What a Kentucky Will Can Cover
Guardians, gifts, and the people in charge
Your will can name
guardians
for children, leave specific gifts, direct how real estate in Jefferson or Oldham County is handled, and appoint a personal representative to manage the process. We also coordinate your will with beneficiary designations, life insurance, and a
revocable living trust when appropriate so everything lines up.
Why Louisville Families Choose Us
Local guidance for court processes and family goals
From courthouse routines downtown to practical issues like real estate closings near Hurstbourne Parkway, our team brings local know-how and clear communication. Cochran Gersh Law Office explains options in plain English so you can make confident decisions.
Will vs. Trust: Which Fits?
Choosing the right tool for probate and privacy
A will directs probate; a trust can move assets outside probate if funded. Many clients use both: the trust handles most assets, while a pour-over will catches anything missed. We'll explain the trade-offs so your plan matches your goals for privacy, timing, and costs.
Local Tip For Louisville Estates
Small steps now prevent court delays later
Simple tasks-updating beneficiaries, titling, and keeping an asset list-can save months in Jefferson District Court. We provide a checklist tailored to your home, bank, and investment accounts along Shelbyville Road, Bardstown Road, and beyond.
Who Especially Benefits From a Will
Situations where a will is essential
Homeowners, parents naming guardians, blended families balancing interests, people with out-of-state property, and anyone choosing specific gifts or charities. If a loved one has disabilities, we'll coordinate a special needs trust so support doesn't affect benefits.
What Happens Without a Will in Kentucky?
Intestacy puts the state's plan in charge
Without a will, Kentucky law decides who inherits. That may split assets between a spouse and children or push property to distant relatives. We explain the intestate path and when probate administration will be required.
How We Help, Step by Step
From first questions to signed documents
- Short call to map goals.
- Design meeting to choose guardians and distributions.
- Draft and review in plain English.
- Proper Kentucky signing.
- Ongoing updates when life changes.
Cochran Gersh Law Office stays available long after signing day.
Answers to Common Will Questions
Five quick clarifications Louisville families ask
Do I need witnesses or a notary?
Kentucky wills require specific signing formalities; we handle the setup so your will is valid and easy to prove when needed.
Can I change my will later?
Yes-updates are common after moves, births, marriages, or new property in Prospect or Oldham County. We'll help you amend correctly.
Where should I store the will?
Keep the original dry, safe, and accessible; we provide guidance on copies, digital lists, and how your executor gets what they need.
What does my executor actually do?
They file the will, inventory assets, pay valid bills, and distribute property. We provide a clear task list and court guidance.
How does my will work with my trust?
A pour-over will acts as a back-up to your revocable living trust, capturing anything left out and keeping instructions consistent.