Kentucky Probate | Inheritance Advances in Kentucky

Probate Process In Kentucky

The probate process in Kentucky serves a vital purpose. When a resident of Kentucky dies, the Kentucky probate courts oversee the distribution of all assets and belongings left behind. They first appoint a representative to be in charge of the estate, collect and itemize all assets and monetary accounts, ensure you pay off all outstanding debts and determine the validity of any existing wills. Finally, when the court feels satisfied that you completed all other steps, they authorize the distribution of inheritance funds to the rightful heirs.

Is Probate Required in Kentucky?

Most estates in Kentucky must undergo probate to divide assets among the heirs. Anyone in charge of an estate must be aware of the current regulations regarding the probate process.

How Do You Avoid Probate in Kentucky?

If the individual had a revocable trust and names you as a beneficiary before their death, you could avoid the Kentucky probate process. You will gain control of the assets after the person’s death and avoid the need to undergo probate.

Naming a beneficiary for certain assets will also prevent them from going into probate. Some accounts that can automatically transfer to a beneficiary include:

  • Life insurance policies
  • Retirement accounts
  • Bank accounts
  • Investment accounts

How Long Does Probate Take in Kentucky?

Depending on the size and complexity of your estate, your probate case can last months to over a year. The Kentucky Revised Statute 395.190 requires all probates to stay open for at least six months. However, disputes or contesting the will may cause your probate case to take much longer.

How Long Do You Have to File Probate After Death in Kentucky?

As noted in the Kentucky Revised Statute 395.010, you must file for probate within 10 years of the individual’s death. However, filing as soon as possible after the person’s death will allow you to complete the probate process promptly.

What Happens if Someone Dies Without a Will in Kentucky?

Individuals who have no will in Kentucky will have their estate and assets distributed according to State Intestacy Succession laws. These laws will split an estate between heirs and relatives. If the decedent — the person who has died — does not have a legitimate heir, the estate will enter escheat, meaning it will belong to the state of Kentucky. A Kentucky probate court will also name an executor to manage the estate during the probate process.

Does Kentucky Have an Inheritance or Estate Tax?

Kentucky does not tax estates, but if the decedent owned an estate in Kentucky, heirs might need to pay an inheritance tax depending on their relation to the deceased.

Class A

The heirs in this bracket are exempt from paying an inheritance tax, regardless of the inherited amount:

  • Spouses
  • Children
  • Grandchildren
  • Parents
  • Siblings

Class B

These relatives are exempt if the inheritance is less than $1,000:

  • Aunts
  • Uncles
  • Nephews
  • Nieces
  • Great-grandchildren

Class C

These inheritors are exempt if the amount is less than $500:

  • Cousins
  • Friends
  • Organizations

Spouses in Kentucky Inheritance Law

A spouse may be able to prevent probate due to Kentucky’s dower and curtesy laws. If the deceased has a spouse but no other living descendants, the spouse will inherit the entire estate.

In Kentucky, real property is real estate, such as a house and land. Personal property refers to all other possessions, such as cars, furniture and other valuable items. If the deceased had living children, parents or siblings, the spouse will receive half of the decedent’s personal property, one-third of the real property and half of the real property to sell or gift another person. The descendants will receive the remainder of the decedent’s personal and real property.

In most cases where the deceased and their spouse filed for divorce, the spouse will not receive any of the deceased’s assets. A spouse will also not receive any assets if they committed adultery and did not reconcile with the decedent.

Delays to Your Inheritance in Kentucky

The key problem with the Kentucky probate process is that it takes an extremely long time from start to finish. While probate is in process, heirs cannot access the money their loved one wanted them to have. How long does probate take in Kentucky? The average estate in the US takes a full year and a half to finally distribute the inheritance money to the heirs. This fact is shocking to most heirs in Kentucky and elsewhere who are understandably new to the process. Having a rightful inheritance blocked for years by a legal process can prove very frustrating.

Access Your Inheritance in Kentucky Immediately

With an inheritance advance from IFC during the KY probate, you can access the money your loved one meant for you to have right away. The process is fast and easy and you decide how much of your inheritance you’d like to receive immediately. Whether you have bills to pay, car payments to make, home improvements, vacation plans, etc. – the money is yours to use however you’d like.

With over 25 years of experience and over $200 million advanced to thousands of heirs across the country just like you, we have the expertise and size to help you immediately. Let our friendly staff give you a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re more than happy to walk you through the process and answer all of your questions.

Unlike with a probate loan, there are no hidden fees, no monthly payments, and credit and income are never an issue. There’s no need to wait years for what’s yours; call us today and access your money right away.