After a relative dies, the local probate court requests an official form called an asset inventory. This document lists everything the estate owns, from real property to local bank accounts. You will need to take time to verify each line item to prevent long court...
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Estate Planning
5 digital assets to address in your Kentucky estate plan
If you use email, social media, cloud storage or websites, your estate plan may need to address what happens to those accounts, files and other digital property after your death. Without clear instructions, your personal representative, the person responsible for...
How does estate planning work for blended families?
Blended families form after major life changes, such as remarriage following a divorce or the loss of a spouse. While these families share many of the same hopes as any other, they may also face difficult decisions about the future. A parent may want to provide for a...
The legal tool that can trump your will (and why it matters)
Many people assume their will is the final word on who receives their property. Unfortunately, this is not always true. There are legal tools that can override your will, even when the will is executed within the bounds of the law and clear on the owner’s intentions....
Can siblings force the sale of inherited property in Kentucky?
An inherited home can carry memories and tension at the same time. When you share ownership with siblings, disagreements about what to do with the property may surface quickly. You may wonder if one sibling can push for a sale. In Kentucky, the answer often depends on...
What happens to your property if you pass away without a will?
In Kentucky, passing away without a will is also known as becoming “intestate.” If this happens, your personal and real property will be subject to the state’s distribution rules, which follow an order of inheritance. However, before your heirs receive anything, the...
Estate planning for blended families: preventing accidental disinheritance
Finding love a second time is a gift and can mean you are now part of a new family that is a blend of two. Though you and your spouse may love all the children in this new family it is important to note that the law may not provide for them if something were to happen...
What happens if a later will is found during probate?
When a loved one passes away, the priority is usually to honor their final wishes. You might have already started the legal process by filing a will from 2010 with the local court. However, cleaning out a parent’s home often reveals surprises. If you open a desk...
How do transfer-on-death designations work for vehicles?
Many people expect to use transfer-on-death designations for all major assets, including vehicles. In Kentucky, vehicle transfers follow different rules than real estate or financial accounts. Knowing what the law allows helps you avoid surprises and delays. Kentucky...
Can a will drafted out-of-state be probated in Kentucky?
You may feel unsure when you discover a loved one signed a will in a different state. Kentucky allows probate for out-of-state wills in many situations, but certain rules shape how courts treat them. When you understand these rules, you can approach the process with...