Best Probate Lawyers in Lexington

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Lexington, Kentucky?

  The local police station in Lexington can be reached at 859-258-3600 for non-emergency concerns.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Lexington, Kentucky?

  To obtain a police report in Lexington, you can send the approved form or a written request to ORR@lexingtonky.gov. Alternatively, you can visit the Lexington Police Department located at 150 E. Main St., Lexington, KY 40507, from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding holidays. You can also submit your request via fax at (859) 425-2270 or through mail addressed to the Open Records Unit at the same address as the police department.

• What happens to Lexington residents' assets when they pass away without a will?

  In Lexington, if an individual dies intestate (without a will), the state's inheritance statutes dictate the distribution of their estate. As per Kentucky's probate laws, the assets are split between the deceased's spouse and additional heirs, including parents. Despite the state providing free forms to ease the probate process, Lexington residents must plan their estates to prevent unintended consequences. Thus, creating a will is highly suggested.

• In Lexington, can beneficiaries bypass the traditional probate process?

  Yes, it's possible. In Lexington, when a decedent's estate is $15,000 or less with no personal property bequeathed in the will, the heirs can opt out of the conventional probate process and use a more simplified probate procedure, also known as "summary probate." This also applies when a non-spousal individual has satisfied at least $15,000 in priority debts. Engaging a local estate planning lawyer is strongly advised to ascertain eligibility.

• If a loved one passes away in Lexington, what is the first step in handling their estate?

  Following the demise of a loved one in Lexington, the initial task entails drafting a probate petition to be submitted to the local District Court. This document encompasses fundamental facts regarding the estate, including the deceased's personal details, the potential existence of a will, the intended executor or administrator, and a rough estimation of the estate's assets and value.

• What options does a fiduciary in Lexington if they uncover additional probate assets after filing the initial inventory within the 60-day window?

  In Lexington, the responsibility of a fiduciary includes conducting a thorough exploration of the probate estate's assets. If 60 days elapse and all assets haven't been found, they file an inventory with the currently discovered details. The process in Lexington allows for later modification of this inventory, meaning they can update the inventory if they find out more assets, ensuring a fair representation of the estate's worth.

• What role does a probate judge play in Lexington?

  In Lexington, a probate judge presides over essential legal processes on estate settlement. The judge interprets and applies laws related to will disputes, beneficiary disagreements, and creditor claims during litigations. They also oversee the appointment of personal representatives in probate cases. These officials, chosen every few years, serve fixed terms, ensuring a seamless judicial service in the community. A probate judge's role is paramount in smoothly resolving complex legal matters.