Bourbon County Will and Probate Records
Bourbon County is located in the Bluegrass region of central Kentucky with Paris as its county seat. Established in 1785, the county has a rich historical heritage. The Bourbon County Circuit Court maintains all probate court records, including estate administrations, will probates, guardianships, and conservatorships, documenting the legal settlement of estates for over two centuries.
Bourbon County Quick Facts
Bourbon County Circuit Court Clerk Probate Records
The Bourbon County Circuit Court Clerk serves as the official custodian of all probate court records filed in the county. This historic office maintains comprehensive files for will probates, estate administrations, guardianships, and conservatorships dating back to the county's founding. The Clerk ensures proper preservation and public access to these important legal and historical documents.
| Office | Bourbon County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address |
Bourbon County Courthouse 310 Main Street Paris, KY 40361 |
| Phone | (859) 987-2620 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Website | Kentucky Courts Bourbon Page |
How to Search Bourbon County Probate Court Records
You can access Bourbon County probate court records through various methods. The Circuit Court Clerk's office maintains all current probate files and provides assistance with locating specific records. Given the county's long history, older records may be archived at state facilities.
Kentucky CourtNet 2.0 offers online access to case information from courts throughout Kentucky, including Bourbon County. You can search by name or case number for probate matters. Access the system at kcoj.kycourts.net to search Bourbon County probate court records.
To search Bourbon County probate records, you will need:
- Full name of the decedent or protected person
- Approximate date of death or case filing
- Case number if known
In-person searches can be conducted at the Circuit Court Clerk's office in Paris during regular business hours. Staff can assist with locating files and providing copies. Valid photo identification is required.
Bourbon County Probate Court Records Available
Bourbon County probate court records include comprehensive documentation of estate settlements and protective proceedings spanning over two centuries. Will records contain the original testamentary documents and probate orders. Estate files include inventories of assets, creditor claims, accountings, and final distribution orders.
Given Bourbon County's establishment in 1785, the court maintains some of the oldest probate records in Kentucky. These historical documents provide valuable genealogical and historical research material in addition to their legal significance.
Types of Bourbon County probate court records include:
- Last will and testament documents (dating to 1785)
- Petition for probate or administration
- Estate inventory and appraisement
- Guardianship petitions and orders
- Conservatorship documents and annual reports
- Creditor claims and settlements
- Final estate settlements
- Letters of authority
Under Kentucky law (KRS 61.870-61.884), Bourbon County probate court records are public and available for inspection.
Bourbon County Probate Filing Requirements
Initiating probate proceedings in Bourbon County requires filing specific documents with the Circuit Court Clerk. For testate estates, the named executor files a petition for probate. For intestate estates, an interested party petitions for administration.
The District Court generally handles uncontested probate matters in Bourbon County, while the Circuit Court hears contested cases and appeals. Small estates valued at $30,000 or less may qualify for the simplified dispense with administration process.
The probate process in Bourbon County includes:
- Filing the will and petition with the court
- Payment of filing fees
- Publication of notice to creditors
- Appointment of fiduciary
- Inventory and appraisal of assets
- Payment of debts and taxes
- Distribution to beneficiaries
- Final settlement and discharge
Standardized probate forms are available through the Kentucky Court of Justice website.
Bourbon County Probate Records Archive Locations
Bourbon County probate court records are stored in different facilities based on age. Recent records (0-15 years) are housed at the Circuit Court Clerk's office in Paris. Older records are transferred to state archival facilities, with many historical records preserved at the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives.
Records aged 15-35 years are maintained at the Kentucky State Records Center. To request these records, contact state.records@ky.gov. Records over 36 years old, including many historical records from the 18th and 19th centuries, are archived at KDLA in Frankfort.
To access archived Bourbon County probate records:
- Contact the Circuit Court Clerk for case numbers
- For 15-35 year old records: Email state.records@ky.gov
- For 36+ year old records: Contact KDLA at kdla-referencedesk@ky.gov
KDLA charges $10 for in-state and $15 for out-of-state records requests.
Legal Assistance with Bourbon County Probate Court Records
Multiple resources are available to help navigate probate matters in Bourbon County. Legal aid organizations provide assistance to qualifying residents. The court offers standardized forms for self-represented individuals.
Legal Aid of the Bluegrass serves central Kentucky counties including Bourbon County. They may provide assistance with probate matters for eligible low-income residents.
The Kentucky Court of Justice maintains probate forms at kycourts.gov. These include petitions for probate, administration, guardianship, and conservatorship.
The Kentucky Bar Association's Lawyer Locator at kybar.org can help you find attorneys practicing probate law in Bourbon County.
Nearby Counties with Probate Court Records
These counties border Bourbon County and maintain separate probate court records. If you cannot find a record in Bourbon County, the estate may have been administered in one of these neighboring counties.