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, 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
Since 1976 · Serves 6 counties
Lexington firm established in 1976, serving Lexington, Frankfort, Georgetown, Nicholasville, Richmond and Versailles. Its attorneys open estates, handle inventories, creditor claims, tax filings and court settlements, and represent parties in will contests and contested trust matters. Most small-estate petitions to dispense with administration are a flat fee.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 6 more
- Office
- 126 W. Maxwell St., #200Lexington, KY 40508
FirmRichmond, KY
Since 1969 · Serves 2 counties
A Richmond firm serving Madison County and central and eastern Kentucky since 1969, with a second office in Beattyville. Its attorneys handle probate and estate administration, including the inventory, property appraisals, identifying heirs and beneficiaries, paying debts, state and federal tax returns and distributing assets. The firm also drafts and amends wills and living wills.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateCivil LitigationWills Trusts
- Office
- 212 North Second StreetRichmond, KY 40475
FirmRichmond, KY
Since 1995 · Serves 2 counties
Serves Madison and Estill counties from offices in Richmond and Irvine, as it has since 1995. The firm counsels estate and trust administrators on their legal duties, sees that debts are settled, assets distributed and taxes paid, attends probate court proceedings, and handles will contests, guardianships and conservatorships. It also drafts wills, trusts and powers of attorney.
PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 5 more
- Office
- 230 N. Second StreetRichmond, KY 40475
Solo PracticeVersailles, KY
Serves 19 counties
A Versailles practice serving Woodford, Fayette and Madison counties and courts across Central Kentucky. Whitney Dunlap III guides executors and beneficiaries from the petition to probate the will through claims against the estate, tax returns, deeding real estate and closing the estate, and represents clients in will contests. He brings over thirty years of litigation experience.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateProbate LitigationCivil LitigationWills Trusts
- Office
- 102 N Main StreetVersailles, KY 40383
Solo PracticeRichmond, KY
Since 1929 · Serves 1 county
A downtown Richmond practice in Madison County, in a renovated 1931 bus station on South Third Street. Attorney Walter G. Ecton Jr. represents clients in estate administration, notification of heirs and creditors, estate taxes and distribution, will contests and guardianships, and drafts wills, trusts and powers of attorney. The practice began in 1929.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateProbate LitigationGuardianshipand 2 more
- Office
- 127 South Third StreetRichmond, KY 40475
FirmRichmond, KY
Serves 52 counties
An elder-law firm with offices in Richmond (Madison County) and London (Laurel County), serving Central and Southeastern Kentucky. Its attorneys administer estates in District Court, including small-estate affidavits, intestate estates and farmland or mineral-rights transfers, and handle will contests and breach of fiduciary duty claims. Owner Scott Collins is a U.S. Army veteran.
PracticesEstate PlanningProbateProbate LitigationElder Lawand 5 more
- Office
- 815 W Main StRichmond, KY 40475
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.
