Can You Self-File Probate in Kenton County, Kentucky?

Find out if you can handle probate yourself, see estimated cost savings vs. hiring an attorney, and get a step-by-step filing checklist.

Ready to file? Every probate form, step by step.

State

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Estimated Estate Value

Total probate assets (exclude beneficiary-designated accounts)

Surviving Spouse?

YesNo

Number of Beneficiaries

1-23-56+

Complicating Factors (if any)

Includes real estate or investmentsBusiness assets or out-of-state propertyDisputed will, creditors, or family conflictMinor or special needs beneficiaries

Can you self-file probate?

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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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — Kenton County runs a self-help center for self-filers. It works best for straightforward estates. The estate settlement plan tracks each Kenton County filing step alongside the estate's accounts and deadlines.

File at the District Court, Kenton County Justice Center, 230 Madison Avenue, 3rd Floor, Covington, KY 41011. Phone: 859-292-6523. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

Kenton County offers e-filing for probate matters. Kentucky eCourts modernization (Tyler Technologies) underway. Jefferson/Fayette pilot Summer 2026; statewide rollout expected by 2030.

Kenton County runs a self-help center at Justice Center, 2nd Floor. Hours: Wednesdays, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

Yes, you can file probate without a lawyer in Kentucky, though the process may require more effort depending on estate complexity. Many Kentucky courts offer self-help resources and standardized forms.

Court filing fees in Kentucky vary by county. Self-filing costs typically include the court petition fee, publication costs. The filing fee is a fraction of total probate costs. See a full breakdown with the Kentucky probate calculator.

Can You Self-File Probate in Kenton County, Kentucky?

Self-filing probate in Kenton County means working directly with the District Court. This tool evaluates whether self-filing is feasible for your estate.

The District Court handles probate for Kenton County from Kenton County Justice Center, 230 Madison Avenue, 3rd Floor, Covington, KY 41011, as part of the 16th Judicial Circuit. Phone: 859-292-6523.

Kenton County offers e-filing for probate proceedings through the court's online filing system.

The filing counter accepts cash, check, money order, credit card and debit card. Checks must be made payable to the Kenton Circuit Clerk by full name and title. Checks for Circuit Court matters are held 10 days to clear. Card payments require ID and incur a processor fee. Pay online via ePay.

Kenton County runs a self-help center at Justice Center, 2nd Floor during Wednesdays, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

Probate hearings held Monday and Wednesday afternoons. Photo ID required; AOC forms must be completed in presence of deputy clerk unless notarized externally.

Probate handles estates, guardianships of minors, name changes. Also handles involuntary hospitalization and Casey's Law proceedings. Public parking garage accessible from Madison (fees apply).

Real-estate documents — the deed transferring property out of the estate, and any affidavits the title company asks for — are recorded separately at the County Clerk, 1840 Simon Kenton Way, Covington. The recording fee is $33 for the first 5 pages plus $3 for each page beyond 5.

Opening a probate case at the District Court costs $126 in filing fees. After appointment, Kentucky requires the estate inventory within 90 days.

Kenton County runs a probate self-help center, which makes self-filing much more workable. Free Legal Help Center. Northern Kentucky Bar Association referrals: 859-781-1525.

For smaller estates under $30,000, Kentucky offers Petition to Dispense with Administration that can avoid formal probate entirely.