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Hancock County, KY Probate Information
Quick facts
| Topic | Hancock County details |
|---|---|
| Court | Hancock County District Court, sitting in probate under KRS 24A.120(2). File with the Office of Circuit Court Clerk for Hancock County. |
| Courthouse address | Hancock County Judicial Center, 310 Hawesville School Drive, Hawesville, KY 42348. |
| Mailing address | P.O. Box 250, Hawesville, KY 42348-0250. |
| Phone | (270) 927-8144 and (270) 927-8145. Hancock County lists both office numbers without labeling one as the probate or District Court line. |
| Fax | (270) 927-8629. |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday. Appointments are available by request. |
| Cost to open | $80 to open a probate case: a $50 filing fee set by Supreme Court rule effective July 1, 2026 (CR 3.03(1)(c)), plus a $10 Access to Justice Fee (KRS 27A.630) and a $20 court technology fee. Hancock County may add a $10 court facilities fee if its fiscal court has adopted the ordinance (KRS 24A.185), and a county law library fee where one is in force (KRS 453.060), so confirm the exact total with the Office of Circuit Court Clerk before you file. |
| Payment | Cash, money order, certified check, personal check from a local bank, and online payment through ePay. Hancock County does not list a card payment option at the counter. |
| Forms | Kentucky statewide AOC probate forms are used. Hancock County does not list a separate local probate form set. |
| E-filing | Kentucky probate cases use the Kentucky Court of Justice eFiling system. Since January 1, 2024, attorneys handling probate, intestate administration under KRS 395.030, or a petition to dispense with administration under KRS 395.455 must file electronically. Self-represented filers may register but can still file on paper at the Office of Circuit Court Clerk in Hawesville. |
| Case information | No free full case-status search is listed for District Court probate cases under KRS 24A.120. The Kentucky Court of Justice account portal requires an account, and the free court-date lookup at kcoj.kycourts.net/dockets/ is not an official docket. Call the Office of Circuit Court Clerk for the status of a Hancock County estate. |
| Remote court | Kentucky courts have used Zoom since March 2020, but whether a Hancock County probate matter may be heard remotely is up to the judge. Contact the Office of Circuit Court Clerk before assuming either way. |
| Accessibility | Designated parking for those with a disability parking permit, ramp at the front entrance, elevator in the building, and a wheelchair available in the lobby upon request. |
| Website | https://www.kycourts.gov/Courts/County-Information/Pages/Hancock.aspx |
Before you begin — know the assets and liabilities
Before you file anything in Hancock County, make a working list of assets, debts, beneficiary information, and title issues. Estate settlement is much easier when you know whether the home, vehicles, bank accounts, life insurance, and retirement accounts pass through probate or outside it.
Sunset can help organize that first pass. Its 2,300-institution asset discovery can help identify accounts and assets before you decide whether to file AOC-805, ask about AOC-830 under KRS 395.455, or speak with a local attorney.
Which court handles jurisdiction
Kentucky sends the estate to the District Court of the county where the person lived at death (KRS 394.140), and where there is no will, to the same court (KRS 395.030). If the person lived in Hancock County, the papers go to the Office of Circuit Court Clerk at the Hancock County Judicial Center in Hawesville.
The same Hawesville courthouse serves estate filings for people who lived anywhere in Hancock County, including Hawesville, Lewisport, and unincorporated parts of the county. Hancock County is in Kentucky's 38th Judicial District with Butler, Edmonson, and Ohio counties (KRS 24A.030), so District Court matters under KRS 24A.120 are heard on set court days rather than on demand.
The jurisdiction process
- Identify the proper Kentucky filing path. Use AOC-805 for probate of a will or appointment of an executor or administrator (KRS 394.145), and use AOC-830 if you are asking the court to dispense with administration under KRS 395.455.
- Prepare the opening papers. A full estate filing usually includes AOC-805 (KRS 394.145), the new financial disclosure form AOC-808 (KRS 395.015), any required waivers, the will if there is one, and any bond paperwork if the court orders bond under KRS 395.130.
