Overview
Warren County is located in Kentucky with a population of approximately 147,936. Probate matters in Warren County are filed with the Circuit Court Clerk at the Warren County Justice Center. Probate is a District Court function within Kentucky's unified court system.
Kentucky probate is governed by 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. If the personal property of the estate is valued at $30,000 or less, a Petition to Dispense with Administration (AOC-830) may be filed to avoid full probate.
Executors and administrators in Kentucky are entitled to a fee not to exceed 5% of the value of the personal estate plus 5% of the income collected by the estate.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Warren 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
Warren County Circuit Court Clerk
Probate matters in Warren County are filed with the Circuit Court Clerk at the Warren County Justice Center.
Address: 1001 Center St., Suite 102, Bowling Green, KY 42101
Phone: (270) 746-7400
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Circuit Court Clerk's office handles probate filings within the Justice Center.
Parking and Access
Free public parking is available in the Paxton Lot at the corner of 10th & Center Streets. Street parking is also available nearby.
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 skip full probate.
- Affidavit of Descent: Used to transfer real estate when there is no will and no administration is necessary.
- 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) with the Warren County Circuit Court Clerk. Include:
- Completed Form AOC-805
- Original Will (if applicable)
- Certified Death Certificate
- Filing fee (approx. $200)
- List of heirs and their addresses
E-filing is available for attorneys via the Kentucky Court of Justice eFiling system.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties (waivers may be signed to expedite this).
- Publish notice to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Warren County (typically handled by the clerk after appointment).
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing on the petition, typically 1 to 4 weeks after filing. 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
- Pay valid creditor claims
- File federal and state tax returns as needed
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a final accounting and petition for discharge
Local Requirements
Warren County-Specific Procedures
- Fiduciary Bond: A bond is generally required unless waived by the will or all heirs.
- Settlement: Final settlement is due 2 years after appointment, or a periodic settlement if not closed.
- Inventory: Must be filed within 60 days of appointment.
- Publication: Notice to creditors must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Warren County once.
Check with the Warren County Circuit Court Clerk for any specific local form requirements or scheduling preferences.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Warren County)
- Petition for Probate: approximately $200
- Petition to Dispense with Administration: approximately $85
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $5 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $50-$100 depending on the newspaper
- Recording Deed/Affidavit: $50
Kentucky executors are entitled to a fee not to exceed 5% of the personal estate value plus 5% of income collected.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, certified check, or money order (credit cards often accepted with fee).
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 6-9 months
- Average estates: 9-18 months
- Complex or contested estates: 2+ years
Creditors have 6 months to file claims, which sets the minimum timeline for closing an estate.
Local Resources
Warren County Court Resources
- Court Website: kycourts.gov
- Probate Self-Help: Kentucky Court of Justice Probate Guide
- 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
- Kentucky Lawyer Referral Service: kybar.org
Publication
- Bowling Green Daily News: (270) 781-1700 — Newspaper of general circulation
- The Daily News: (270) 781-1700 — Legal notices