Short answer — what typically happens

To obtain authority in Kentucky to publish a notice to creditors and to sell a decedent’s real property when a full probate is not appropriate, you normally ask the probate court to appoint a limited personal representative (also called limited administration or limited PR). The court reviews a written petition, gives notice to interested parties, may hold a hearing, and issues written authority (letters) describing the limited powers you have — for example, publishing a creditor notice and selling specific real estate with court approval or under terms in your letters. After you are appointed you must follow statutory notice, sale, and accounting rules.

Detailed answer — step-by-step process under Kentucky law

1. Check whether a small-estate or limited-administration route applies

   Kentucky has procedures to avoid a full probate where appropriate. Which path is correct depends on the estate’s assets (personal property versus real estate), whether there is a will, and what you need authority to do. If the only action you need is to collect small personal property, a small-estate affidavit or summary procedure may suffice. If you must sell real property or take actions that require court authority, you usually request appointment of a limited personal representative with specific powers.

   Consult the Kentucky Revised Statutes on decedents’ estates and local court rules for details: Kentucky Revised Statutes (search and chapters). Also check the Kentucky Court of Justice site for probate forms and local procedures: kycourts.gov.

2. Gather documents and basic facts

   Before you file, assemble:

   • Certified death certificate;
   • Any original will (if one exists);
   • A list of the decedent’s assets and estimated values (especially the real estate description and deed information);
   • Names and addresses of heirs and known creditors;
   • Your contact information and relationship to the decedent.

3. Prepare and file a petition for appointment of a limited personal representative

   File the petition in the district or probate court for the county where the decedent lived. The petition typically asks the court to appoint you (or another person) as a limited personal representative and to grant specific authority (for example, publish notice to creditors and sell the real property located at [legal description or address]). The petition should state why limited administration is appropriate and should list interested persons (heirs, devisees, beneficiaries) and known creditors.

   Check the county court clerk for local forms or use statewide probate forms available through the Kentucky Court of Justice. If the estate includes real property, describe the property clearly and state the proposed reason for sale (pay debts, divide proceeds, etc.).

4. Provide proposed orders, bond information, and supporting affidavits

   Most petitions include a proposed order the judge can sign. The court may require a bond (insurance that the representative will properly manage assets). In some limited appointments the court waives or reduces bond, especially if the statute or local rule permits. Include any affidavits that support the petition (for example, an affidavit of heirship or valuation). Attach the death certificate.

5. Serve or give notice to interested persons and creditors

   Kentucky law requires notice to interested persons and often requires publication to notify unknown creditors before final distribution or sale. The court will tell you who must receive direct notice and whether you must publish a statutory creditor notice in a local newspaper. The published creditor notice gives people a window of time to file claims against the estate. Follow the court’s required form, schedule, and length of publication.

   Typical notices in probate include:

   • Direct notice to persons named in the petition (heirs, beneficiaries, devisees);
   • Published notice to unknown creditors in a local newspaper for the period set by the court or statute; and
   • Possible service on known secured creditors or taxing authorities.

6. Attend the court hearing (if required) and obtain letters of limited administration

   The court may hold a hearing if parties object or if the judge needs more information. If the judge approves the petition, the court signs an order appointing the limited personal representative and issues written letters describing your authority and any limits. These letters are your proof of authority to act on behalf of the estate.

7. Run the creditor notice and handle claims

   If the court orders publication, publish the creditor notice exactly as required (wording, frequency, and duration). Carefully track any creditor claims that arrive. You must evaluate claims and either allow, negotiate, or contest them under court procedures. Kentucky statutes and rules set deadlines and procedures for claims—follow those timelines closely.

8. Obtain court authorization to sell real property (if required)

   Whether you can sell real property under your limited letters depends on what authority the court granted and whether the will or statutes give you power to sell without further court order. In many limited-administration cases the representative must return to court for an order authorizing the sale or must follow specific sale procedures (advertising, minimum bids, confirmation hearings). Prepare a proposed sale order and be ready to show the need for the sale, the sale terms, price, and how the sale will protect interested parties.

9. Complete the sale and account to the court

   After court approval, carry out the sale as ordered. Use the estate account for receipts and disbursements. Pay valid creditor claims, expenses of administration, and taxes before distributing net proceeds to heirs or beneficiaries. The court may require you to file an accounting or a final report and seek court approval of distributions.

10. File closing documents

    When administration concludes, file whatever closing report, receipts, or discharges the court requires and obtain an order closing the limited administration. Keep all records—sale documents, receipts, notices, proof of publication, creditor claims, and the final accounting.

For general statutory background on probate and decedents’ estates in Kentucky, see the Kentucky Revised Statutes and consult your county court clerk: Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS). For local forms and probate guidance, visit the Kentucky Court of Justice: kycourts.gov.

Helpful hints

• Contact the county court clerk early. Clerks can tell you the correct filing office, required forms, filing fees, and whether your county uses specific local forms or procedures.
• Do not sell the property before you have written authority (letters) or a court order. Unauthorized sales can expose you to personal liability.
• Keep careful records of notices published, times and dates, and receipts for publication costs. The court will require proof of proper notice.
• If you must sell quickly (e.g., to avoid loss), explain the urgency in your petition and provide supporting facts and valuations to the judge. The court may grant expedited relief when justified.
• Get an appraisal or broker opinion of value before petitioning to sell real property. The court will want to know the property’s market value and the reasonableness of the sale price or terms.
• Ask about bond options. If the court requires a bond, compare rates from several surety providers and ask whether the court will accept a reduced bond or other security.
• Notify mortgage holders and secured creditors promptly if you propose to sell encumbered property; they may need to be paid at closing or submit claims.
• Retain counsel if heirs disagree, if there are complex title issues, or if there are significant creditor claims. Selling real property often raises legal and tax issues that benefit from an attorney’s help.