Probate And Estate Administration: Local Support In Difficult Times
Losing a loved one is never easy. At this challenging time, the last thing you need is the added stress of handling complicated legal processes. Contact our team at Cox & Cox Law Office, PLLC. As a family-owned firm, we help ease the legal complexities for our neighbors and fellow Kentuckians.
With over four decades serving Louisville and Lexington communities, our father-son firm and team of probate lawyers are here to guide you through probate and estate administration with empathy and experience.
What Kentucky Residents Should Know About The Probate Process
The probate process in Kentucky typically involves several key steps:
- Filing the petition: This initiates the probate process in the county’s district court where your loved one lived.
- Appointing an executor or administrator: If named in the last will and testament, this person manages the estate. If there’s no will (intestate), the court appoints an administrator.
- Inventory of assets: The executor must create a detailed list of the deceased’s assets, including retirement accounts.
- Paying debts and taxes: Any outstanding debts and federal estate tax are paid from the estate, following the priority of claims.
- Distributing assets: Finally, the remaining assets are distributed to beneficiaries according to the will or state law.
Throughout the process, we’ll handle complex paperwork, represent your interests in court if necessary and provide clear explanations of legal terms and procedures. We can also help resolve any disputes among beneficiaries or creditors.
What Our Cox & Cox Law Office, PLLC, Probate Attorneys Help With
Our probate lawyers can assist with various estate matters, including simple and complex probate cases. In Kentucky, probate can vary depending on the size and complexity of the estate. We handle everything from small estate affidavits for modest estates to full probate administration for larger or more complex estates.
With our probate help, you can honor your loved one’s wishes and protect your family’s future and rights. But, don’t delay filing the probate petition. While there’s no strict time limit, we generally advise beginning the process within a few months of the death to avoid potential complications. This timeline applies to all types of probate.
Our Probate Lawyers Answer Common Questions About Probate And Estate Administration
It’s important to know what to expect to help ease your mind. Below are answers to some of the most common inquiries we receive.
How much does an estate have to be worth to go to probate in Kentucky?
There’s no minimum value for an estate to go through probate. However, small estates (typically valued at $30,000 or less) may qualify for a simplified probate process.
Do all wills go through probate in Kentucky?
Not necessarily. Some assets, like those held in living trusts or with designated beneficiaries, can pass outside probate. However, most wills go through some form of probate to ensure proper asset distribution.
What happens if someone dies without a will in Kentucky?
If someone dies without a valid will in Kentucky, their estate is distributed according to the state’s intestacy laws. These laws determine who inherits based on family relationships, which may not align with the deceased’s wishes.
We’ll Look Out For You – Schedule A Free Consultation Today
We offer free consultations to discuss your situation at Cox & Cox Law Office, PLLC. You may be the executor, administrator or trustee of the estate. Whatever your role, it’s beneficial to contact us. Call our Louisville office at 502-912-8555 or complete this online form to schedule your free consultation. Our experienced probate attorneys can support you every step of the way, and we’re proud to offer our services in English, Arabic and Spanish.
We also handle personal injury claims, divorce proceedings and other family law matters.