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Home→Tools→Executor Duties Checklist→Kentucky

What Are My Duties as Executor in Kentucky?

Step-by-step guide for executors navigating probate, from filing the will to closing the estate.

Frequently Asked Questions

An executor (or personal representative) in Kentucky is responsible for filing the will with the probate court, inventorying and appraising assets, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and distributing remaining property to beneficiaries. The executor has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the estate and its beneficiaries.

The probate petition filing fee in Kentucky starts at approximately $172.KRS 391.030 (small estate exemption); KRS 395.450 (jurisdiction); KRS 395.455 (transfer of assets without administration); KRS 395.130 (bond); KRS 395.150 (executor compensation; personal-estate base); KRS 396.011 (creditor claims, 6 months); KRS 424.340 (publication of notice)Verified May 31, 2026 Additional fees may apply for certified copies, recording fees, and publication of notice to creditors.

Kentucky requires the executor to publish notice to creditors in a local newspaper. Known creditors should also receive direct written notice. Creditors have 6 months to file claims.KRS 391.030 (small estate exemption); KRS 395.450 (jurisdiction); KRS 395.455 (transfer of assets without administration); KRS 395.130 (bond); KRS 395.150 (executor compensation; personal-estate base); KRS 396.011 (creditor claims, 6 months); KRS 424.340 (publication of notice)Verified May 31, 2026 The executor is personally liable for distributions made before the claim period expires if valid claims go unpaid.

Kentucky allows estates valued at $30,000 or less to use a Petition to Dispense with Administration.KRS 391.030 (small estate exemption); KRS 395.450 (jurisdiction); KRS 395.455 (transfer of assets without administration); KRS 395.130 (bond); KRS 395.150 (executor compensation; personal-estate base); KRS 396.011 (creditor claims, 6 months); KRS 424.340 (publication of notice)Verified May 31, 2026 The waiting period is 0 days after death. This avoids the need for formal probate and significantly reduces time and cost.

Kentucky allows executors to receive reasonable compensation.KRS 395.150(1) (compensation may not exceed 5% of personal estate plus 5% of income; real property excluded from base); KRS 395.150(2) (court may allow additional compensation for unusual or extraordinary services). Calculator estimates effective compensation on the gross estate at 2–5%; the 5% statutory rate is not applied directly because real property is excluded from the statutory base.Verified May 31, 2026 Typical executor fees range from 2% to 5% of estate value. Executors can waive their fee entirely or accept a reduced amount. See a detailed breakdown with the Kentucky executor fee calculator.

Probate costs in Kentucky include court filing fees, attorney fees, executor compensation, publication costs, and potentially a surety bond. Total costs generally range from 3-8% of the estate value depending on complexity. The Kentucky probate calculator provides a detailed cost estimate based on estate value.

Executor Duties in Kentucky

Probate in Kentucky begins with filing the will and a petition with the court. The initial filing fee is $172KRS 24A.170; KRS 64.012; KRS 24A.185; KY Supreme Court Order 2026-15Verified May 31, 2026. After appointment, the executor receives letters testamentary granting legal authority to manage estate affairs.

Creditors in Kentucky have 6 monthsKRS 396.011Verified May 31, 2026 to file claims after notice is published. The executor must publish notice in a local newspaper and send direct notice to known creditors. For smaller estates under $30,000KRS 391.030 (small estate exemption)Verified May 31, 2026, simplified procedures may be available that bypass formal probate.

Kentucky allows reasonable compensation for executors, typically 2%KRS 395.150(1) (compensation may not exceed 5% of personal estate plus 5% of income; real property excluded from base); KRS 395.150(2) (court may allow additional compensation for unusual or extraordinary services). Calculator estimates effective compensation on the gross estate at 2–5%; the 5% statutory rate is not applied directly because real property is excluded from the statutory base.Verified May 31, 2026 to 5%KRS 395.150(1) (compensation may not exceed 5% of personal estate plus 5% of income; real property excluded from base); KRS 395.150(2) (court may allow additional compensation for unusual or extraordinary services). Calculator estimates effective compensation on the gross estate at 2–5%; the 5% statutory rate is not applied directly because real property is excluded from the statutory base.Verified May 31, 2026 of estate value. Executors can waive their fee or negotiate a different amount. See the executor fee calculator for a breakdown.

Simple estates in Kentucky typically close in 6 monthsKRS 391.030 (small estate exemption)Verified May 31, 2026 from the date of filing. Estates held in a revocable living trust skip probate entirely — the successor trustee handles distribution privately in weeks. The creditor claims guide covers notification deadlines for estates that do go through probate.

SimplyTrustSimplyTrust Editorial·Updated May 31, 2026

Legal Sources

  • KRS 24A.170; KRS 64.012; KRS 24A.185; KY Supreme Court Order 2026-15
  • KRS 391.030 (small estate exemption)
  • KRS 395.150(1) (compensation may not exceed 5% of personal estate plus 5% of income; real property excluded from base); KRS 395.150(2) (court may allow additional compensation for unusual or extraordinary services). Calculator estimates effective compensation on the gross estate at 2–5%; the 5% statutory rate is not applied directly because real property is excluded from the statutory base.
  • KRS 396.011

Data sourced from Kentucky statutes and official state code. How we research.

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Kentucky Estate Planning Resources

In-depth guides covering Kentucky probate laws, trust requirements, and estate planning strategies.

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This checklist provides general guidance for estate settlement. Requirements vary by state and circumstance. Consult a licensed attorney for legal advice.

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