educational resources for local families on estate planning and probate.
Cedar Point & Perkins Township. Local entities that ground our work in the heart of Sandusky and Erie County life.
Local banks and credit unions. We assist with account access, creditor notices, and final distributions.
Funeral homes across Erie and Ottawa Counties. Coordinating documentation for release or summary release filings when funeral expenses apply.

Schedule Your Probate Consultation Today

If your family needs help with probate in Sandusky, Brumbaugh Elder Law Firm is here to guide you through the process.

Our office is located just minutes from the Erie County Probate Court on Columbus Avenue, serving families across Perkins Township, Ottawa County, and western Lorain County.

Call today or complete our contact form to schedule your consultation.

Schedule a Consultation

Testimonials

Client Success Stories

Margaret (Peg) Drake

Huron, OH

“I don’t know what I would’ve done without them. I needed help for my 96 year old mother regarding Medicaid and then getting her into a nursing home. Let me tell you, Medicaid is so complicated! Mike and Pam Brumbaugh, and the Brumbaugh Law Firm really came through for us! They were so helpful; they dealt with everything: Medicaid and also the nursing home. We were so well taken care of; their level of communication was outstanding. It was great! It seemed as if I never had to call them through the process to find out what was going on, because they always called me. You can’t ask for anything better! Then after my mother passed away, they helped with the probate, and told us what to do. You never know when things will come up, so you need help to get through it successfully. That’s what the Brumbaugh Law Firm does. The investment you make for their time and services is very reasonable, in my opinion. I really appreciate having them on my side, and never fail to recommend these fine people to others.”

Peter Latta

Toledo, OH

“I really appreciate the level of customer service I received doing estate planning with the Brumbaugh Law Firm. You can say that their ‘bedside manner’ was phenomenal! They were very helpful. They’re very knowledgeable, and make you feel very comfortable and relaxed to speak with them. Everything went very well. I have, and still continue to recommend their services. The Brumbaugh Law firm are a great group of people!”

Kyle Brubacker

Groff Funeral Home, Sandusky, OH

“We’re very pleased to recommend the services of the Brumbaugh Law Firm, and have enjoyed an excellent working relationship with them for several years. Some may be uncomfortable, at first, with the subject of advanced funeral planning, but after speaking with our staff and people like at the Brumbaugh Firm, they become very comfortable with the process. They, and us, believe that educating the public on this subject is very important. The result is that the children aren’t left with the responsibility of knowing what to do. That’s where it is a good idea to go speak with professionals who can be of great assistance.”

Cheryl Best-Wilke

Sandusky, OH

“I needed some estate planning work done, and because I knew about the Brumbaugh Law Firm that’s where I went. I’m glad that I did! I received wonderful information and answers, along with some great insight from Michael Brumbaugh. He brought up some things that I hadn’t even thought about. I really appreciated this level of detail, and was very happy with the service I received. They are very thorough in the way things are done. I received peace-of-mind knowing that I got this taken care of.”

Susan Appell

Columbus, OH

“The Brumbaugh Law Firm went above and beyond for us! I couldn’t say enough good things about them. We were looking for someone to assist with Medicaid for my mother-in-law, and we heard some good things about the Brumbaugh firm from a friend. We were very pleased with the results! I’d absolutely recommend their services. They were very helpful. My husband and I wouldn’t delay using them again if ever needed.”

Vanessa Gibson

Wakeman, OH

“I’m very satisfied with the services that The Brumbaugh Law Firm provided us. They were of great help regarding Medicaid for my mother. They were very courteous and kind. What really impressed me was the fact that when I had to stay at home to be with my mother, they’d come to the house to see us; you just don’t that kind of service anymore! Even better is that they told me to not hesitate to call if we had any follow-up questions. Because they did such a good job, I also had them do some other things for me. I certainly recommend that you go see them.”

Frank Trautman

Sandusky, OH

“These people were lifesavers! We were looking to get Medicaid for my wife and it was a very difficult process. From what they were saying, we were going to lose our house, cars, everything! After getting the Brumbaugh Law Firm on the job, we were able to keep our house and cars; you can’t ask for a better results than that. They certainly made a believer out of me! After my wife passed away, they helped with the probate and did another excellent job. I’ve recommended the Brumbaugh Law Firm to several people. Fact is, I’ve used them again to prepare a trust for me. I didn’t want to leave things hanging there for my children to deal with. The Brumbaugh group are very concerned and very caring people; they are great to deal with!”

Ed McClendon

Norwalk, OH

“I’d been recommending Michael Brumbaugh and the Brumbaugh Law Firm to my clients, so it was only natural that when the time came for my wife and I to have some estate planning work done, Mike was who we went to. I’d initially got to know Pam Brumbaugh through some projects and then Mike; they are really great people! When you go to see him, Mike’s very personable and is easy to talk with. He’s also a great listener, which is a wonderful trait to get the job done right and meet your needs. I spent 34 years in the financial services and insurance field, and learned that I didn’t have all the answers. That’s why I sought out the best to help my clients. Mike and Pam Brumbaugh, and their team at the Brumbaugh Law Firm are the kind of people who can be of great assistance to you.”

Barb Miller

Norwalk, OH

“What wonderful people to have on your side! Pam and Mike Brumbaugh are the best. A friend told me about the Brumbaugh Law Firm, and the staff made me feel so comfortable when I came to their office to inquire about getting some work done on behalf of my mother-in-law, which as things turned out, they did very successfully. Everyone there went out of their way to make things pleasant; they were very helpful. Even today, I know if I should ever need further assistance for anything, I can call and be treated wonderfully well. I can’t praise them enough!”

Nancy Adams

Brunswick, OH

“I needed help fast and Michael Brumbaugh and the Brumbaugh Law Firm came to my rescue! I had tried to deal with the Veterans Administration on my own in order to get VA benefits for my mother, and it was a nightmare. I was ready to quit, when a local bank manager recommended that I go speak with the Brumbaugh firm. I’m sure glad I did! Mike did a fantastic job; he took care of everything. Things turned out very well. I can’t imagine anyone going it alone with the VA, and getting the results that Michael Brumbaugh with his knowledge and experience got for us! He’s a very caring person. The Brumbaugh Law Firm has my highest recommendation.”

Computer Garage LLC

“Awesome people. They know their business and how to protect your assets in the future. Highly recommended at any stage in life, but the sooner the better. You just never know when a tragedy will strike.”

Paege Murphy

“Awesome experience and very informative. Helpful and cares about what is best for you!”

Kathleen and LeRoy Widing

“We had so many questions and Michael was so helpful in expaining issues in a way that we could understand. He is a very knowledgeable elder law attorney and without a doubt, he puts his heart into his work. My husband and I both highly recommend him.”

Kathy G.

“There were some issues that came up that we needed help with so we turned to Michael Brumbaugh at the recommendation of a friend. We found them to be very helpful. They took the time to listen and to understand what we wanted and needed to accomplish our goals. We are very pleased and would highly recommend Brumbaugh Law Firm.”