Perry County Estate and Probate Records
Perry County, situated in eastern Kentucky's Appalachian region, has a population of approximately 28,500 residents. The county seat is Hazard, which serves as the administrative center for all probate court matters. Perry County Probate Court Records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk's office at the Perry County Hall of Justice. The office provides a public terminal for self-service case searches, making it convenient for residents to research probate matters.
Perry County Quick Facts
Perry County Circuit Court Clerk
The Perry County Circuit Court Clerk serves as the official custodian of all probate court records filed in the 14th Judicial Circuit. Charles Patterson holds this elected position and oversees the maintenance and accessibility of court records. The office is located within the Perry County Hall of Justice in Hazard and provides both staffed assistance and self-service public terminal access.
| Office | Perry County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Clerk Name | Charles Patterson |
| Address |
Perry County Hall of Justice 545 Main Street, P.O. Box 7433 Hazard, KY 41702 |
| Phone | Circuit: (606) 435-6000 District: (606) 435-6002 |
| Fax | (606) 435-6143 |
| Hours | Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
Perry County Public Terminal for Record Searches
The Perry County Circuit Clerk's Office provides a public terminal that allows individuals to search for probate cases independently. This self-service option is available during regular business hours and offers convenient access to both Circuit and District court case information.
The public terminal enables users to search by name or case number to locate probate matters. Once a case is found, users can view case details and print copies directly from the terminal. Copies are available at $0.25 per page, payable at the clerk's counter.
This self-service option is particularly helpful for:
- Researchers conducting preliminary case lookups
- Family members verifying estate status
- Attorneys checking case information
- Individuals who prefer independent record searching
Staff members are available to assist with terminal use if needed. For complex searches or certified copy requests, please see a clerk at the counter for personalized assistance.
How to Search Perry County Probate Court Records
Perry County offers multiple methods for accessing probate records. The public terminal provides convenient self-service searching, while the clerk's staff offers personalized assistance for complex requests. Online access is also available through Kentucky's statewide court systems.
The Kentucky CourtNet 2.0 system provides online access to case information from Perry County and all Kentucky courts. Users can search by party name or case number to locate probate filings. Visit kcoj.kycourts.net to access the public portal.
To search Perry County probate records effectively, gather:
- Full legal name of the deceased individual
- Approximate date of death or case filing
- Case number if previously obtained
- Photo identification for in-person requests
Visit the Perry County Hall of Justice in Hazard during business hours to access records in person. The office staff can help locate case files and provide certified or plain copies. For records more than 15 years old, contact the Kentucky State Records Center. Records exceeding 36 years are archived at the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives.
Perry County Probate Filing Fees
Perry County follows the fee schedule established by the Kentucky Court of Justice. Filing fees vary depending on the type of probate matter and the complexity of estate administration. Understanding these costs helps families plan for estate settlement expenses.
Typical probate-related fees in Perry County include:
- Petition for Probate (Formal Administration): approximately $161-$200
- Petition to Dispense with Administration: approximately $53-$85
- Certified copies of court documents: $5.00 per document
- Plain copies from public terminal: $0.25 per page
- Publication costs for creditor notices: $50-$100
Kentucky law under KRS 395.455 provides a simplified probate process for small estates valued at $30,000 or less. This procedure, using Form AOC-830, reduces both filing fees and administrative requirements. Contact the Circuit Court Clerk's office at (606) 435-6000 to verify current fee schedules.
Perry County Probate Court Records Process
The probate process in Perry County follows Kentucky statutory procedures designed to ensure proper estate administration. Executors, administrators, and beneficiaries must comply with these requirements when settling an estate.
Probate proceedings commence with filing a petition in the county where the deceased resided. Under KRS 395.015, Perry County has jurisdiction over estates of residents who lived within the county at death. Required documents include the original will (if one exists), certified death certificate, and comprehensive heir information.
The court appoints a fiduciary—either an executor named in a valid will or an administrator if the person died intestate. This appointment grants legal authority to manage estate assets, pay debts, and distribute property. Under KRS Chapter 395, fiduciaries must fulfill specific duties including filing an inventory within 60 days.
Kentucky law establishes a mandatory six-month creditor claim period. Under KRS 396.011, notice to creditors must be properly published. After the creditor period expires and valid claims are paid, the fiduciary distributes remaining assets according to the will or Kentucky intestate succession laws under KRS Chapter 391.
Perry County Clerk Information
The Perry County Clerk's office maintains land records and related documents that often intersect with probate matters. While the Circuit Court Clerk handles court-filed probate cases, the County Clerk records deeds and property transfers occurring during estate administration.
The Perry County Clerk's office is located in Hazard with regular business hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The phone number is (606) 436-4614, and the fax is (606) 439-0557.
When real property transfers as part of a probate estate, the executor or administrator records the deed with the County Clerk. These recorded documents become part of the permanent land records and may be searched through the County Clerk's office or online systems if available.
Nearby Counties
These counties neighbor Perry County in eastern Kentucky. If probate records cannot be found in Perry County, the estate may have been filed in an adjacent jurisdiction.