Overview
LaRue County is located in Kentucky with a population of approximately 15,100. The LaRue 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 394-395. The process begins with filing a Petition for Probate of Will (AOC-805) or Petition for Appointment of Administrator (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 for small estates known as a Petition to Dispense with Administration. This is available if the personal property in the estate is valued at $30,000 or less, or if the surviving spouse's exemption plus preferred claims equals or exceeds the value of the estate.
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 LaRue 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
LaRue District Court
Probate matters in LaRue County are handled at the LaRue County Courthouse.
Address: 209 W High St, Hodgenville, KY 42748
Phone: (270) 358-3421 (Circuit Court Clerk)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (closed noon-1:00 PM on Wednesdays)
The Circuit Court Clerk's office is responsible for maintaining probate records and accepting filings. The office is located in the courthouse annex.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available around the courthouse square and on adjacent streets. Security screening is required for entry into the courthouse building.
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, or if the assets are exempt from execution (e.g., for a surviving spouse or children), 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 Administrator (AOC-805) with the LaRue District Court. Include:
- Original Will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (typically cash, check, or money order)
- List of heirs and beneficiaries with addresses
- Waiver of Notice (AOC-806) if applicable
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 LaRue County (The LaRue County Herald News) to notify creditors. The clerk typically handles the arrangement of this publication upon appointment of the fiduciary.
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 (creditors have 6 months to file claims)
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 60 days (AOC-841)
- Pay valid creditor claims and estate taxes
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a Final Settlement (AOC-846) or Informal Final Settlement (AOC-850) to close the estate
Local Requirements
LaRue County-Specific Procedures
- Filing Method: Filings are generally made in person at the Circuit Court Clerk's office.
- Bond: A fiduciary bond is typically required unless waived by the will or by all beneficiaries.
- Publication: Notice to creditors must be published in The LaRue County Herald News. The clerk's office often assists with forwarding the notice to the newspaper.
- Inventory: Must be filed in duplicate within 60 days of appointment.
Always check with the LaRue Circuit Court Clerk for the most up-to-date local rules and fee schedules.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (LaRue County)
- Probate Petition: approximately $40.00 - $80.00 (varies by specific filing type and add-ons)
- Petition to Dispense with Administration: approximately $40.00
- Recording Will: approximately $8.00 (County Clerk fee)
- Publication costs: approximately $25.00 - $50.00 (payable to newspaper)
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit/debit cards may be accepted with a processing fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (Dispense with Administration): 1-2 months
- Average estates: 6-9 months (minimum 6 months for creditor claims)
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2+ years
The 6-month creditor claim period is a mandatory minimum for formal administration.
Local Resources
LaRue County Court Resources
- Court Website: kycourts.gov
- Probate Self-Help: Kentucky Court of Justice Self-Help
- State Probate Forms: Kentucky Court of Justice Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Kentucky Bar Association: (502) 564-3795 — Lawyer Referral Service
- Legal Aid Society: (502) 584-1254 — Civil legal assistance for low-income residents
- Kentucky Lawyer Referral Service: kybar.org
Publication
- The LaRue County Herald News: (270) 358-3118 — Official newspaper for legal notices