Probate in Kentucky | KY Legal Resources | FastCounsel

What are the legal requirements and process for transferring a decedent’s firearms during probate in Kentucky (KY)?

Detailed answer — How firearms are handled in Kentucky probate Short version: The personal representative (executor or administrator) must identify, safeguard, and include firearms in the estate inventory. Transfers to beneficiaries or sales to third parties must comply with federal law (which bars transfers to prohibited persons) and any applicable Kentucky law. For certain regulated […]

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What documentation is needed to prove ownership when filing a surplus funds claim in KY?

How to Prove Ownership When Filing a Surplus Funds Claim in Kentucky Detailed Answer This FAQ explains the documentation commonly required to prove ownership when you file a claim for surplus (excess) funds in Kentucky after a tax sale or a judicial foreclosure sale. This is general, educational information — not legal advice. For help […]

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How to protect life insurance proceeds when there is no named beneficiary from creditor claims in estate administration? (KY)

FAQ: Protecting Life Insurance Proceeds When There Is No Named Beneficiary — Kentucky Detailed Answer Short answer: If a life insurance policy has no living named beneficiary (or the beneficiary is the decedent’s estate), the proceeds generally become part of the probate estate in Kentucky and are potentially subject to creditor claims during estate administration. […]

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What should I do if an heir refuses to return estate property and the estate is still open? (KY)

Detailed Answer Short answer: If an heir refuses to return estate property while the estate is still open in Kentucky, the personal representative (executor or administrator) should avoid self-help, document the situation, make a formal written demand for return, and then ask the probate court to order turnover and, if needed, impose sanctions or seek […]

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What options do heirs have when an estate administrator is unresponsive or refuses to distribute assets? (KY)

FAQ: Options for Heirs When an Estate Administrator Is Unresponsive or Refuses to Distribute Assets (Kentucky) Disclaimer: This article is educational only and is not legal advice. Laws change and every situation is different. Contact a Kentucky probate attorney or the local probate court to discuss the specifics of your case. Detailed answer — What […]

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How do I apply to be appointed as the personal representative of a deceased relative’s estate? – KY

Detailed Answer This FAQ explains how to apply to be appointed as the personal representative of a deceased relative's estate in Kentucky. This is general information only and not legal advice. For help specific to your situation, contact a Kentucky probate attorney or the local circuit court clerk. Disclaimer: This is not legal advice. The […]

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How can heirs petition to reopen a closed estate in Kentucky to claim unclaimed assets?

Detailed Answer Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. If you need legal guidance, consult a qualified attorney. Under Kentucky law, heirs may petition the court to reopen a closed probate estate when newly discovered assets surface after final distribution. Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) Chapter 395 governs reopening […]

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What is the process for inventorying and distributing estate assets among multiple heirs in Kentucky?

Detailed Answer When someone in Kentucky passes away, their estate enters probate court. Probate confirms assets, pays debts, and distributes what remains. Here is the process under Kentucky law. 1. Appointing the Personal Representative The court appoints a personal representative—often the person named in the will—to manage the estate. If the decedent did not name […]

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How Do Heirs Locate and Claim Unclaimed Property of a Deceased Relative in Kentucky?

How Heirs Locate and Claim Unclaimed Property of a Deceased Relative in Kentucky Disclaimer: This article provides general information on Kentucky law. It does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance on your specific circumstances. Detailed Answer When someone dies and financial items—such as bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance proceeds or safe-deposit […]

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What Factors Influence the Probate Timeline in Kentucky?

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified Kentucky probate attorney for guidance on your specific situation. Detailed Answer The length of the probate process in Kentucky varies significantly based on a range of factors. Probate is the court-supervised procedure for settling a decedent’s estate under […]

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