Last Will and Testament in Kentucky
A simple will form for straightforward estates. A will is valid only if it is signed and witnessed exactly as your state requires (below); one that is not executed correctly may be ignored by the court. Larger estates, blended families, trusts for minor children or business interests are worth a lawyer's review.
What Kentucky law says
| Requirements for a valid will | Any person of sound mind and at least 18 may make a will (a parent under 18 may use a will only to name a guardian for a child). The will must be in writing and signed by the testator, or by someone else in the testator's presence and at the testator's direction. Unless the will is entirely in the testator's handwriting, it must be signed or acknowledged in front of at least two credible witnesses, who sign in the presence of the testator and of each other. Electronic wills are also recognized for wills signed on or after July 15, 2026, if signed by the testator and by two witnesses who are Kentucky residents physically located in Kentucky (KRS 394.706, 394.715). Source: KRS 394.020, 394.030, 394.040 |
|---|---|
| Self-proving affidavit | Yes. A will can be made self-proved when it is signed, or at any later time, through the testator's acknowledgment and the witnesses' affidavits before a notary or other officer authorized to give oaths, using the statutory form. A self-proved will can be admitted to probate without testimony from the witnesses. Source: KRS 394.225 |
| Handwritten (holographic) wills | Yes. A will written entirely in the testator's handwriting and signed by the testator is valid without witnesses. Source: KRS 394.040 |
Fill it in
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LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF [your full name]
I, [your full name], of [city, county and state], being of sound mind, make this my will and revoke all earlier wills and codicils.
1. Executor. I name [executor name] as personal representative (executor). If they cannot serve, I name [alternate executor name].
2. Specific gifts. I give [item or amount] to [beneficiary name].
3. Everything else. I give the rest of my property to [beneficiaries and shares]. If a beneficiary does not survive me by 30 days, their share goes to [alternate beneficiary].
4. Guardian. If I have minor children, I name [guardian name] as guardian, and [alternate guardian name] as alternate.
Signed on [date signed] at [city and state]. Signature: ____________________
Witnesses: we signed below in the presence of the person making this will and of each other, as required by state law. Witness 1: [witness 1 name and address] ____________ Witness 2: [witness 2 name and address] ____________
[Notary or self-proving affidavit, if your state provides one]
Last Will and Testament for other states · Kentucky tenant rights
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.