State guide
Kentucky
Kentucky no longer has the older probate-creditor publication statute in KRS Chapter 396; that section was repealed long ago. Current Kentucky practice instead uses a monthly notice published by the probate clerk listing fiduciary appointments and the date by which claims must be presented, while creditor claims themselves are generally governed by a six-month deadline after appointment. ([apps.legislature.ky.gov](https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=36401&utm_source=openai))
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Publishing the notice
- In Kentucky, the probate clerk must publish, at least once each month, a notice of fiduciary appointments and the date by which creditors' claims must be presented, in a newspaper meeting KRS 424.120. ([apps.legislature.ky.gov](https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=18272&utm_source=openai))
- Creditor claim deadline
- 6 months after fiduciary appointment ([apps.legislature.ky.gov](https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=51057&utm_source=openai))
- Law
- KRS 424.340; KRS 396.011; KRS 424.120; KRS 395.455; KRS 391.030
- Small-estate limit
- $30,000 personal-property exemption for surviving spouse, or surviving children if no spouse, used with transfer-without-administration procedure under KRS 395.455/KRS 391.030 ([apps.legislature.ky.gov](https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=49987&utm_source=openai))
Official resources in Kentucky
Official statute requiring the probate clerk to publish fiduciary appointments and the date for presentation of creditors' claims.
Official statute setting the time limits for presenting claims against a decedent's estate.
Official statute defining what newspaper qualifies for legal publication in Kentucky.
Official court self-help portal with probate-estate forms and guided resources.
Official court guide for self-represented litigants handling probate matters, including small-estate options.
Key facts for Kentucky
- The probate clerk must publish notice of fiduciary appointments at least once each month in a newspaper meeting KRS 424.120. ([apps.legislature.ky.gov](https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=18272&utm_source=openai))
- Publication under KRS 424.340 does not enlarge or reduce the creditor's obligation to present a timely claim. ([apps.legislature.ky.gov](https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=18272&utm_source=openai))
- Claims are generally barred unless presented within 6 months after the fiduciary's appointment. ([apps.legislature.ky.gov](https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=51057&utm_source=openai))
- Kentucky's former creditor-publication statute, KRS 396.005, was repealed in 1958. ([apps.legislature.ky.gov](https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=36401&utm_source=openai))
- A qualifying newspaper must be published in the publication area and meet KRS 424.120 requirements. ([apps.legislature.ky.gov](https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=53711&utm_source=openai))
- Kentucky's probate guide says a surviving spouse, or surviving children if no spouse, may use the $30,000 exemption route for transfer without administration. ([kycourts.gov](https://www.kycourts.gov/Legal-Help/Documents/probateguide.pdf?utm_source=openai))
What to do next
- Ask the district court clerk what monthly publication cycle they use for fiduciary appointments and when your estate will appear in that notice.
- Do not rely on publication to extend time; calendar the six-month claim deadline from the fiduciary appointment date.
- If the estate may fit Kentucky's $30,000 spouse-or-children exemption route, review the Probate Guide and KRS 395.455 before opening a full administration.
Helpful guides
- What is a notice to creditors in probate?
- How to publish a probate notice in a newspaper
- How much does it cost to publish a probate notice?
- What counts as a legal newspaper for probate notices
Creditor deadline calculator →