Madison County estate questions split two ways—planning so your family skips probate, or settling an estate that is already in it. This page points you to the right path—planning ahead, or settling an estate at the District Court.
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 Madison County, probate runs through the District Court at 101 W. Main St., Richmond. The court sits in the 25th Judicial Circuit. Madison County shares the 25th Judicial Circuit with Clark.
Full Madison Countyprobate guide: cost, how to file & attorneys →Probate Court Record
Madison County · 25th Judicial Circuit
Recording Office Record
Madison County
Address
Phone
Hours
E-recording
$33 for the first 5 pages plus $3 for each page beyond 5; required form fees may include Legal Process Tax ($4); transfer tax may need separate review.
Full recording details →Verified July 13, 2026 · Source
The District Court for Madison County is located in Richmond, Kentucky. Full address, phone, hours, and e-filing details are listed on this page.
Yes. E-filing is available but optional in Madison County. Many families filing without an attorney prefer paper filing at the District Court; both are accepted.
No. Kentucky allows estates under $30,000 to use a Petition to Dispense with Administration and skip formal probate. There is no statutory waiting period. Use the Kentucky probate decision tool to see if the estate qualifies.
When there is no will, Kentucky's intestate succession rules decide who inherits. Spouses, children, and parents are prioritized in that order. The Madison County probate court applies the state rules without variation. See who inherits in Kentucky for the exact order.
A revocable living trust is the cleanest way for most families to skip probate entirely. Assets titled to the trust pass to beneficiaries without court involvement, filing fees, or the Madison County probate docket. Create a revocable trust online to avoid putting your family through this process later.
Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Madison County.
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Articles about estate planning, probate, and trusts relevant to families in Madison County.