What to Do When Someone Dies in Oldham County, Kentucky

How probate works in Oldham County: the District Court record, what the process costs, and how to file there.

What probate costsHow to fileDeath certificatesTransferring propertyLocal attorneys

Probate Court Record

Oldham County District Court

Oldham County · 12th Judicial District

Hours

Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:00 PM

Office

100 West Main Street, La Grange, KY 40031

Self-represented filing

Allowed

Self-help forms

Court forms packet

Open in Google Maps

E-filing

Required for attorneysAttorneys must e-file probate, guardianship and conservatorship cases through KYeCourts. A self-represented filer files on paper at the circuit court clerk's office. On paper: Self-represented filers file on paper at the circuit court clerk's office; KYeCourts takes their e-filings in small claims cases only; An attorney not yet certified for e-filing may file on paper with AOC Form 108, Affidavit of Necessity, to meet a jurisdictional deadline.

Self-represented filing

AllowedThe Kentucky Court of Justice Self-Help Portal prepares the Petition for Probate of Estate and the Petition to Dispense with Administration. Print the completed form and file it with the circuit court clerk in the county where the estate is handled.

Accepted payment

  • At the counterCash, Check, Money order, Credit card.Credit card payments carry a processing fee.

Verified October 15, 2026 · Source

How Probate Works in Oldham County

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 Oldham County, probate runs through the District Court at 100 West Main Street, La Grange. The court sits in the 12th Judicial District. Oldham County shares the 12th Judicial District with Henry and Trimble.

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. Creditors have 6 monthsKRS 396.011, 396.015, 396.055, 396.095, 424.340Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present a claim, counted from the opening of the estate.

What Probate Costs in Oldham County

What probate costs in Oldham 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 100 West Main Street, La Grange. The court is part of the 12th Judicial District.

Kentucky's District Court probate filing fee is $50, with a $10 access-to-justice fee, a $20 court technology fee and, in most counties, a $10 court facilities fee, about $90 in total. The fee does not vary with estate size. Recording the admitted will with the county clerk is a separate $33KRS 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 Oct 17, 2026View source. Additional filings during administration — inventory, accounting, the final petition — add to the total.

Estimate the costs for this estate:

Attorney fees in Kentucky are negotiated, typically 1.5%Modeled estimate under Reasonable compensation; no probate-specific attorney fee statute (SCR 3.130-1.5(a) general rule): the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 8, 2026View source to 2.4%Modeled estimate under Reasonable compensation; no probate-specific attorney fee statute (SCR 3.130-1.5(a) general rule): the hours the statutory fee schedules imply, at the state's surveyed hourly rateVerified Sep 8, 2026View source of estate value. Flat-fee arrangements are common for straightforward estates.

Kentucky allows executors 'reasonable compensation' — around 2.2%–3.8% of a $500,000 estate, judging by what the states with statutory schedules payKRS 395.150(1) (not more than 5% of the personal estate plus 5% of income; real property excluded); KRS 395.150(2) (additional compensation for extraordinary services)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source. Family members who are also beneficiaries often waive the fee — executor pay is taxable income while inheritances are not.

Kentucky requires publishing notice to creditors in a local newspaper, and the estate pays for it.

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 cases in Oldham County, Kentucky are filed at the District Court. The court sits in the 12th Judicial District.

Beside the filing office, the court lists separate lines for Circuit Court and District Traffic.

Can You File Without an Attorney?

In Kentucky, informal probate is not availableKRS 395.015; KRS 395.016 (District Court appointment on sworn application; no non-judicial registrar track)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, so self-filing means a formal court petition rather than a registrar filing.

For a full cost comparison and filing checklist, see the Oldham County Self-Filing Assessment.

What to Bring

Filed with the opening petition at the District Court: Certified copy of the death certificate — commonly requested by the Circuit Court Clerk at intake, but NOT required by KRS 395.015, KRS 394.145 or the AOC-805 form itself; confirm with the county Circuit Court Clerk; Original will and any codicils, presented to the District Court for probate and recorded by the county clerk (KRS 394.140; KRS 394.300); Written application/petition under oath listing the surviving spouse and heirs-at-law (AOC-805), filed in duplicate (KRS 395.015)KRS 395.015 (application for appointment; general financial disclosure statement, as amended by 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 134 eff. 7/15/2026); KRS 395.105 (letters of appointment; when appointment effective); KRS 395.110 (copy of order effectual as letters); KRS 395.120 (oaths/declaration); KRS 394.140-394.145 (probate of will; combined application)Verified Aug 24, 2026View source.