- File with the Office of Circuit Court Clerk at the Hancock County Judicial Center in Hawesville, or mail paper filings to P.O. Box 250, Hawesville, KY 42348-0250. Attorneys must e-file through Kentucky's system for covered probate matters since January 1, 2024, while self-represented filers may file on paper.
- Pay the opening cost or confirm the exact amount before filing. $80 to open a probate case: a $50 filing fee set by Supreme Court rule effective July 1, 2026 (CR 3.03(1)(c)), plus a $10 Access to Justice Fee (KRS 27A.630) and a $20 court technology fee. Hancock County may add a $10 court facilities fee if its fiscal court has adopted the ordinance (KRS 24A.185), and a county law library fee where one is in force (KRS 453.060), so confirm the exact total with the Office of Circuit Court Clerk before you file.
- Ask the clerk what notice and court date apply. Hancock County lists District Court civil matters on the first and third Tuesday at 9 a.m., but it does not list a separate probate docket; the Office of Circuit Court Clerk gives the date assigned to your matter. Creditor claims are governed by KRS 396.011.
- Ask before planning to appear remotely. Kentucky courts have used Zoom since March 2020, but Hancock County does not list probate login information. Contact the Office of Circuit Court Clerk to ask whether the judge will handle your matter in person or remotely.
- After appointment, get proof of authority. The Office of Circuit Court Clerk issues a Certificate of Qualification, AOC-807, showing the appointment order is in effect. Kentucky also uses letters of appointment under KRS 395.105 and formal letters in due form under KRS 395.110.
- Administer and close the estate. File the inventory within ninety days after qualification, and the inventory is confidential and filed under seal under KRS 395.250. Handle creditor claims under KRS 396.011, distribute only when allowed under KRS 395.190, then close with AOC-850 for informal final settlement under KRS 395.605 or AOC-846 for a settlement under KRS 395.610.
Forms and documents
Probate forms in Hancock County
Hancock County uses Kentucky's statewide Administrative Office of the Courts probate forms; there is no separate Hancock County form set. AOC-805 opens the estate and cites KRS 394.145, AOC-830 asks the court to dispense with administration under KRS 395.455, AOC-841 is the inventory required by KRS 395.250, and AOC-846 or AOC-850 closes the estate under KRS 395.610 or KRS 395.605. The Office of Circuit Court Clerk in Hawesville can also provide paper copies.
| Form | Use |
|---|---|
| AOC-805 | Petition for Probate of Will, and/or Appointment of Executor/Administrator (KRS 394.145). |
| AOC-808 | Financial disclosure required with an application for appointment (KRS 395.015). |
| AOC-807 | Certificate of Qualification used after appointment. |
| AOC-830 | Petition to dispense with administration (KRS 395.455). |
| AOC-841 | Inventory and Appraisement of Estate, due within ninety days and filed under seal (KRS 395.250). |
| AOC-850 | Application for informal final settlement (KRS 395.605). |
| AOC-846 | Settlement of Estate for a settlement under KRS 395.610. |
Timeline
- Hancock County lists District Court civil matters on the first and third Tuesday at 9 a.m.; probate is a District Court matter under KRS 24A.120, but the county does not list a separate probate docket.
- District Court criminal matters are listed for the first and third Tuesday at 9:30 a.m., and confidential matters are listed for 11 a.m.; do not assume those times apply to an estate filing.
- Circuit Court motion days are listed for the fourth Friday, with civil matters at 9 a.m. and criminal matters at 10 a.m. A contested probate dispute is filed fresh in Hancock Circuit Court as an original adversary proceeding under KRS 24A.120(2) and KRS 394.240.
- Family Court is listed for the first and third Thursday, with civil and domestic matters at 8:30 a.m., child support and paternity at 9 a.m., and confidential and adoption matters at 9:30 a.m.
- Call the Office of Circuit Court Clerk at (270) 927-8144 or (270) 927-8145 for the actual date and format assigned to your estate matter.
