Ohio § 5815.35
Full text of Ohio Ohio Revised Code § 5815.35, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5815.35.
(A)(1) As used in this division, “ fiduciary ” means any person, association, or corporation, other than a trustee of a testamentary
trust, an assignee or trustee for an insolvent debtor, or a guardian under Chapter
5905. of the Revised Code, that is appointed by and accountable to the probate court,
and that is acting in a fiduciary capacity for another or charged with duties in relation
to any property, interest, or estate for another's benefit. A fiduciary also includes an agency under contract with the department of developmental disabilities
for the provision of protective service under sections 5123.55 to 5123.59 of the Revised Code , when appointed by and accountable to the probate court as a guardian or trustee
for a person with a developmental disability. (2) A fiduciary who enters a contract as fiduciary on or after March 22, 1984, is not
personally liable on that contract, unless the contract otherwise specifies, if the
contract is within the fiduciary's authority and the fiduciary discloses that the
contract is being entered into in a fiduciary capacity. In a contract, the words “fiduciary” or “as fiduciary” or other words that indicate
one's fiduciary capacity following the name or signature of a fiduciary are sufficient
disclosure for purposes of this division. (B)(1) As used in this division, “ partnership ” includes a partnership composed of only general partners and a partnership composed
of general and limited partners. (2) Subject to division (D) of this section, an executor or administrator who acquires,
in a fiduciary capacity, a general partnership interest upon the death of a general
partner of a partnership is not personally liable for any debt, obligation, or liability
of the partnership that arises from the executor's or administrator's actions, except
as provided in this division, as a general partner, or for any debt, obligation, or
liability of the partnership for which the executor or administrator otherwise would
be personally liable because the executor or administrator holds the general partnership
interest, if the executor or administrator discloses that the general partnership
interest is held by the executor or administrator in a fiduciary capacity. This immunity does not apply if an executor or administrator causes loss or injury
to a person who is not a partner in the partnership by a wrongful act or omission. This immunity is not available to an executor or administrator who holds a general
partnership interest in a fiduciary capacity if the spouse or any lineal descendants
of the executor or administrator, or the executor or administrator other than in a
fiduciary capacity, holds any interest in the partnership. A partnership certificate that is filed pursuant to Chapter 1777. or another chapter
of the Revised Code and that indicates that an executor or administrator holds a general
partnership interest in a fiduciary capacity by the use following the name or signature
of the executor or administrator of the words “executor under the will of (name of
decedent)” or “administrator of the estate of (name of decedent)” or other words that
indicate the executor's or administrator's fiduciary capacity constitutes a sufficient
disclosure for purposes of this division. If a partnership certificate is not required to be filed pursuant to Chapter 1776.
or 1777. or another chapter of the Revised Code, a sufficient disclosure for purposes
of this division can be made by an executor or administrator if a certificate that
satisfies the following requirements is filed with the recorder of the county in which
the partnership's principal office or place of business is situated and with the recorder
of each county in which the partnership owns real estate: (a) The certificate shall state in full the names of all persons holding interests in
the partnership and their places of residence; (b) The certificate shall be signed by all persons who are general partners in the partnership,
and shall be acknowledged by a person authorized to take acknowledgements of deeds; (c) The certificate shall use the words “executor under the will of (name of decedent)”
or “administrator of the estate of (name of decedent)” or other words that indicate
the executor's or administrator's fiduciary capacity, following the name or signature
of the executor or administrator. A contract or other written instrument delivered to a party that contracts with the
partnership in which an executor or administrator holds a general partnership interest
in a fiduciary capacity, that indicates that the executor or administrator so holds
the interest, constitutes a disclosure for purposes of this division with respect
to transactions between the party and the partnership. If a disclosure has been made by a certificate in accordance with this division,
a disclosure for purposes of this division with respect to such transactions exists
regardless of whether a contract or other instrument indicates the executor or administrator
holds the general partnership interest in a fiduciary capacity. If an executor or administrator acquires, in a fiduciary capacity, a general partnership
interest, the decedent's estate is liable for debts, obligations, or liabilities of
the partnership. (C) An estate that includes a general partnership interest is not liable for the debts,
obligations, or liabilities of a partnership in which another estate has a general
partnership interest, merely because the executor or administrator of the estates
holds a general partnership interest in both of the partnerships in the executor's
or administrator's fiduciary capacities. (D) Divisions (B) and (C) of this section apply to general partnership interests held
by executors or administrators in their fiduciary capacities prior to and on or after
March 22, 1984. If an appropriate disclosure is made pursuant to division (B) of this section, the
immunity acquired under that division extends only to debts, obligations, and liabilities
of the partnership arising on and after the date of the disclosure and to debts, obligations,
and liabilities of the partnership that arose prior to the acquisition of the general
partnership interest by the executor or administrator becoming a general partner. (E) The liability limitations in this section apply to fiduciaries as partners notwithstanding
the broader personal liabilities otherwise imposed by any partnership law. (F) If an estate or other fund held by a fiduciary is identified as a partner, the reference
is deemed to be to, and the partner is, the current executor, administrator, or other
fiduciary of the estate or other fund and their successors as executors, administrators,
or other fiduciaries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio § 5815.35
What does Ohio Revised Code § 5815.35 cover?
Section 5815.35 is part of the Ohio Revised Code, the codified statutory law of Ohio. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Ohio § 5815.35?
A common citation format is "Ohio Revised Code § 5815.35" (Ohio). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Ohio law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Ohio official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Ohio attorney.
How does Ohio § 5815.35 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Ohio can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Ohio.