Overview
Wolfe County is located in Kentucky with a population of approximately 6,500. The Wolfe 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 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 (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 called "Dispense with Administration" (Form AOC-830) for estates valued at $30,000 or less (exemption for surviving spouse/children) or where preferred claims exceed assets.
Kentucky law sets a maximum fee for executors/administrators at 5% of the personal estate value, plus 5% of income collected.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Wolfe 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
Wolfe County Judicial Center
Probate matters in Wolfe County are handled at the Wolfe County Circuit Court Clerk's Office.
Address: 133 Main St., P.O. Box 296, Campton, KY 41301-0296
Phone: (606) 668-3736 (Circuit Court Clerk)
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
The Circuit Court Clerk's office is located in the Judicial Center on Main Street and serves as the filing office for District Court probate matters.
Parking and Access
Street parking is available near the courthouse in downtown Campton.
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 (exemption for surviving spouse/children), or if preferred claims exceed assets, you may file a Petition to Dispense with Administration.
- Survivorship: 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 Wolfe County District Court. Include:
- Original Will (if applicable)
- Certified Death Certificate
- List of heirs and beneficiaries
- Filing fee (approx. $45)
- Identification of the fiduciary
E-filing is generally available for attorneys via KYeCourts; pro se filers typically file in person or by mail.
Step 3: Provide Notice
After filing, you must:
- Mail notice of the hearing to all heirs, beneficiaries, and interested parties (or obtain waivers)
- Publish notice to creditors in a newspaper of general circulation in Wolfe County once (creditors have 6 months to file claims)
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 from the date of appointment 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
Wolfe County-Specific Procedures
- Fiduciary Bond: A bond is generally required unless waived by the will or by all heirs.
- Settlement: A final settlement (AOC-846) or informal settlement (AOC-850) must be filed to close the estate.
- Self-Help: The Circuit Court Clerk can provide forms but cannot give legal advice.
- Publication: Notice to creditors must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Wolfe County once.
Check with the Circuit Court Clerk for any specific local filing rules or scheduling times for probate motion hour.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Wolfe County)
- Petition for Probate: approximately $45.00
- Petition to Dispense with Administration: approximately $45.00
- Certified copies of Letters: approximately $5.00 per certified copy
- Publication costs: approximately $100-$200 depending on the newspaper
- Recording fees: vary by page count
Executor fee is capped at 5% of the personal estate value.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, certified check, or money order (credit cards may incur a fee).
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (no disputes, limited assets): 6-9 months
- Average estates: 9-18 months
- Complex or contested estates: 18 months to 2+ years
The 6-month creditor claim period is the primary factor affecting the minimum timeline.
Local Resources
Wolfe County Court Resources
- Court Website: kycourts.gov
- Probate Self-Help: Kentucky Court of Justice Probate Guide
- Kentucky Probate Forms: Kentucky Court of Justice Legal Forms
Legal Aid and Attorney Referrals
- Kentucky Bar Association: (502) 564-3795 — Lawyer Referral Service
- AppalReD Legal Aid: (866) 277-5733 — Legal aid for low-income residents
- State Bar Lawyer Referral: kybar.org
Publication
- The Wolfe County News: (606) 668-3595 — Newspaper of general circulation for probate notices