Overview
Logan County is located in Kentucky with a population of approximately 28,000. The Logan 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 (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 for small estates known as a Petition to Dispense with Administration (Form AOC-830). 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 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 Logan 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
Logan County District Court
Probate matters in Logan County are handled at the Logan County Courthouse.
Address: 329 West 4th Street, Russellville, KY 42276
Phone: (270) 726-2424 (Circuit Court Clerk)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Office of the Circuit Court Clerk handles filings for the District Court, including probate matters.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available around the courthouse square and on nearby streets. Visitors should be prepared for security screening upon entering the 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, you may file Form AOC-830 to transfer assets without full administration.
- Survivorship Assets: Property held with "rights of survivorship" passes 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 (Form AOC-805) with the Logan County District Court. Include:
- Original Will (if applicable)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (typically around $100-$110)
- List of heirs and beneficiaries (Form AOC-805)
E-filing may be available for attorneys through the Kentucky Court of Justice eFiling system; pro se litigants typically file in person or by mail.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice to all heirs and beneficiaries.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Logan County (typically the News Democrat Leader) to notify creditors.
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, appoints the fiduciary and 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 and appraise all estate assets within 60 days (Form AOC-841)
- Pay valid creditor claims and taxes
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a Final Settlement (Form AOC-846) to close the estate
Local Requirements
Logan County-Specific Procedures
- Filing Venue: Filings are processed through the Logan County Circuit Court Clerk's office.
- Bond: A fiduciary bond is generally required unless waived by the will or by all beneficiaries.
- Publication: Notice to creditors must be published in the News Democrat Leader.
- Inventory: Must be filed within 60 days of appointment.
Always check with the Circuit Court Clerk for the most current local rules and fee schedules.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Logan County)
- Petition for Probate (with Will): approximately $103.50
- Petition for Probate (without Will): approximately $95.50
- Recording Fees: $50.00 for deeds/affidavits
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$300 depending on the length of the notice
- Certified Copies: approximately $5.00 per copy
Payment Methods
The court typically accepts cash, certified checks, or money orders. Credit cards may be accepted with a processing fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (Dispense with Admin): 1-2 months
- Average 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
Logan County Court Resources
- Court Website: kycourts.gov
- Probate Self-Help: Kentucky Legal Aid
- State Probate Forms: Kentucky Court of Justice Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Kentucky Bar Association: (502) 564-3795 — Lawyer Referral Service
- Kentucky Legal Aid: (270) 782-5740 — Serving South Central Kentucky
Publication
- News Democrat Leader: (270) 726-8394 — Legal Notices