Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning County Probate Court’s help desk will resume operations starting Jan. 10.

Judge Robert Rusu said the court had to cease operation of the help desk in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Its purpose is to assist individuals needing simple estate transfers and answers to questions about probate procedures. It is staffed by local attorneys who are available the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. An appointment is required and can be made by visiting www.probate.mahoningcountyoh.gov and clicking the “Help Desk” tab on the website.

Help desk attorneys cannot assist in the making of a will, complicated estate proceedings, adoption proceedings or contested matters, the judge stated in a news release. If a specific situation is not within the scope of the help desk, individuals will be referred to local attorneys who may be able to help.

There is no charge for using the help desk, but all court filing fees for the specific pleading are still applicable and will be collected from the filer at the time of filing. In addition, because this is a free service and because the court has limited resources, individuals will be limited to one visit per case.

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