Kentucky Estate Planning
Get your own affairs in order in Kentucky, for yourself or an aging parent. Compare the documents most adults need (a will, a power of attorney, and a healthcare directive), decide whether you need a trust, and see how to keep your estate out of probate.
Which document do I need?
The core documents at a glance. Each row links to its Kentucky guide.
- Will
- Kentucky will requirements: sound-mind and age-18 capacity, a signed writing, two witnesses who sign together, self-proving affidavits, and holographic wills. Read the guide
- Living trust
- How a Kentucky revocable living trust works: create it under the Kentucky Uniform Trust Code, fund it by retitling assets, and add a pour-over will. Read the guide
- Power of attorney
- How a Kentucky power of attorney works under KRS Chapter 457: durable by default, valid once the principal signs, with hot powers that need an express grant. Read the guide
- Healthcare directive
- A Kentucky healthcare directive is one living will directive naming a health care surrogate and stating end-of-life wishes, signed by two witnesses or a notary. Read the guide
Planning to prepare the will with an online service? See what Kentucky requires from an online will before you sign anything.
Kentucky estate planning guides
Kentucky Estate Planning Basics
Kentucky estate planning basics: the will, durable power of attorney, living will directive, and living trust adults need, plus probate and inheritance tax.
Kentucky Will Requirements
Kentucky will requirements: sound-mind and age-18 capacity, a signed writing, two witnesses who sign together, self-proving affidavits, and holographic wills.
Kentucky Power of Attorney
How a Kentucky power of attorney works under KRS Chapter 457: durable by default, valid once the principal signs, with hot powers that need an express grant.
Kentucky Healthcare Directive
A Kentucky healthcare directive is one living will directive naming a health care surrogate and stating end-of-life wishes, signed by two witnesses or a notary.
Kentucky Guardianship Planning
Kentucky guardianship and conservatorship under KRS Chapter 387, explained for disabled adults and minors, plus documents that keep your family out of court.
Kentucky Revocable Living Trust
How a Kentucky revocable living trust works: create it under the Kentucky Uniform Trust Code, fund it by retitling assets, and add a pour-over will.
Kentucky Trust Administration
How a Kentucky successor trustee settles a revocable trust after death: 60-day beneficiary notice, accounting, paying debts, and distribution under KRS 386B.
Kentucky Pet Trusts
How a Kentucky pet trust works under KRS 386B.4-080: set aside money for an animal alive in your lifetime, name a caregiver, trustee, and enforcer, and fund it.
Kentucky Digital Assets Planning
How Kentucky's digital assets law (KRS 395A) ranks who may reach a deceased person's online accounts: the online tool, then the will or POA, then the terms.
Not sure what you need in Kentucky?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you which estate planning documents to set up first.
Information current as of 2026-06-18
Settled Estate is not a law firm, and this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Probate laws and procedures in your state can change. Consult with a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation. Full disclaimer.
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