What to Do When Someone Dies in Kenton County, Kentucky
Probate in Kenton County runs through the District Court: prove the will, settle the debts, and pass the house to the heirs. Here is how the local process works—and what each step actually costs.
When someone dies in Kenton County, settling their estate runs through the District Court. This page covers the court record, whether probate is required, what it costs, how to file, transferring property, and the local attorneys who handle probate here.
Probate Court Record
District Court
Kenton County · 16th Judicial Circuit
Address
Kenton County Justice Center, 230 Madison Avenue, 3rd FloorCovington, KY 41011
Accepted paymentCash, Check, Money order, Credit card, Debit card. Checks must be made payable to the Kenton Circuit Clerk by full name and title. Checks for Circuit Court matters are held 10 days to clear. Card payments require ID and incur a processor fee. Pay online via ePay.
Departments
District Civil/Probate859-292-6523
Probate handles estates, guardianships of minors, name changes. Also handles involuntary hospitalization and Casey's Law proceedings. Public parking garage accessible from Madison (fees apply).
Probate is the court-supervised process of settling someone's estate after they die — validating the will, paying debts and taxes, and transferring what's left to the heirs. In Kenton County, probate runs through the District Court at Kenton County Justice Center, 230 Madison Avenue, 3rd Floor, Covington. The court sits in the 16th Judicial Circuit.
The personal representative opens the case, gives notice to heirs and creditors, files an inventory of the estate's assets, settles outstanding debts and taxes, and then distributes the remainder under the will — or under Kentucky intestacy law when there is no will.
Most Kentucky estates take 12 months to 18 months to move through this process. The 6 monthsKRS 396.011Verified Sep 8, 2026View source creditor claim window is the largest fixed piece of that timeline — a mandatory wait regardless of how simple the estate is.
What Probate Costs in Kenton County
What probate costs in Kenton County, Kentucky comes down to a handful of line items — the court filing fee, attorney and executor compensation, publication, and sometimes a bond — scaled by the estate's size and whether the will is contested. The case itself runs through the District Court at Kenton County Justice Center, 230 Madison Avenue, 3rd Floor, Covington. The court is part of the 16th Judicial Circuit.
Probate matters are handled through the District Civil/Probate. Filing and payment go through these offices, not the main clerk window.
Local procedures at this court that affect cost: Checks must be made payable to "John C. Middleton, Kenton Circuit Clerk". These are county-specific and not posted on the statewide court site.
Kenton County runs a probate self-help center (Wednesdays, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM), which is the single biggest cost-saver for families who can self-file. Staff can walk you through the paperwork and explain procedures, though they cannot give legal advice on your specific case.
The District Court charges $90KRS 24A.170(1); CR 3.03(1)(c) and (1)(m) as amended by Sup. Ct. Order 2026-15 (eff. 2026-07-01); KRS 27A.630(1); KRS 24A.185(2); AOC Circuit Court Clerks' Accounting ManualVerified Sep 8, 2026View source to open a probate case. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.
The District Court accepts e-filing (https://www.kycourts.gov/AOC/Information-and-Technology/Pages/File_Serve(eFiling).aspx). Paper filing remains available for self-represented filers.
Estimate the costs for this estate:
Attorney fees in Kentucky are negotiated, typically 1.5%Reasonable compensation; no probate-specific attorney fee statute (SCR 3.130-1.5(a) general rule)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 2.4%Reasonable compensation; no probate-specific attorney fee statute (SCR 3.130-1.5(a) general rule)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value. Flat-fee arrangements are common for straightforward estates.
Executor compensation is based on reasonable pay for time and effort — the states that do set a schedule pay 2.2%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.8%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value. Family members who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.
Kentucky requires publishing creditor notice in a local newspaper, typically $200–$500. Professional appraisals for real estate or business interests add $300–$600 per asset.
Probate in Kentucky typically runs 12 months to 18 months, and costs accrue throughout that period.
How to File Probate at the District Court
Probate documents in Kenton County can be filed in person at the District Court, by mail, or electronically. Most families handling probate themselves prefer paper filing, though e-filing is available. The court sits in the 16th Judicial Circuit.
Filings here are routed through the District Civil/Probate. Confirm with the office which intake handles the petition type you're filing.
How to File Your Documents
Paper Filing Available
You can file your probate documents in person at the court or by mail.
