Overview
Campbell County is located in Kentucky with a population of approximately 93,000. The Campbell County District Court handles all probate and estate matters for decedents who were domiciled in the county at the time of death.
Kentucky probate is governed by Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) Chapters 394 and 395. The process begins with filing a Petition for Probate of Will and Appointment of Executor (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.
Simplified Procedures: Kentucky offers a "Petition to Dispense with Administration" (Form AOC-830) for estates valued at $30,000 or less (excluding exempt property). This allows assets to be distributed without full probate administration.
Fees: Kentucky does not have a statutory percentage fee for attorneys; fees must be reasonable. Executors are typically entitled to a commission not to exceed 5% of the personal estate value plus 5% of the income collected.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Campbell 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
Campbell County District Court
Probate matters in Campbell County are handled at the Campbell County Courthouse in Newport.
Address: 330 York Street, Newport, KY 41071
Phone: (859) 292-6314 (Circuit Court Clerk - Probate Division)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Probate Division is managed by the Campbell County Circuit Court Clerk (Taunya Nolan Jack) but heard by District Court judges. The office is located on the main floor of the courthouse.
Parking and Access
There is no dedicated public parking lot for the courthouse. Visitors must use metered street parking (bring coins or use the Passport Parking app) or park in nearby paid garages, such as the Newport on the Levee garage or the Ovation garage, which are a short walk away. Security screening is required upon entry.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Petition to Dispense with Administration: If the personal estate is valued at $30,000 or less (and there is a surviving spouse or children, or preferred creditors), you may file Form AOC-830 to skip full administration.
- Survivorship: Assets held jointly with "rights of survivorship" pass automatically 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 (Form AOC-805) with the Campbell County District Court. Include:
- Original Will and Codicils (if applicable)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Filing fee (approximately $100-$110)
- List of heirs and beneficiaries with addresses
- Proposed Fiduciary Bond (Form AOC-825), if required
E-filing is available for attorneys via the Kentucky Court of Justice eFiling system (KYeCourts). Pro se litigants typically file in person or by mail.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice to heirs and beneficiaries.
- Publish notice of the fiduciary's appointment in a newspaper of general circulation to notify creditors. The clerk usually handles the arrangement of this publication upon filing.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition. Many uncontested probate matters in Campbell County are handled quickly. If the petition is in order and no objections are raised, the judge will sign the order and the clerk will issue Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Inventory the estate assets and file an inventory with the court within 60 days (Form AOC-841).
- Notify creditors and allow 6 months for claims to be filed.
- Pay valid debts, funeral expenses, and taxes.
- Distribute remaining assets to beneficiaries.
- File a Final Settlement (Form AOC-846) to close the estate.
Local Requirements
Campbell County-Specific Procedures
- Fiduciary Bond: A bond is generally required to ensure the representative performs their duties faithfully. The court may waive surety on the bond if the Will requests it or if all beneficiaries agree, but a "personal recognizance" bond is still signed.
- Publication: The Circuit Clerk's office typically forwards the notice of appointment to an approved newspaper for publication. The estate will be billed for the publication cost.
- Local Forms: Campbell County primarily uses the standard Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) forms.
Always check with the Circuit Court Clerk's probate division for the most current local rules regarding scheduling and document submission.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Campbell County)
- Petition for Probate (with Will): approximately $103.50
- Petition for Probate (without Will): approximately $95.50
- Petition to Dispense with Administration: approximately $53.50
- Recording Will: $8.00 (often included in base fee)
- Publication costs: approximately $30-$50 (billed separately by newspaper)
Note: Fees are subject to change. Contact the clerk at (859) 292-6314 to verify exact amounts.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, certified checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (with a processing fee). Personal checks are generally not accepted from pro se litigants.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates: 6-9 months (minimum 6 months for creditor claims)
- Average estates: 9-15 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2+ years
The 6-month creditor claim period begins immediately after the appointment of the personal representative. The estate cannot be fully closed until this period expires.
Local Resources
Campbell County Court Resources
- Court Website: kycourts.gov
- Kentucky Court of Justice (Legal Self-Help): kycourts.gov
- State Probate Forms: kycourts.gov/Legal-Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Northern Kentucky Bar Association: (859) 781-1300 — nkybar.com
- Legal Aid of the Bluegrass: (859) 431-8200 — lablaw.org
- Kentucky Lawyer Referral Service: kybar.org
Publication
- The Kentucky Enquirer: Contact the legal advertising department for publication rates and requirements