Overview
Taylor County is located in Kentucky with a population of approximately 26,809. The Taylor 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 known as a Petition to Dispense with Administration (Form AOC-830). This is available if the estate's personal property is valued at $30,000 or less (the exemption amount for a surviving spouse or children) or if preferred claims against the estate exceed the value of the assets.
Kentucky does not have a statutory fee schedule for attorneys; fees must be reasonable. Executors are generally entitled to a commission not exceeding 5% of the value of the personal estate plus 5% of the income collected.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Taylor 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
Taylor County Judicial Center
Probate matters in Taylor County are handled at the Taylor County Judicial Center.
Address: 300 E. Main St., Campbellsville, KY 42718
Phone: (270) 465-6686 (Circuit Court Clerk)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
The Circuit Court Clerk's office is responsible for maintaining probate records and accepting filings. Probate hearings are typically heard in the District Court.
Parking and Access
Public parking is available near the courthouse in downtown Campbellsville. 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:
- Dispense with Administration: If the estate consists of personal property worth $30,000 or less (for surviving spouse/children) or if debts exceed assets, you may file a Petition to Dispense with Administration.
- 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 (Form AOC-805) with the Taylor County District Court. Include:
- The original petition
- Original will and codicils (if any)
- Certified death certificate
- Filing fee (typically starting around $40-$50, but can be higher depending on the case)
- List of heirs and beneficiaries
E-filing is available in many Kentucky counties through the KYeCourts system; check with the clerk for specific local availability.
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 Taylor County (typically the Central Kentucky News-Journal) 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, issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Step 5: Administer the Estate
After receiving Letters, the personal representative must:
- Notify creditors (creditors generally have 6 months to file claims)
- Inventory and appraise all estate assets within 60 days
- Pay valid creditor claims
- File federal and state tax returns as needed
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a final accounting (or informal settlement) and petition for discharge
Local Requirements
Taylor County-Specific Procedures
- Filing Location: Filings are made with the Taylor County Circuit Court Clerk, who serves as the clerk for the District Court probate division.
- Bond requirements: A fiduciary bond is often required unless waived by the will or by the court.
- Local court rules: Check with the clerk for any specific local rules regarding hearing schedules or document formatting.
- Publication: Notice to creditors must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Taylor County, such as the Central Kentucky News-Journal.
Always contact the Circuit Court Clerk's office to confirm current filing fees and procedural requirements before visiting.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Taylor County)
- Probate Petition (Base Fee): approximately $40-$50 (fees vary by specific action)
- Petition to Dispense with Administration: approximately $40
- Recording Fees: Fees may apply for recording the will or other documents ($10-$50 range)
- Publication costs: approximately $50-$150 depending on the newspaper
- Certified copies: approximately $5 per copy
Note: Fees are subject to change. Contact the clerk for the exact total.
Payment Methods
The court typically accepts cash, checks, or money orders. Credit cards may be accepted with a processing fee.
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (Dispense with Administration): 1-2 months
- Average estates: 6-9 months (due to the 6-month creditor period)
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2 years
The 6-month creditor claim period is a primary factor in the duration of formal administration.
Local Resources
Taylor County Court Resources
- Court Website: kycourts.gov
- Probate Self-Help: Kentucky Court of Justice Self-Help
- Kentucky Probate Forms: AOC Legal Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Kentucky Bar Association: (502) 564-3795 — Lawyer Referral Service
- Kentucky Legal Aid: (270) 782-1924 — Legal assistance for low-income residents
- Taylor County Bar Association: Contact local listings
Publication
- Central Kentucky News-Journal: (270) 465-8111 — cknj.com