How Do I Find a Probate Attorney in Jefferson County, Kentucky?
When to consider hiring help, what to look for in a probate attorney, and firms serving Jefferson County.
We found 18 estate law firms serving Jefferson County. Jefferson County is part of the Louisville Metro region.
These firms handle estate administration, will contests, trust litigation, and other probate matters in Jefferson County District Court.
Kentucky uses formal, court-supervised probate, which makes an attorney worthwhile for most estates in Jefferson County — the filing sequence, notice requirements, and accounting leave little room for error. Estates under the small-estate threshold are the usual exception.
Probate attorney fees in Kentucky are based on reasonable compensation — typically 2%Reasonable compensation; no probate-specific attorney fee statute (SCR 3.130-1.5(a) general rule)Verified May 7, 2026 to 4%Reasonable compensation; no probate-specific attorney fee statute (SCR 3.130-1.5(a) general rule)Verified May 7, 2026 of the estate's value, billed hourly or as a flat fee. Ask a Jefferson County firm to quote a structure up front.
A probate attorney files the petition with the District Court, publishes the required creditor notices, prepares the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. They represent the personal representative — not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if a dispute develops.
Louisville Metro Firms
Law Office of Allan E. Dunaway, PLC
Solo
10200 Linn Station Road, Suite 230
Louisville, KY 40223
Phone:
(502) 412-2254dunawaylawoffice.com →
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationWills Trusts
Berkley Oliver, PLLC
FirmEst. 2017
77 Mack Walters Rd, Suite 200
Shelbyville, KY 40065
Phone:
(502) 205-9005berkleyoliver.com →
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationElder LawMedicaid Planning
Brightwell Elder and Probate Law
FirmEst. 1998
713 East Market Street, Suite 100
Louisville, KY 40202
Phone:
(502) 589-9254brightwellelderandprobatelaw.com →
Elder LawProbate AdministrationEstate PlanningMedicaid Planning
Dodd & Dodd Attorneys, PLLC
FirmEst. 1869
12004 La Grange Road
Louisville, KY 40223
Phone:
(502) 584-1108doddattorneys.com →
Probate AdministrationEstate PlanningWills TrustsTax PlanningEstate Litigation
English Law Group
FirmEst. 1960
4965 US Highway 42, Suite 1000
Louisville, KY 40222
Phone:
(502) 425-8717englishlawgroup.com →
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationTitle Services
Gibson Law Offices
Firm
3339 Taylorsville Road
Louisville, KY 40205
Phone:
(502) 403-2798gibsonlawlouisville.com →
Probate AdministrationEstate DisputesLitigationTrust AdministrationWills Trusts
Free Consult
Howell & Kidd, Attorneys
FirmEst. 2001
4010 Dupont Circle, Suite L-30
Louisville, KY 40207
Phone:
(502) 893-3030howellandkidd.com →
Estate PlanningWills TrustsProbate AdministrationElder LawFamily Law
Free Consult
John H. Ruby & Associates
FirmEst. 1999
2950 Breckenridge Lane, Suite 13
Louisville, KY 40220
Phone:
(502) 373-8044rubylawfirm.com →
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationWills TrustsTrust Administration
John K. Carter, Attorney at Law
SoloEst. 1990
100 West Jefferson Street, Suite 5
La Grange, KY 40031
Phone:
(502) 584-2100jkcarterlaw.com →
Estate PlanningWills TrustsProbate Administration
Lowry & Lowry, PLLC
FirmEst. 1979
8007 Lyndon Centre Way, Suite 201
Louisville, KY 40222
Phone:
(502) 587-7754lowryplanning.com →
Estate PlanningWills TrustsTrust AdministrationProbate AdministrationElder LawLong Term Care Planning
Stone Legal Group
Firm
9200 Shelbyville Road, Suite 600
Louisville, KY 40222
Phone:
(502) 326-5550stonelegalgroup.com →
Wills TrustsEstate PlanningProbate AdministrationTrust Administration
Free Consult
Statewide Practices
These firms serve clients throughout Kentucky.
Bunch & Brock, PSC
FirmEst. 1976
126 W. Maxwell St., #200
Lexington, KY 40508
Phone:
(859) 254-5522bunchandbrocklaw.com →
Probate AdministrationEstate PlanningElder LawTrust AdministrationWills Trusts
Cooley & Offill Law Firm
FirmEst. 1994
1412 Frederica Street
Owensboro, KY 42303
Phone:
(270) 685-5586lawyerowensboro.com →
Probate AdministrationEstate PlanningWills Trusts
Free Consult
Kentucky ElderLaw, PLLC
Firm
661 S. Hurstbourne Parkway, Suite 200
Louisville, KY 40222
Phone:
(502) 581-1111kyelderlaw.com →
Elder LawEstate PlanningMedicaid PlanningProbate AdministrationTrust Administration
Free Consult
McBrayer PLLC
FirmEst. 1963
201 E. Main Street, Suite 900
Lexington, KY 40507
Phone:
(859) 231-8780mcbrayerfirm.com →
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationTrust AdministrationHealthcare Law
Triplett & Carothers (Roz Law)
Firm
8004 Lyndon Centre Way, Suite 102
Louisville, KY 40222
Phone:
(502) 425-5562rozlaw.com →
Probate AdministrationEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationAsset Protection
Stites & Harbison, PLLC
FirmEst. 1832
400 West Market Street, Suite 1800
Louisville, KY 40202
Phone:
(502) 587-3400stites.com →
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationTrust AdministrationElder LawTax PlanningBusiness Succession
Thomas, Dodson & Wolford, PLLC
Firm
9200 Shelbyville Road, Suite 611
Louisville, KY 40222
Phone:
(502) 426-1700tdwlawyers.com →
Estate PlanningProbate AdministrationTrust AdministrationTax PlanningWills Trusts
Frequently Asked Questions
Not every estate needs one. Simple estates, small estates under the affidavit threshold, and states with informal probate can often be handled without counsel. Contested wills, out-of-state property, and business interests usually need an attorney. The Kentucky self-filing assessment scores whether this estate can be handled without one.
Kentucky uses reasonable fees for probate. Typical Jefferson County rates run $200–$500/hour, with simple estates taking 20–40 hours. Flat-fee arrangements are available from some firms.
Files the petition, publishes required notices, helps with the inventory and accounting, handles creditor claims and tax filings, and guides the final distribution. The attorney represents the personal representative, not the beneficiaries — a distinction that matters if disputes arise.
Referrals from an estate planning attorney you already work with are the best source. Bar association directories are second. Avoid attorneys who won't quote a fee structure up front or who won't explain whether your estate qualifies for simplified procedures.
Yes — by avoiding probate altogether. A revocable living trust removes the estate from court jurisdiction, which removes the need for a probate attorney at settlement time. Create a revocable trust online for about what one hour of probate-attorney time costs.
Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to discuss your situation and verify their current practice areas and availability. Information last verified: May 2026.
District Court
Jefferson County
Louis D. Brandeis Hall of Justice, 600 W. Jefferson St., Suite 2008
Louisville, KY 40202
Phone:
502-595-4434Fax:
502-595-3270
Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Paper Filing Available
E-Filing Optional
Notify Banks & Financial Institutions
Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
Named as Executor
Being named executor means navigating probate, managing assets, and distributing the estate. What's expected, what you can charge, and how to start.
Learn more
Death of a Parent
Losing a parent is overwhelming. What needs to happen next — settling the estate, navigating probate, and the steps to move forward.
Learn more