Death Certificates and the Coroner in Oldham County

In Oldham County certified copies of the death certificate come from Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services - Office of Vital Statistics; the Local Health Department files the certificate and issues no copies to the public.

Vital Records Office Record

Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services - Office of Vital Statistics

Oldham County · State vital records office

Hours

Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM ET (except state holidays)

Office

275 East Main Street, Frankfort, KY 40621

Certified copies

From Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services - Office of Vital Statistics; the Local Health Department files the certificate and issues no copies to the public

Mail

Vital Statistics 275 East Main Street 1E-A Frankfort, KY 40621

Verified October 15, 2026 · Source

Coroner or Medical Examiner Record

Coroner

Oldham County · Oldham County Coroner's Office

Hours

Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM

Office

1020 Dispatchers Way, La Grange, KY 40031

Cremation authorization

Signed by this office

Open in Google Maps

Mail and offices

Fax

1-502-222-0380

Verified November 2, 2026 · Source

Transferring Property in Oldham 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 Oldham County are recorded with the County Clerk at 100 West Jefferson Street, Room 1, La Grange, KY 40031. Phone: 1-502-222-7645. Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:00 AM-4:00 PM; Tuesday 7:00 AM-3:00 PM; Thursday 8:00 AM-6:00 PM.

The County Clerk charges $46 for the first 5 pages plus $3 for each page beyond 5.

Oldham County accepts electronic recording through Indecomm, Hopdox, CSC, Simplifile and ePN.

Recording Office Record

County Clerk

Oldham County

Hours

Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:00 AM-4:00 PM; Tuesday 7:00 AM-3:00 PM; Thursday 8:00 AM-6:00 PM

Office

100 West Jefferson Street, Room 1, La Grange, KY 40031

E-recording

available via Indecomm, Hopdox, CSC, Simplifile and ePN

Open in Google Maps

Fees

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 October 16, 2026 · Source

Forms that put a death on the title

Probate Attorneys Serving Oldham County

Kentucky uses formal, court-supervised probate, which makes an attorney worthwhile for most estates in Oldham 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 an Oldham 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.

Solo PracticeLouisville, KY

Brightwell Elder and Probate Law

Since 1998 · Serves 7 counties

Louisville and New Albany, Indiana practice of Bruce A. Brightwell, taking probate cases in Jefferson, Bullitt, Oldham, Shelby, Meade, Hardin and Nelson counties. He walks executors from opening the estate through debts, taxes and distribution to closing, and represents clients in probate litigation and will disputes.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateProbate LitigationElder Lawand 3 more

Office
713 East Market Street, Suite 100Louisville, KY 40202

FirmLouisville, KY

Dodd & Dodd Attorneys, PLLC

Since 1869 · Serves 6 counties

A Louisville firm on La Grange Road serving Jefferson, Oldham, Bullitt, Shelby, Spencer and Hardin counties. Its attorneys administer estates from inventory and appraisals through state and federal tax returns and distribution, advise executors and trustees, and litigate will contests, trust mismanagement and breach of fiduciary duty. The firm was founded in 1869.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 3 more

Office
12004 La Grange RoadLouisville, KY 40223

FirmLouisville, KY

John H. Ruby & Associates

Since 1999 · Serves 2 counties

East Louisville firm at Breckenridge Lane and Taylorsville Road serving Jefferson County, Oldham County and surrounding counties. Its attorneys guide personal representatives and heirs through Kentucky probate and estate administration, alongside wills, trusts, guardianship and Medicaid planning. John H. Ruby started the practice in 1999.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateElder LawGuardianshipand 3 more

Office
2950 Breckenridge Lane, Suite 13Louisville, KY 40220

FirmOwensboro, KY

Cooley & Offill Law Firm

Since 1994 · Serves the whole state

Owensboro firm founded in 1994 that handles probate statewide from offices in Owensboro, Lexington and Louisville. Its attorneys guide executors and administrators through probate, carry out trust administration tasks, and resolve will contests over undue influence, capacity or unclear language. The firm reports handling well over 500 probate cases.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 4 more

Office
1412 Frederica StreetOwensboro, KY 42301
Free consultation

FirmLouisville, KY

Kentucky ElderLaw, PLLC

Since 2002 · Serves the whole state

Louisville elder law firm founded in 2002, with offices in Louisville, Bowling Green and Shepherdsville and clients in Kentucky and Indiana. Its attorneys guide families through probate and estate administration, Medicaid estate recovery and guardianship, alongside Medicaid, VA benefits and long-term care planning.

