Overview
Woodford County is located in Kentucky with a population of approximately 27,728. The Woodford 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 394-395. The process begins with filing a Petition for Probate of Will and Appointment of Executor (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 for small estates known as a Petition to Dispense with Administration. This is available if the personal estate is valued at $30,000 or less and there is a surviving spouse, surviving children, or preferred creditor.
Kentucky statutes generally set the maximum compensation for an executor or administrator at 5% of the value of the personal estate plus 5% of the income collected.
This guide provides an informational overview of the Woodford 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
Woodford County District Court
Probate matters in Woodford County are handled at the Woodford County Courthouse Annex.
Address: 130 Court Street, Versailles, KY 40383
Phone: (859) 873-3711 (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 Probate Division. The office is located in the Courthouse Annex.
Parking and Access
Two-hour parking is available around the courthouse building. There is also a free parking lot accessible from Court Street or Rose Hill. The building is wheelchair accessible.
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, and there is a surviving spouse, child, or preferred creditor, you may file to dispense with formal administration.
- Survivorship Assets: Assets held in joint tenancy with right of survivorship pass 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 Woodford County District Court. Include:
- The original Petition (signed and notarized)
- The original will and codicils (if any)
- A certified copy of the death certificate
- The filing fee (typically paid to the Circuit Court Clerk)
- A list of heirs and beneficiaries with addresses
E-filing is available for attorneys in Kentucky through the KYeCourts system, but pro se litigants 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.
- Publish notice in a newspaper of general circulation in Woodford County (typically The Woodford Sun) 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, issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration. A fiduciary bond may be required unless waived by the will or by the court.
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 and file an inventory with the court within 60 days
- Pay valid creditor claims and estate expenses
- File federal and state tax returns as needed (including KY inheritance tax if applicable)
- Distribute assets to beneficiaries
- File a Final Settlement (Form AOC-846) after the estate is fully administered (typically after 6 months but within 2 years)
Local Requirements
Woodford County-Specific Procedures
- Filing Location: Filings are processed by the Circuit Court Clerk's office, which serves the District Court.
- Bond: A fiduciary bond is generally required for administrators and executors unless the will explicitly waives it or all beneficiaries agree to waive it (and the court approves).
- Local Court Rules: Woodford County is part of the 14th Judicial District. Check with the clerk for specific local motion hour times for probate matters.
- Publication: Notice to creditors must be published in The Woodford Sun.
Always verify the specific number of copies required for filing with the clerk before visiting.
Timeline & Fees
Filing Fees (Woodford County)
- Petition for Probate: approximately $40-$50 base fee (total costs often range $150-$200 with recording/other fees)
- Petition to Dispense with Administration: approximately $40-$50 base fee
- Recording Fees: Varies by document length
- Publication costs: approximately $50-$100 depending on the newspaper
- Certified copies: approximately $5 per copy
Kentucky law allows executors and administrators to claim a fee not to exceed 5% of the value of the personal estate and 5% of the income collected.
Payment Methods
The court accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (credit cards may incur a convenience fee).
Estimated Timelines
- Simple estates (Petition to Dispense): 1-2 months
- Average estates: 6-12 months (minimum 6 months for creditor claims)
- Complex or contested estates: 12 months to 2+ years
The creditor claim period in Kentucky is 6 months from the date of the personal representative's appointment.
Local Resources
Woodford County Court Resources
- Court Website: kycourts.gov
- Probate Self-Help: Kentucky Courts Legal Help
- 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) 233-4556 — Legal assistance for low-income residents
- KBA Lawyer Referral: kybar.org
Publication
- The Woodford Sun: (859) 873-4131 — Newspaper of general circulation