Where do I file for probate in Jefferson County, KY?

Probate petitions for estates in Jefferson County are filed at the Jefferson County Probate Court. Contact the court directly for filing instructions and office hours.

How much does probate cost in Jefferson County?

Probate filing fees in Jefferson County, Kentucky vary based on the estate value and type of petition. Contact the probate court clerk for the current fee schedule.

Assets held in trusts, joint tenancy, or with designated beneficiaries (like life insurance and retirement accounts) can pass outside of probate. Consult with an estate planning attorney for strategies specific to your situation.

Do I need a lawyer for probate in Jefferson County?

While not always legally required in Kentucky, a probate attorney is recommended for most estates, especially those involving real estate, business interests, or potential disputes among heirs.

What happens if someone dies without a will?

When someone dies intestate (without a will) in Kentucky, their assets are distributed according to state intestacy laws. The Jefferson County Probate Court will appoint an administrator to manage the estate.

Jefferson County Probate Court, Kentucky

Q: How long does probate take in Kentucky?

Probate in Kentucky typically takes 6 to 18 months. Timeline depends on estate complexity, creditor claims, and whether the will is contested.

Court Location & Contact

Address

600 W. Jefferson Street, Louisville, KY 40202

Phone

502-595-4434

Fax

502-595-3270

Visit Official Court Website

Filing Fees

Jefferson County, Kentucky

Fee Type	Amount
Petition for Probate	—

Judges & Officers

YD

Yvette De La Guardia

KF

Karen Faulkner

Required Forms

AOC FORM 805 Petition for Probate of Will; and/or Appointing Executor/Administrator

AOC FORM 805.1 Order Probating Will; and/or Appointing Executor/Administrator

AOC FORM 820 Petition for Appointment of Trustee under Will

AOC FORM 820.1 Order Appointing Trustee under Will

AOC FORM 830 Petition to Dispense with Administration

AOC FORM 830.1 Order to Dispensing with Administration

AOC FORM 850 Informal Final Settlement Affidavit and Motion

AOC FORM 850.1 Informal Final Settlement Order

Probate Guide

Probate in Jefferson County, Kentucky

The Jefferson County Probate Court handles all matters related to the estates of deceased persons, including the validation of wills, appointment of executors and administrators, and the supervised distribution of assets. If you need to file for probate in Jefferson County, KY, this guide covers what you need to know.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of settling a deceased person's estate. It involves validating the will (if one exists), identifying and inventorying assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to heirs and beneficiaries. In Kentucky, the probate court in each county oversees this process.

When Is Probate Required in Kentucky?

Probate is generally required when:

The deceased owned real estate solely in their name
The estate contains assets above Kentucky's small estate threshold
There are disputes among heirs or creditors
Assets are not held in a trust or joint tenancy

Steps to File for Probate in Jefferson County

Locate the will (if one exists) and gather the death certificate
File a petition with the Jefferson County Probate Court to open probate
Notify heirs and creditors as required by Kentucky law
Inventory the estate — identify all assets, debts, and liabilities
Pay debts and taxes — settle outstanding obligations from estate funds
Distribute remaining assets — according to the will or state intestacy laws
Close the estate — file a final accounting with the court

How Long Does Probate Take?

In Kentucky, probate typically takes 6 to 18 months depending on the complexity of the estate. Simple estates with no disputes may be resolved faster, while contested wills or complex asset distributions can take longer.

Do You Need a Probate Attorney?

While Kentucky does not always require an attorney for probate, it is strongly recommended, especially for estates with significant assets, real estate, business interests, or potential disputes. A local probate attorney familiar with Jefferson County Probate Court procedures can help navigate the process efficiently.

Resources

For more information about the probate process, visit the Jefferson County Probate Court directly or consult with a local probate attorney. You can also explore tools like EverSettled for step-by-step estate settlement guidance.

Additional Notes

Probate Court handles matters such as wills, estates, conservatorships and guardianships. The Jefferson County Clerk's Office retains the original recorded will or name change document. The fee to record wills and name changes is $46. Probate Court has Motion Hour on Tuesdays at 1pm for attorneys and 2pm for pro se parties. Virtual attendance is permitted.

Jefferson County