Overview
Robertson County is located in Kentucky with a population of approximately 2,193. The Robertson 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) or Petition for Appointment of Administrator 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 Dispensing with Administration (Form AOC-830) for estates valued at $30,000 or less (excluding exempt property) where there is a surviving spouse or children, or if the estate assets are sufficient only to pay preferred claims.
Kentucky does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys or executors; fees must be reasonable and are subject to court approval. Executors are typically entitled to a commission not exceeding 5% of the personal estate income and value.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Robertson 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
Robertson County Judicial Center
Probate matters in Robertson County are handled at the Robertson County Judicial Center.
Address: 127 E. Walnut St., Mt. Olivet, KY 41064
Phone: (606) 724-5993 (Circuit Court Clerk)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Circuit Court Clerk's office manages filings for the District Court, which oversees probate cases. The courthouse is located in Mt. Olivet, the county seat.
Parking and Access
Street parking is generally available near the courthouse in Mt. Olivet. The building is accessible to the public during standard business hours.
Filing Process
Step 1: Determine If Probate Is Necessary
Before filing, assess whether formal probate is required:
- Dispense with Administration: If the estate is valued at $30,000 or less and involves a surviving spouse/children or preferred creditors, you may file a Petition to Dispense with Administration (AOC-830).
- Survivorship Assets: Property held as "joint tenants with right 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 (AOC-805) or Petition for Appointment of Administrator with the Robertson County District Court. Include:
- Completed Petition form
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (approximately $40-$50)
- List of heirs and beneficiaries with addresses
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 Robertson County (typically the Robertson County News) to alert 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, admits the will to probate and appoints the fiduciary, issuing Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors and allow 6 months for claims to be filed
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 60 days
- Pay valid creditor claims and estate expenses
- File Kentucky inheritance tax returns if applicable
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a Final Settlement with the court to close the estate
Local Requirements
Robertson County-Specific Procedures
- Filing Office: All probate documents are filed with the Robertson County Circuit Court Clerk.
- Bond: A fiduciary bond is generally required unless the will waives it or all beneficiaries waive the requirement and the court approves.
- Publication: Notice to creditors must be published in the Robertson County News.
- Inventory: A duplicate inventory must be mailed to the Kentucky Department of Revenue.
Always check with the Circuit Court Clerk for the most current local rules and fee schedules.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Robertson County)
- Petition for Probate: approximately $40-$50
- Petition to Dispense with Administration: approximately $40
- Recording Fees: Varies by document length (e.g., $50 for Affidavit of Descent)
- Publication costs: Varies by newspaper (typically paid directly to the publisher)
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 (includes 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
Robertson County Court Resources
- Court Website: kycourts.gov
- Kentucky Probate Forms: AOC Legal Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Kentucky Bar Association: (502) 564-3795 — Lawyer Referral Service
- Legal Aid of the Bluegrass: (859) 431-8200 — Legal assistance for low-income residents
Publication
- Robertson County News: (606) 724-5212 — Local newspaper for legal notices