Probate in Madison 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 Madison 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
Madison County · 25th Judicial Circuit
Accepted paymentCash, Check, Money order, Credit card, Debit card. Pay online via ePay. Credit/debit cards incur a fee. Cash required for bond.
Departments
Located at Madison County Courthouse. District Court at Hall of Justice, 351 W. Main St.; Family Court at 119 N. 1st St.
Verified July 3, 2026 · Source
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.
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 Madison 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 101 W. Main St., Richmond. The court is part of the 25th Judicial Circuit.
Probate matters are handled through Main & Circuit Court, Traffic, District Civil/Probate/Mental Health/Forcible Detainers, and Family Court. Filing and payment go through these offices, not the main clerk window.
Local procedures at this court that affect cost: Cash required for bond. These are county-specific and not posted on the statewide court site.
Kentucky 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 probate, the same in every county. 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.
Probate documents in Madison 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 25th Judicial Circuit.
Filings here are routed through Main & Circuit Court, Traffic, District Civil/Probate/Mental Health/Forcible Detainers, and Family Court. Confirm with the office which intake handles the petition type you're filing.
How to File Your Documents
You can file your probate documents in person at the court or by mail.
If you prefer, you can file electronically through the state's online system. This is optional for families filing without an attorney.
View E-Filing InformationNot every estate requires an attorney. Estate size, asset types, and whether beneficiaries agree determine if self-filing at the District Court is realistic.
For a full cost comparison and filing checklist, see the Madison County Self-Filing Assessment.
Before You Go
Cash, Check, Money order, Credit card, Debit card. Pay online via ePay. Credit/debit cards incur a fee. Cash required for bond.
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.
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 Madison County are recorded with the County Clerk at 321 N. Madison Ave., Richmond, KY 40475. Phone: 859-624-4703. Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM-4:30 PM.
The County Clerk charges $46 for the first 5 pages plus $3 for each page beyond 5.
Madison County accepts electronic recording through Simplifile.
Recording Office Record
Madison County
Address
Phone
Hours
E-recording
Recording fees
| Base fee (first 5 pages) | $46 |
| Each page beyond 5 | $3 |
| Legal Process TaxRequired with most deeds | $4 |
KRS 64.012(1)(a), KRS 64.012(3)(a), KRS 142.010(1)(d), KRS 142.050
Verified September 4, 2026 · Source
Kentucky uses formal, court-supervised probate, which makes an attorney worthwhile for most estates in Madison 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 Madison 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.
FirmLexington, KY
Bluegrass Elderlaw provides personalized estate planning solutions in Lexington including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, probate, guardianship, Medicaid and asset preservation, and long-term care planning.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationElder LawProbate AdministrationWills Trusts
FirmRichmond, KY
Serving clients in Madison County and central and eastern Kentucky since 1969, Coy, Gilbert, Shepherd & Wilson handles wills, probate, and estate administration. Their Beattyville office provides estate planning access to the underserved Kentucky River region.
PracticesEstate PlanningCivil LitigationProbate AdministrationWills Trusts
FirmRichmond, KY
A Central Kentucky general-practice firm serving Madison and Estill counties since 1995, with offices in Richmond and Irvine. Davis & Haymond drafts wills and trusts and guides executors and families through estate administration, often handling probate alongside related real estate and family matters.
PracticesEstate PlanningPersonal InjuryProbate AdministrationReal Estate
Solo PracticeVersailles, KY
A Versailles solo practice serving Woodford, Fayette, and the surrounding central Kentucky counties, led by Whitney Dunlap III with over 30 years of litigation experience. The firm drafts wills, powers of attorney, and trusts and represents executors and heirs in probate administration and will contests.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbate AdministrationWills Trusts
FirmRichmond, KY
A Richmond firm rooted in Madison County since 1929, Ecton & Shannon prepares wills, trusts, and advance directives and walks executors through estate administration, including heir and creditor notification and final distributions. Free initial phone consultations and virtual appointments are available.
PracticesEstate PlanningElder LawProbate AdministrationReal EstateWills Trusts
Founded by U.S. Army veteran and former minister Scott Collins, Elder Law Guidance focuses exclusively on elder law, estate planning, special needs planning, and veterans' benefits. Serves families throughout central and southeastern Kentucky with home visits for clients who cannot travel.
PracticesEstate PlanningElder LawSpecial Needs PlanningMedicaid PlanningProbate Administration
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.
Data sourced from Kentucky statutes and official state code. How we research.
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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.
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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.
Step-by-step tools for families in Madison County, Kentucky.
Get a personalized plan for settling an estate after someone passes away. Covers trust administration, probate, and intestate estates.
Get a personalized plan for settling a trust after the grantor passes away. Covers beneficiary notification, asset transfers, creditor handling, taxes, and distributions.
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