PracticesEstate PlanningProbateElder LawGuardianshipand 2 more

Office
661 S. Hurstbourne Parkway, Suite 200Louisville, KY 40222
Free consultation

FirmLexington, KY

McBrayer PLLC

Since 1963 · Serves the whole state

Lexington firm with offices in Louisville and Frankfort, handling estate matters across Kentucky. The estate group administers estates through probate, advises trust companies administering or resigning as trustee, and litigates will contests, beneficiary disputes and breach-of-fiduciary-duty claims against personal representatives and trustees.

PracticesEstate PlanningTrust AdministrationProbateProbate Litigationand 2 more

Office
201 E. Main Street, Suite 900Lexington, KY 40507
See all 9 firms serving Oldham County →

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.

SimplyTrustSimplyTrust Editorial·

Legal Sources

Show 4 more sources

Data sourced from Kentucky statutes and official state code. Fee percentages are modeled estimates; each figure's note says how. How we research.

Tools for Settling an Estate in Kentucky

Free tools for settling an estate in Kentucky: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines and taxes. Run each tool for Kentucky.

How Do I Settle an Estate?

Settling an estate in Kentucky: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 90 daysKRS 395.250Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 6 monthsKRS 396.011, 396.015, 396.055, 396.095, 424.340Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 12 months.

See the Steps

How Do I Settle a Trust?

Settling a trust in Kentucky happens outside court: the trustee acts under the state's Uniform Trust CodeKRS 386B.1-010 et seq.Verified Oct 17, 2026View source, notifies the beneficiaries within 60 daysKRS 386B.8-130Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, then pays the debts and distributes under the trust's terms.

See the Steps

Can I Self-File Probate?

In Kentucky, informal probate is not availableKRS 395.015; KRS 395.016 (District Court appointment on sworn application; no non-judicial registrar track)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, so self-filing means a formal court petition rather than a registrar filing.

Get the Answer

Hire a Kentucky Probate Attorney

Browse vetted Kentucky attorneys handling probate matters.

Browse firms

All Kentucky tools

Notify Banks & Financial Institutions

Each institution has a separate death claim process. Find yours below.

Auto-Owners Life

Auto-Owners Life logo

Insurance Company serving the Midwest, Southeast, and more

Auto-Owners Life

Burke & Herbert Bank

Burke & Herbert Bank logo

Bank serving the Northeast and Southeast

Burke & Herbert Bank

City National WV

City National WV logo

Bank serving the Southeast and Midwest

City National WV

Commonwealth CU

Commonwealth CU logo

Credit Union serving Kentucky

Commonwealth CU

CSAA Insurance

CSAA Insurance logo

Insurance Company serving the West, Northeast, and more

CSAA Insurance

Delta Community CU

Delta Community CU logo

Credit Union serving the Southeast, Southwest, and more

Delta Community CU

Erie Insurance

Erie Insurance logo

Insurance Company serving the Southeast, Northeast, and more

Erie Insurance

Fifth Third Bank

Fifth Third Bank logo

Bank serving the Southeast, Midwest, and more

Fifth Third Bank

FirstBank (Tennessee)

FirstBank (Tennessee) logo

Bank serving the Southeast

FirstBank (Tennessee)

GE Credit Union

GE Credit Union logo

Credit Union serving Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana

GE Credit Union

Heartland

Heartland logo

Bank serving Ohio and Kentucky

Heartland

Huntington

Huntington logo

Bank serving the Southeast, Midwest, and more

Huntington

Is this your situation?

Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.

Named as Executor

Named as Executor

What an executor actually does: getting appointed, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and where personal liability starts.

Learn more