Overview
Kenton County is located in Kentucky with a population of approximately 174,862. The Kenton 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 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.
Kentucky offers a simplified process known as a Petition to Dispense with Administration (Form AOC-830) for estates where the personal property does not exceed $30,000 (exemption for surviving spouse/children) or where assets are sufficient only to pay preferred debts.
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 Kenton 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
Kenton County Justice Center
Probate matters in Kenton County are handled at the Kenton County Justice Center.
Address: 230 Madison Avenue, 3rd Floor, Covington, KY 41011
Phone: (859) 292-6523 (District Civil/Probate)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Probate Division is part of the District Court and is located on the 3rd floor. The Circuit Court Clerk's office manages filings.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available at the Kenton County Parking Garage located at 220 Madison Avenue, directly across from the Justice Center. On-street metered parking is also available in downtown Covington (meters typically enforced 8 AM – 9 PM). Visitors must pass through security screening upon entering the courthouse.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Petition to Dispense with Administration: Available if the estate's personal property is valued at $30,000 or less (for surviving spouse/children) or if assets are only sufficient to cover preferred claims (funeral expenses, etc.).
- Survivorship: Assets held jointly with right of survivorship pass automatically to the survivor.
- 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 Administrator (Form AOC-805) with the Kenton District Court. Include:
- Original Will and codicils (if applicable)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (typically paid by cash, check, or money order)
- List of heirs and beneficiaries with addresses
- Proposed Order
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 in Kenton County (e.g., The Kentucky Enquirer) 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. In many uncontested cases, the hearing is brief. If approved, the judge signs the order and the clerk issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors (Kentucky has a 6-month creditor claim period)
- Inventory estate assets and file an inventory with the court (Form AOC-841) within 60 days
- Pay valid debts and taxes
- Distribute remaining assets to beneficiaries
- File a Final Settlement (Form AOC-846) to close the estate
Local Requirements
Kenton County-Specific Procedures
- Fiduciary Bond: A bond is generally required unless the will waives it or all beneficiaries waive it. The court sets the amount based on the estate's value.
- Publication: The clerk typically forwards the Notice of Appointment to the newspaper (The Kentucky Enquirer or LINK Reader) for publication. The estate is responsible for the cost.
- Inventory: Must be filed in duplicate within 60 days of appointment.
- Settlement: A final settlement can be filed 6 months after appointment if all claims are resolved.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Kenton County)
- Petition to Probate Will: approximately $103.50 - $172.50 (varies by specific petition type)
- Petition to Dispense with Administration: approximately $95.50 - $125.50
- Recording/Certified Copies: ~$15.00+ depending on page count
- Publication costs: approximately $50 - $100 (billed by newspaper)
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, certified checks, money orders, and credit cards (with a processing fee). Personal checks may be accepted from local attorneys.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (Dispense with Administration): 1-2 months
- Average formal estates: 6-9 months (due to 6-month creditor period)
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2 years
The 6-month creditor claim period begins after the appointment of the personal representative.
Local Resources
Kenton County Court Resources
- Court Website: kentoncourtclerk.org
- Probate Self-Help: kycourts.gov/Legal-Help
- Kentucky Probate Forms: kycourts.gov/Legal-Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Northern Kentucky Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: (859) 781-1525
- Legal Aid of the Bluegrass: (859) 431-8200 — Low-income assistance
- Kentucky Bar Association: kybar.org
Publication
- The Kentucky Enquirer: (859) 578-5555 — Legal Notices
- LINK nky: linknky.com