Short overview: In a Kentucky partition action, a co‑owner who seeks reimbursement or a credit for expenses paid on the property must produce evidence that the expense occurred, was paid by that person, and directly related to the property. Courts rely on documentary proof (receipts, invoices, checks, bank or credit‑card statements) plus corroborating items (photos, contracts, lien releases, contractor information). Properly organized, labeled, and authenticated documents increase the chance the court will allow an offset or charge against proceeds.

What kinds of documents prove expenses on the house?

• Receipts and paid invoices from contractors, suppliers, or stores that show what work or materials were provided.
• Cancelled checks and bank statements showing the payment clearing the payer’s account.
• Credit card statements and merchant transaction records plus the matching merchant receipt or invoice.
• Signed contracts, change orders, and written bids describing the scope of work.
• W-9s, contractor license numbers, business cards, and proof the contractor was legitimately retained.
• Lien waivers or releases showing the contractor was paid and no lien remains (important if sale proceeds are distributed).
• Photographs before, during, and after work, with dates if available (phone timestamps, metadata, or an affidavit attesting to dates).
• Utility bills, insurance claim documents, appraisal reports, and escrow/title company closing statements when they reflect payments or repairs.
• A personal ledger, spreadsheet, or summary that ties individual receipts to a clear chronology and purpose (e.g., “roof repair – 6/5/24 – $4,200 – Invoice #123”).

How should I organize and present these documents?

1. Make a clear exhibit binder or electronic folder. Number or label each document as an exhibit (Ex. A, Ex. B).
2. Create an index or summary page that lists each expense, the date, the amount, who paid, and the exhibit reference.
3. Match receipts to proof of payment (e.g., Invoice #123 (Ex. 3) + Cancelled check showing payment (Ex. 4)).
4. Provide originals when possible. If you only have copies, state why originals aren’t available and keep copies of both sides of cancelled checks and page headers showing bank information.
5. Obtain affidavits or declarations: (a) you can sign a sworn statement saying you paid the listed amounts; (b) a contractor or vendor can sign that the invoice is accurate and was paid.
6. Use certified bank statements or obtain attestations from your bank if the payment history might be challenged.

What evidence does the court expect for different kinds of expenses?

Typical categories and what proves them:

• Repairs/Improvements: Contract/invoice, receipts for materials, cancelled checks or bank/credit card statements showing payment, photos, contractor credentials, lien waivers.
• Mortgage payments or taxes paid on behalf of co‑owners: Mortgage/escrow statements, canceled checks, bank statements, county tax receipts, and the property ledger showing account credit.
• Utilities and operating costs: Utility bills with account and property address plus proof you paid those bills.
• Major capital improvements: Appraisals showing increased value (if you seek credit for enhanced value), permits, contractor invoices, and proof of payment.

How will the court treat these expenses?

Under Kentucky law, when co‑owners partition property, the court may order an accounting and can credit one party for necessary expenditures or improvements they paid for that benefited the property. The court evaluates:

• Whether the expenditure benefited the property or was purely personal;
• Whether the payment was voluntary or authorized by the other co‑owners;
• Whether the claimant can prove payment and connect it to the property.

Statutory and case law govern partition procedures; you can find Kentucky statutes covering partition on the Kentucky legislative site: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/ (search for “partition” or “KRS Chapter 381”). Courts will apply rules on evidence and business‑records exceptions when evaluating documents; see the Kentucky Rules of Evidence through the Kentucky Court of Justice: https://kycourts.gov.

Authentication and hearsay: how to make bank statements and receipts admissible

Copies of bank statements and receipts can be admitted if authenticated. Steps that help:

• Obtain bank‑certified copies of statements or a bank affidavit confirming records.
• Use the business‑records hearsay exception by getting a vendor’s affidavit that the invoice and payment records are true business records.
• Have the paying party testify under oath about the payments and identify the documents.

When you might need more than paperwork

In contested cases, the other side may dispute amounts, timing, or whether the work benefited the property. Consider:

• Getting contractor affidavits to confirm scope and cost.
• Hiring a licensed appraiser to quantify increased value from improvements.
• Working with a forensic accountant if bank records are complex or payments comeled with personal expenses.

Practical example (hypothetical)

Imagine you paid $6,000 to repair a leaking roof before filing a partition. The best proof would include:

• Contractor invoice describing roof repair (invoice number & address).
• Cancelled check or bank and credit‑card statement showing the exact payment.
• Photos of the roof before and after, with dates.
• Contractor contact info and a signed lien waiver showing they were paid.
• A one‑page summary tying the invoice to the payment and to the property, plus an affidavit from you stating the payment was for the property and not reimbursed.

Next steps and when to get help

Start collecting and organizing documents now. Make copies and create an indexed exhibit list. If the case may become contested, consult a Kentucky attorney who handles partition or real‑property litigation early. An attorney can help:

• Identify which expenses the court is likely to credit;
• Draft affidavits and authenticate business records;
• File motions to compel production of missing documents from other parties; and
• Negotiate settlements or manage a partition sale so you receive appropriate credit.

Helpful Hints

• Keep originals of receipts and canceled checks whenever possible.
• Digitize paper documents and create a dated, backed‑up folder labeled by category (repairs, taxes, mortgage, utilities).
• Make a one‑page summary that ties every receipt to a payment and to the property; judges prefer concise organization.
• Collect contractor contact information and any permits or inspection records for major work.
• Ask vendors for lien waivers after payment to prevent later claims against sale proceeds.
• If a co‑owner paid expenses but lacked documentation, try to obtain secondary evidence: bank transfers, vendor confirmation emails, or affidavits from payors or payees.
• If you expect disputes, get certified copies of bank statements or use subpoena power through the court to require production from third parties.
• Review the Kentucky statutes on partition (search the Kentucky Revised Statutes at https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/) and consult local court rules for exhibit requirements.