Clay County District Court Guide

Note: Kentucky's probate court cost is a flat, statewide $50.00 fee to open a probate case in the District Court under CR 3.03(1)(c) (Supreme Court of Kentucky Order 2026-15, effective July 1, 2026), authorized by KRS 24A.170. The fee is the same in all 120 counties and is NOT graduated by estate value, and Kentucky imposes no probate tax on the value of the estate. The probate filing fee is $50 under CR 3.03(1)(c), effective July 1, 2026. CR 3.03(1)(m) adds a $20 court technology fee. KRS 27A.630 provides a separate $10 Access to Justice fee for District Court civil actions. The state clerks accounting manual also lists library, court facilities and attorney tax fees when applicable. The circuit court clerk can confirm local charges, exemptions and the full amount due. A petition to dispense with administration (small estate, KRS 395.455) is filed in the same District Court and carries the same $50.00 probate filing fee; there is no separate out-of-court small-estate affidavit statute. Recording the probated will with the Clay County Clerk is a separate later cost under KRS 64.012. Personal representative compensation is capped at 5% of the personal estate plus 5% of income collected (KRS 395.150). Verify the current District Court cost with the Clay Circuit Court Clerk before filing.