Local nuance
Hancock County-specific considerations
| Local point | What it means for filing |
|---|---|
| Two office phone numbers | Hancock County lists (270) 927-8144 and (270) 927-8145 without labeling one as the probate or District Court line. Use both if you need filing, scheduling, remote court, or payment information. |
| Payment methods | The listed counter options are cash, money order, certified check, and a personal check from a local bank. Pay online with ePay is also listed. No counter card option is listed. |
| Mailing box differs from street address | Use 310 Hawesville School Drive for the courthouse location and P.O. Box 250, Hawesville, KY 42348-0250 for mail. |
| Accessibility details | The courthouse lists designated disability parking, a front entrance ramp, an elevator, and a wheelchair available in the lobby upon request. |
| 38th Judicial District | Hancock County shares the 38th Judicial District with Butler, Edmonson, and Ohio counties (KRS 24A.030), so scheduling depends on the court calendar in Hawesville. |
Recent updates
Scenarios
| Scenario | Local path | Where Sunset helps |
|---|---|---|
| Surviving spouse with co-owned home | Start by identifying what passes outside probate and what must be handled through Hancock County District Court under KRS 24A.120. A co-owned home may need deed and title review before deciding whether AOC-805 (KRS 394.145) or a petition to dispense with administration, AOC-830 (KRS 395.455), fits. | Sunset helps gather accounts, property information, and beneficiary details so the spouse can choose the right estate settlement path before filing in Hawesville. |
| Out-of-state adult child with small estate | Hancock County accepts mail at P.O. Box 250, Hawesville, KY 42348-0250. If the child is asking the judge to transfer assets without appointing a personal representative, the relevant Kentucky filing is AOC-830 under KRS 395.455. Plan payment by cash, money order, certified check, local-bank personal check, or ePay because no counter card option is listed. | Sunset can prepare an organized asset picture and help generate the probate packet so the child can call the Office of Circuit Court Clerk with specific questions. |
| Parent settling predeceased child's estate, home must be sold | A home sale usually requires appointment of a personal representative through AOC-805 (KRS 394.145) and proof of authority through the AOC-807 Certificate of Qualification. If a dispute becomes contested, it moves to Hancock Circuit Court as an original adversary proceeding under KRS 24A.120(2) and KRS 394.240. | Sunset helps organize title, account, and debt information and can connect the parent with a vetted Kentucky probate attorney for the sale and court filings. |
Self-help resources
| Resource | How it helps | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Office of Circuit Court Clerk, Hancock County | Filing office for Hancock County estates. The clerk can provide forms, tell you the current filing fee under CR 3.03 effective July 1, 2026, and give court dates, but cannot give legal advice. | Hancock County Judicial Center, 310 Hawesville School Drive, Hawesville, KY 42348. Mail: P.O. Box 250, Hawesville, KY 42348-0250. Phone: (270) 927-8144 or (270) 927-8145. Fax: (270) 927-8629. |
| Kentucky Court of Justice legal forms | Free statewide probate forms, including AOC-805 (KRS 394.145), AOC-807, AOC-830 (KRS 395.455), AOC-841 (KRS 395.250), AOC-846 (KRS 395.610), AOC-850 (KRS 395.605), and AOC-860. | https://www.kycourts.gov/Legal-Forms/Pages/default.aspx |
| Kentucky Court of Justice Self-Help Portal | Free guided interviews for probate estate matters and dispense-with-administration filings under KRS 395.455. | https://www.kycourts.gov/Legal-Help/Pages/Self-Help-Portal.aspx and https://a2j.org/#Kentucky |
| Kentucky Legal Aid | The civil legal aid program listed for Hancock County. Ask the program directly about eligibility and whether help is available for your issue. | 270-782-1924. https://klaid.org/ |
| Kentucky Free Legal Answers | Income-eligible Kentuckians can post a civil legal question online for a volunteer attorney. | https://ky.freelegalanswers.org/ |
| Kentucky Bar Association lawyer referral services | Statewide referral listing for finding a Kentucky lawyer, including probate counsel. | https://www.kybar.org/page/lawreferserv |
When to hire an attorney
Consider a probate attorney if the estate includes real estate to sell, uncertain heirs, creditor claims under KRS 396.011, a possible will contest under KRS 394.240, tax questions, a requested bond under KRS 395.130, or disagreement among family members. If the case becomes contested, KRS 24A.120(2) sends the dispute to Circuit Court as an original adversary proceeding rather than an appeal. Sunset connects to a vetted attorney.
