At Elder Law Guidance, we help families through every stage of probate, from filing petitions and notifying creditors to distributing assets and closing the estate.
When a loved one passes away, families in Richmond often face not only loss but also the responsibility of settling the estate through Kentucky’s probate system. The process can feel overwhelming, but with the right legal help, it becomes manageable and structured.
Founded in 2015, our firm blends professional knowledge with compassion and community values. Families choose us because we take the time to listen, explain clearly, and handle intricate legal matters with patience and respect.
As one client shared, “They are very patient to explain complex ins and outs of elder law, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Wills, and risk assessments. They patiently and carefully guide you through the process.”
Kentucky requires probate for most estates when property is titled solely in the deceased person’s name. In Madison County, where nearly 17% of residents are over age 65, the need for reliable probate and estate administration continues to grow.
If you are the named executor in a will or a family member stepping in after a loss, our team makes sure every filing, inventory, and court requirement is completed accurately and on time.
What Is Probate and Why It Matters in Madison County
Probate is the legal process used to settle a person’s estate after death.
It makes sure that all debts, taxes, and obligations are satisfied before distributing the remaining assets to heirs or beneficiaries. In Kentucky, probate is generally required when the deceased owned property solely in their own name or when no living trust was established before death.
In Madison County, probate cases are handled by the Madison County District Court, Probate Division, located in downtown Richmond. The court reviews petitions, appoints executors or administrators, and makes sure every estate complies with Kentucky law.
In Madison County, this process is increasingly relevant because the community has an aging population. Families often come to us after the passing of a parent or spouse who received care at Baptist Health Richmond or one of the nearby assisted living facilities.
Our firm helps families understand what probate involves, how long it takes, and how to protect their loved one’s estate from unnecessary costs or delays. If your situation is simple or complicated, we make sure the process stays on track and handled with care.
Our Probate Services in Richmond
- Probate Administration
- Estate Settlement
- Executor and Administrator Representation
- Creditor Claims and Debt Resolution
- Asset Inventory and Valuation
- Beneficiary Distribution
- Guardianship and Conservatorship Matters
Get Trusted Legal Support Today
For straightforward legal advice and representation, contact Elder Law Guidance. Call (859) 544-6012 to schedule your consultation.
Why Choose Elder Law Guidance
When you choose Elder Law Guidance, you’re choosing a team that combines legal precision with empathy, clarity, and a deep respect for families during life’s most difficult moments.
Deep Roots and Real Results
Our firm is built on the values of service, honesty, and education. We have guided hundreds of Madison County families through probate, estate transfers, and guardianship cases with patience and professionalism. Clients consistently tell us that we “calmed all fears” and “made a difficult process clear and manageable.”
A Team You Can Count On
You won’t just work with one attorney, you’ll have an entire team supporting you. We coordinate every stage of your case so nothing slips through the cracks.
Education-First Approach
Our free monthly webinars and strategy sessions give families practical knowledge about Kentucky probate, Medicaid, and estate planning. We believe that empowered clients make the best long-term decisions.
No-Pressure, Transparent Service
We don’t use fear or urgency to drive decisions. Our No-Pressure Promise means that if we cannot save you more than you spend, we’ll tell you honestly. Every quote and timeline is explained upfront, no surprises.
Local Knowledge That Makes a Difference
Because we work daily with the Madison County Probate Division, we know how to handle filings, hearings, and documentation efficiently. Our proximity to the courthouse lets us resolve issues quickly.
Our Probate Process in Richmond
Every estate is different, but the probate process in Kentucky follows a structured series of legal steps. Our role is to make those steps clear, timely, and as easy on your family as possible.
Step 1: Free Consultation
We start with a free consultation. During this meeting, we review your loved one’s situation, explain what process will be needed, and outline exactly what happens at each stage of probate in Madison County.
Step 2: Filing the Petition
Our team prepares and files the probate petition with the Madison County Probate Court, located in downtown Richmond. This filing asks the court to open the estate and to appoint a personal representative (executor if there is a will, or administrator if there is not).
Once the court issues an order, the representative has legal authority to act on behalf of the estate.
Step 3: Inventory and Notice
Next, we help identify, list, and document all assets, real property, financial accounts, personal property, and any other holdings. We assist in publishing or sending notices to heirs and creditors as required by Kentucky law. Accuracy here is essential to avoid later disputes or corrections.
Step 4: Paying Debts and Filing Taxes
We work with the executor to manage estate funds, pay valid debts, and coordinate any required tax filings. This stage may include communication with banks, insurance companies, and creditors. We make sure no claim or filing deadline is missed.
Step 5: Distribution and Accounting
Once all debts and taxes are handled, we prepare a detailed accounting and guide the executor through the distribution of remaining assets. Every distribution must comply with the rules set by the Madison County Probate Division and be documented for the final court report.
Step 6: Closing the Estate
We file the final settlement documents with the court and request official closure of the estate. Once approved, the estate is legally complete. This marks the end of the process and gives families peace of mind that every obligation was fulfilled properly.
Timelines for Probate in Richmond
Most probate cases in Madison County take between 6 months to over 1 year from the initial filing to the final settlement, according to the Kentucky Court of Justice. Smaller, uncontested estates can close in as little as 4 months, while complicated estates involving real property, multiple heirs, or creditor disputes may take longer.
Timelines depend on how quickly assets are identified, debts are resolved, and final reports are approved by the Madison County District Court, Probate Division.
Factors That Affect Timing
Several issues can extend timelines or increase costs:
- Missing documents or unclear asset records
- Disagreements between heirs
- Delayed tax filings or creditor responses
- Out-of-state property requiring ancillary probate
Our local experience allows us to anticipate and resolve these challenges quickly. Working directly with the Madison County Clerk’s Office and probate staff helps prevent avoidable delays.
Elder Law Guidance: Your Trusted Probate Partners
Founded in 2015, Elder Law Guidance was created to help Kentucky families protect what they’ve worked for and handle legal transitions with dignity and confidence. The firm grew out of a background in military service, ministry, and community work, and those experiences shape every client interaction to this day.
Our office, located in the historic A.R. Burnam House in Richmond, sits just off Robert R. Martin Bypass near Lancaster Avenue. The setting reflects our philosophy, a welcoming, respectful environment where families can make important decisions comfortably and without pressure.
Over the past decade, we’ve helped hundreds of families throughout Madison County and central Kentucky with probate, estate planning, guardianship, and elder care. Our work is guided by patience, compassion, and clarity, values that come directly from our roots in service.
We believe that law should serve people, not intimidate them. That’s why our team takes the time to explain each process, making sure clients always understand their options before taking the next step.
Local Resources We Work With Madison County
- Madison County District Court, Probate Division
- Judge Colleen Chaney Ballou, Probate and Guardianship Hearings
- Madison County Clerk’s Office
- Baptist Health Richmond
- Richmond Senior Citizens Center
- Eastern Kentucky University (EKU)
- Lake Reba Park
- Kenwood Health & Rehabilitation Center
Ready to Settle Your Loved One’s Estate with Confidence?
Peace of mind starts with one conversation.
Schedule your free consultation today or book online to reserve your spot at our next free probate and estate planning webinar.
