Advance Directive

Ohio’s Advance Directive form authorizes a healthcare proxy and specifies an individual’s living will. It must be signed by the individual, proxy, and two witnesses.

How to Order a Death Certificate

Ohio has no restrictions on who can obtain a death certificate. The following information is required for an application:

• Deceased’s name, date and place of birth
• Names of deceased’s parents including mother’s maiden name
• Date and place of death
• Applicant’s name, phone number, and address

The certificate and one certified copy cost $21.50. Each additional copy costs $21.50. Cash is only accepted when the request is made in person.

 The application can be mailed to:

Ohio Department of Health, Revenue Room

246 North High Street, 1st Floor

P.O. Box 15098

Columbus, OH 43215-0098

Or handed in person at:

225 Neilston Street

Columbus, OH 43215.

Digital Estate Planning Laws

HB 432 Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act authorizes an individual’s legal representative who can access and control their digital assets and communications. This bill came into effect on April 6, 2017.

Death With Dignity or Aid-in-Dying or Physician-Assisted Death

Ohio has no legislation regarding assisted death. Updates on this matter can be found here.

Organ Donation Registry

Ohio’s organ donation registry can be accessed here.

Medical Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (MOLST)

Ohio’s MOLST form should be completed only after a conversation with a patient or their representative. It’s necessary for patients who are at risk of a life-threatening clinical event due to a life-limiting medical condition.

Probate Laws

Information on Ohio’s legislation on a decedent’s will regarding their estate and other assets can be found in Title 21: Courts – Probate – Juvenile Act.

Estate and Inheritance Tax

Ohio has no estate or inheritance tax.