How Sunset helps
Find the accounts and assets. Sunset helps families identify bank accounts, retirement accounts, life insurance, vehicles, real estate clues, and debts so estate settlement starts with a complete picture.
Generate the probate packet. Sunset turns the information you gather into an organized filing packet for Hancock County, including the local courthouse address, the correct Kentucky AOC form path, and a checklist for what to ask the Office of Circuit Court Clerk.
Find a local probate attorney. If the estate needs legal advice, a home sale, contested-heir work, or help with a settlement under KRS 395.605 or KRS 395.610, Sunset can connect you with a vetted Kentucky probate attorney.
Sunset is free for families. Families can use Sunset to organize estate settlement, understand the next filing step, and decide when professional help is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file probate in Hancock County, Kentucky?
File at the Office of Circuit Court Clerk for Hancock County at the Hancock County Judicial Center, 310 Hawesville School Drive, Hawesville, KY 42348. Mail goes to P.O. Box 250, Hawesville, KY 42348-0250. Probate is handled in Hancock County District Court under KRS 24A.120.
Which phone number should I call for Hancock County probate?
Hancock County lists two office numbers: (270) 927-8144 and (270) 927-8145. The county does not label one number as the probate or District Court line, so use either number and ask for the Office of Circuit Court Clerk.
Can I e-file a Hancock County probate case?
Attorneys must use Kentucky's eFiling system for covered probate matters since January 1, 2024. Self-represented filers may register for eFiling, but they can still file paper documents with the Office of Circuit Court Clerk in Hawesville.
How much does it cost to open probate in Hancock County?
$80 to open a probate case: a $50 filing fee set by Supreme Court rule effective July 1, 2026 (CR 3.03(1)(c)), plus a $10 Access to Justice Fee (KRS 27A.630) and a $20 court technology fee. Hancock County may add a $10 court facilities fee if its fiscal court has adopted the ordinance (KRS 24A.185), and a county law library fee where one is in force (KRS 453.060), so confirm the exact total with the Office of Circuit Court Clerk before you file.
Does Hancock County have its own probate forms?
Hancock County uses Kentucky's statewide AOC probate forms. Use AOC-805 for an estate opening under KRS 394.145, AOC-830 for a petition to dispense with administration under KRS 395.455, AOC-841 for the inventory under KRS 395.250, and AOC-850 or AOC-846 for closing under KRS 395.605 or KRS 395.610.
When are probate hearings held in Hancock County?
Hancock County lists District Court civil matters on the first and third Tuesday at 9 a.m. under KRS 24A.120, but it does not list a separate probate docket. Call the Office of Circuit Court Clerk to get the actual date assigned to your estate matter.
Can I appear remotely for a Hancock County probate hearing?
Maybe. Kentucky courts have used Zoom since March 2020, but Hancock County does not list probate login details. Contact the Office of Circuit Court Clerk before assuming the hearing will be in person or remotely.
Can I look up a Hancock County probate case online?
There is no free full case-status search listed for Hancock County District Court probate cases under KRS 24A.120. The Kentucky Court of Justice account portal requires an account, and the free court-date lookup is not an official docket. For the status of a Hancock County estate, call the Office of Circuit Court Clerk.
Shaped by the families we've helped
Thank you to the thousands of families who have trusted Sunset to help settle their loved ones' estates. This page is shaped by the questions they actually asked and the obstacles they actually hit — and that hard-won experience is what keeps it accurate, current, and genuinely useful to the families who come next.