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Use This County Probate Reference Before You File

This page is built for the detailed county-level checks that generic probate guides usually miss: local filing fees, District Court contact details, administrative orders, e-filing rules, and hearing logistics for Caldwell County.

Local Fee Schedule

Review county-specific probate filing charges before you estimate total case cost.

Court Rules and Orders

Check the local rules, judge procedures, and administrative orders that can change how a case moves.

Clerk and Filing Logistics

Confirm where to file, whether e-filing is allowed, and how hearings or notices are handled locally.

Caldwell County District Court Guide

56th Judicial District (56th Judicial Circuit) · District Court information · Updated July 2026

(270) 365-6884District Court

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56th Judicial District (56th Judicial Circuit)|
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Filing & Fees

Fee Schedule Signals

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Probate Filing Fees

Filing TypeFee
Formal Administration
Standard probate for larger estates
$50

Note: Kentucky sets probate court costs statewide by Supreme Court rule, so they are the same in every county and are NOT graduated by estate value: a flat $50.00 probate filing fee to open a decedent's estate in the District Court (CR 3.03(1)(c) per Supreme Court of Kentucky Order 2026-15, effective July 1, 2026), plus a $20.00 court technology fee (KRS 27A.630) and any small county library or court-facility add-on under CR 3.03(1)(m), for a practical filing total of about $70. Kentucky imposes no probate tax on the value of the estate. A petition to dispense with administration for a small estate (KRS 395.455) is filed in the same District Court and carries the same $50.00 fee. Recording the admitted will with the Caldwell County Clerk is a separate fee under KRS 64.012. Personal representative compensation is capped at 5% of the personal estate plus 5% of income collected (KRS 395.150). Confirm the current District Court cost with the Caldwell Circuit Court Clerk before filing.

Kentucky sets probate court costs statewide by Supreme Court rule, so they are the same in every county and are NOT graduated by estate value: a flat $50.00 probate filing fee to open a decedent's estate in the District Court (CR 3.03(1)(c) per Supreme Court of Kentucky Order 2026-15, effective July 1, 2026), plus a $20.00 court technology fee (KRS 27A.630) and any small county library or court-facility add-on under CR 3.03(1)(m), for a practical filing total of about $70. Kentucky imposes no probate tax on the value of the estate. A petition to dispense with administration for a small estate (KRS 395.455) is filed in the same District Court and carries the same $50.00 fee. Recording the admitted will with the Caldwell County Clerk is a separate fee under KRS 64.012. Personal representative compensation is capped at 5% of the personal estate plus 5% of income collected (KRS 395.150). Confirm the current District Court cost with the Caldwell Circuit Court Clerk before filing.

Required Documents

  • Certified Death Certificate

    Order certified copies from the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics ($6 first copy, $6 each additional copy in the same order) or through VitalChek.

  • Original Will

    The original signed will, if one exists, offered to the District Court for probate (KRS 394.140).

  • Petition for Probate and Appointment of Personal Representative(AOC-805)

    Filed in the District Court of the decedent's county of residence to admit the will to probate and appoint an executor or administrator (KRS 395.015 to 395.030). The court issues letters testamentary (with a will) or letters of administration (without).

  • Inventory(AOC-841)

    Filed within 90 days of qualifying (KRS 395.250); confidential and filed under seal.

  • Settlement (Periodic or Final)

    A periodic or final settlement is filed with the District Court to close the estate (KRS 395.605 to 395.640); an informal settlement may be available for smaller estates.

  • Petition to Dispense with Administration(AOC-830)

    Used when the KRS 391.030 exemption ($30,000, or $15,000 for deaths before July 15, 2020) plus preferred claims equals or exceeds the distributable assets (KRS 395.455); the court orders the assets transferred without full administration.

E-Filing & Filing Methods

Case SearchProbate Forms

Records portal

Check live court-record information when available. Search results may not include every probate record. An account may be required.

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Filing Methods: in person, by mail

Timelines & Proceedings

Deadlines & Creditor Claims

Key Deadlines

Will Deposit
Verify locally
Creditor Claims
6 months

Creditor Claims

Period Starts
appointment of the personal representative
Statute
KRS 396.011

Related Proceedings

Property Recording

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