E-Filing Also Available
If you prefer, you can file electronically through the state's online system. This is optional for families filing without an attorney.
Not every estate requires an attorney. Estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree determine if self-filing at the District Court is realistic. Kenton County has a self-help center that assists people filing without an attorney.
Cash, Check, Money order, Credit card, Debit card. Checks must be made payable to the Kenton Circuit Clerk by full name and title. Checks for Circuit Court matters are held 10 days to clear. Card payments require ID and incur a processor fee. Pay online via ePay.
What to Bring
To file at the District Court you need: the original will (or proof there isn't one), a certified death certificate, contact information for all heirs and beneficiaries, and a summary of what the estate owns and owes.
Transferring Property in Kenton County
Clearing title to real estate after a death, whether by a personal representative’s deed, an affidavit of survivorship, or a court order, happens at the County Clerk.
Deeds and other real property documents for Kenton County are recorded with the County Clerk at 1840 Simon Kenton Way, Covington, KY 41011. Phone: 859-392-1650. Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30 AM-4:00 PM.
Documents submitted by mail go to P.O. Box 1109, Covington, KY 41012.
The County Clerk charges $46 for the first 5 pages plus $3 for each page beyond 5.
Kenton County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile, CSC.
Recording Office Record
County Clerk
Kenton County
Address
1840 Simon Kenton WayCovington, KY 41011Mailing: P.O. Box 1109, Covington, KY 41012
Kentucky uses formal, court-supervised probate, which makes an attorney worthwhile for most estates in Kenton 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 1.5%Reasonable compensation; no probate-specific attorney fee statute (SCR 3.130-1.5(a) general rule)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 2.4%Reasonable compensation; no probate-specific attorney fee statute (SCR 3.130-1.5(a) general rule)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate's value, billed hourly or as a flat fee. Ask a Kenton 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.
Serves Kenton, Boone, and Campbell counties from Covington, with Northern Kentucky roots dating to 1895 (formerly Adams, Stepner, Woltermann & Dusing). The estate planning and probate group handles wills, revocable and tax-planning trusts, trust administration, and probate of a loved one's estate, along with powers of attorney and guardianship for minor children. Offers free initial consultations.
Bouldin Law Firm has served Covington and Northern Kentucky for more than 20 years. Attorney Michael Bouldin, a Northern Kentucky native with over 30 years of practice experience, offers estate planning services including wills, trusts, and probate administration alongside family law and personal injury.
A Northern Kentucky firm with three former prosecutors bringing over 50 years of combined courtroom experience. Their estate planning and probate practice serves the Covington RiverCenter area and the Greater Cincinnati region.
Serving clients in the Northern Kentucky region since 1996, Hoffman Walker & Knauf helps transfer and liquidate estate assets including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, retirement and investment accounts, real estate, and other assets.
Newport firm practicing before the Campbell County District Court since 1979, with an estate practice that grew out of its business-succession counsel. Handles probate administration, will and trust drafting, and estate settlement for families across the Northern Kentucky river counties.
Covington solo firm serving Kenton, Boone, and Campbell counties in Northern Kentucky. Shannon C. Smith handles trusts, digital asset planning, business succession, and probate, and holds the Certified Estate & Trust Specialist (CES) designation. Free consultations.
PracticesEstate PlanningElder LawTax PlanningAsset Protectionand 2 more
Firm listings are for informational purposes only. SimplyTrust does not endorse or recommend any specific firm or attorney. Contact firms directly to verify their current practice areas and availability.
Living trust assets, and accounts with a named beneficiary or surviving joint owner. These skip probate; some states charge the court fee only on what remains.
Enter estate details
Select your state and enter an estate value to see a detailed cost estimate.
Quick examples:
Probate fee bases vary by state and may use gross estate, personal property, inventory value, or net property after debts. This calculator provides educational estimates only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Actual costs vary significantly by county, attorney, and estate complexity. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.
$
Total probate assets (exclude beneficiary-designated accounts)
Can you self-file probate?
Enter your state and estate value to get a personalized recommendation with estimated cost savings.
Score-based assessment with reasoning
Cost comparison vs. hiring an attorney
This tool provides general information about self-filing probate and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.
Kenton County Guides
Step-by-step tools for families in Kenton County, Kentucky.
