Overview
Bullitt County is located in Kentucky with a population of approximately 85,802. The Bullitt County District Court (Probate Division) handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Kentucky probate is governed by KRS Chapters 394 (Wills) and 395 (Personal Representatives). The process begins with filing a Petition for Probate of Will and Appointment of Executor (Form AOC-805) or a Petition for Appointment of Administrator (Form AOC-805) to admit the will and appoint a personal representative. The court then issues Letters Testamentary for testate estates or Letters of Administration for intestate estates.
Kentucky offers a simplified process known as a Petition to Dispense with Administration (Form AOC-830). This is available if the estate's personal property is valued at $30,000 or less and passes to a surviving spouse or children, or if the preferred claims against the estate exceed the value of the assets.
Kentucky does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or executors based on a percentage of the estate; fees must be "reasonable" and are subject to court approval.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Bullitt County probate process. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for consulting a qualified attorney. Laws and local procedures may change — verify current requirements with the court.
Courthouse Information
Bullitt County Judicial Center
Probate matters in Bullitt County are handled at the Bullitt County Judicial Center.
Address: 250 Frank E. Simon Ave., Shepherdsville, KY 40165
Phone: (502) 543-7104 (Circuit Court Clerk - Probate Division)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Probate Division is part of the Office of the Circuit Court Clerk but operates within the District Court.
Parking and Access
Public parking is generally available in the lots surrounding the Judicial Center. Designated parking for those with disabilities is available near the entrance.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Petition to Dispense with Administration: If the estate's personal property is valued at $30,000 or less and is distributable to a surviving spouse and/or children, or if preferred claims exceed assets, you may file Form AOC-830 to skip full administration.
- Survivorship Assets: Assets held in joint tenancy with rights of survivorship pass directly to the co-owner.
- Trust administration: Assets held in a living trust generally do not require probate.
Step 2: File the Petition
If formal probate is needed, file a Petition for Probate of Will/Appointment of Executor or Administrator (Form AOC-805) with the Bullitt County District Court. Include:
- The original Petition (signed and notarized)
- The original Last Will and Testament (if applicable)
- A certified copy of the death certificate
- The filing fee (payable to the Circuit Court Clerk)
- A list of heirs and beneficiaries (Form AOC-806 may be required)
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Bullitt County, typically The Pioneer News, to notify creditors. The clerk often handles the arrangement of this publication upon filing.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition. At the hearing, the judge reviews the petition and, if approved, issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors (Kentucky allows creditors 6 months from the date of appointment to file claims)
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 60 days (Form AOC-841)
- Pay valid creditor claims and estate expenses
- File federal and state tax returns as needed (including Kentucky Inheritance Tax if applicable)
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a Final Settlement (Form AOC-846) to close the estate
Local Requirements
Bullitt County-Specific Procedures
- Publication: Legal notices for probate are typically published in The Pioneer News.
- Fiduciary Bond: A bond is generally required for administrators and executors unless the will waives it or all beneficiaries waive the requirement.
- Local Forms: While Kentucky uses standardized AOC forms, the Bullitt County Clerk may have specific preferences for how documents are presented or recorded.
- Recording: Real estate transfers associated with the estate are recorded with the Bullitt County Clerk's recording department.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Bullitt County)
- Petition for Probate: approximately $83.50 - $200 (Base fee + recording costs)
- Petition to Dispense with Administration: approximately $83.50
- Recording Fees: Varies by document length (e.g., $50.00 for the first few pages of a deed/will)
- Publication costs: approximately $50 - $100 depending on the length of the notice
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, certified checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (with a processing fee). Personal checks may not be accepted for all fees.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (Dispense with Admin): 1-2 months
- Average estates: 6-9 months (due to the 6-month creditor period)
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2+ years
The 6-month creditor claim period is a primary factor in the duration of formal probate administration.
Local Resources
Bullitt County Court Resources
- Court Website: bullittcourtclerk.com
- Kentucky Court of Justice (Self-Help): kycourts.gov/Legal-Help
- State Probate Forms: kycourts.gov/Legal-Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Kentucky Bar Association: (502) 564-3795 — Attorney referral service
- Legal Aid Society (Louisville area): (502) 584-1254 — Provides legal assistance to low-income individuals
- Bullitt County Bar Association: Contact local court for information
Publication
- The Pioneer News: (502) 543-2288 — Newspaper of general circulation for legal notices