Short answer

If you suspect probate filings in your father’s Kentucky estate are missing or contain errors, start by obtaining the probate case file from the county circuit court clerk, carefully review the documents (petition, letters, inventory, accountings, and notices), and then use the court’s procedures to request correction or supplementation. Typical remedies include filing objections, petitions to amend inventory or accountings, a motion to correct clerical errors, or a petition to remove or replace a fiduciary. If you can’t resolve the issue informally, you will likely need to file a formal motion or petition in the probate case and, in many situations, consult a probate attorney.

Detailed answer — step-by-step under Kentucky law

1) Confirm you have standing to review the file

Interested persons usually include the surviving spouse, heirs, devisees named in a will, beneficiaries, and creditors. If you are an heir or named beneficiary, you have the right to inspect probate records and receive notice of many filings. If you are unsure whether you qualify, ask the county circuit court clerk which category applies to you.

2) Get the probate docket and full case file from the circuit court clerk

Probate administration in Kentucky is handled by the Circuit Court of the county where the decedent lived. Visit or contact the circuit court clerk’s office for that county and request the file for the estate administration case (the docket number or decedent’s name will locate it). The file should include the petition for administration or probate of will, letters of testamentary or of administration, inventory, accountings, receipts, notices, and final decrees.

3) Review key documents and common mistakes

Look for these items and possible problems:

• Petition for administration or petition to probate a will — confirms who was appointed fiduciary.
• Letters of administration or letters testamentary — verify the fiduciary actually has authority.
• Inventory and appraisement — missing assets or wrong valuations are common problems.
• Accountings, receipts, and distribution orders — check for unexplained disbursements or missing creditor notices.
• Notice records — confirm that required notice to heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors occurred.

4) Informal resolution first — communicate with the fiduciary

If the error is clerical (a typo, wrong asset description) or information is missing, start by asking the personal representative or administrator for clarification or corrected documents. Many issues are resolved when the fiduciary supplements the inventory or provides missing account documentation.

5) When to file a formal request with the court

If informal requests do not fix the problem, use established court processes in Kentucky to correct the record or hold the fiduciary accountable. Common filings include:

• Motion or petition to amend or supplement an inventory — asks the court to order the fiduciary to add omitted assets or correct valuations.
• Demand for accounting or petition for accounting — requests a full, formal accounting of estate receipts, disbursements, and distributions.
• Objection to an accounting — challenge specific entries or distributions; state the factual and legal reasons.
• Motion to correct clerical errors or record mistakes — courts often allow correction of clear clerical mistakes without reopening the substantive case.
• Petition for surcharge, removal of fiduciary, or other sanctions — for serious misconduct, intentional concealment, or bad faith accounting.

6) Deadlines and timing

Kentucky law imposes timelines for creditor claims, notice, and certain opportunities to object. The specific deadlines depend on the stage of administration and the type of notice delivered. Act promptly — missing a deadline can limit remedies. For the primary statutes governing probate procedures and fiduciary duties, see Kentucky’s probate code in KRS Chapter 395: KRS Chapter 395 (Wills, Administration, Executors and Administrators).

7) Evidence you will need

Collect documents and evidence that show the error or omission: bank statements, title documents, beneficiary designations, correspondence with the fiduciary, copies of notices, and any appraisals. Clear, dated proof makes court petitions stronger.

8) Court procedures and hearings

After you file a motion or petition, the court will usually set a hearing and require service on interested parties and the fiduciary. At the hearing you can present evidence and ask the judge to order the fiduciary to correct the record, produce missing documents, provide an accounting, or in extreme cases, remove the fiduciary.

9) Possible outcomes

The court may: order that missing assets be added to the inventory; require a corrected accounting; order repayment (surcharge) if funds were misapplied; sanction or remove a fiduciary for misconduct; or dismiss a baseless objection. The outcome depends on the facts and the legal claims you raise.

10) When to hire a probate attorney

If the fiduciary resists correction, or if missing/incorrect filings suggest fraud, self-dealing, or significant financial loss, consult a Kentucky probate attorney. An attorney can prepare pleadings, represent you at hearings, and protect your rights. If cost is a concern, ask for a free initial consult or contact legal aid organizations in Kentucky for low-cost help.

Key statutes and resources

• Kentucky Revised Statutes, Chapter 395 — Wills, Administration, Executors and Administrators: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/statutes/chapter/395
• Kentucky Court of Justice — probate and estate information (forms, local clerk contacts, and procedure guides): https://courts.ky.gov/selfhelp/Pages/Probate.aspx

Example (hypothetical): Suppose the estate inventory does not list a brokerage account that belonged to your father. You obtain bank and brokerage statements showing the account, send a written request to the administrator to add it, and the administrator refuses. You then file a petition to supplement the inventory and a demand for an accounting showing the missing account and any distributions from it. The court orders the administrator to supplement the inventory and file a corrected accounting. If the administrator had withdrawn funds for personal use, the court could order repayment and surcharge the administrator’s bond.

Helpful Hints

• Start at the county circuit court clerk’s office — they can give you the probate case number and copy files for a small fee.
• Keep a paper trail — send requests in writing and keep copies of all communications.
• Act quickly — deadlines for objections and creditor claims can bar later remedies.
• Be specific in court filings — point to the exact document, date, and entry you believe is incorrect or missing.
• Collect corroborating documents (bank statements, deeds, beneficiary forms) before filing a petition.
• If the issue looks like fraud or theft, preserve evidence and consult an attorney immediately.
• Check whether the fiduciary posted a bond — a bond can secure recovery if the fiduciary misapplied estate assets.
• Use the Kentucky Court of Justice website for forms and local rules: courts.ky.gov.