Kentucky Probate vs Living Trust Calculator

A trust in Kentucky sidesteps the 5% executor fee and the appointment-triggered creditor clock — but a cousin or friend still owes the same inheritance tax either way.

Probate side: KRS 395.150 FigureMyTax Editorial Team Free · no sign-up

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

Your Kentucky estate

Enter your estate's personal-estate value and an executor fee rate — we'll estimate Kentucky probate cost and compare it to a typical trust setup cost.

Personal estate value — real estate is not in the 5% base

Executor fee — up to 5% under KRS 395.150, or waived

Trust setup cost estimate (market rate, editable — see typical range below)

Estimated Kentucky probate cost vs trust setup

Probate (estimated)

Living trust setup

Is it worth it for me? →

Facing probate in Kentucky?

A local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.

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Kentucky probate cost vs living trust cost

The probate side of this comparison reuses the same approach as the Kentucky Probate Cost Calculator: the executor fee, capped at 5% of the personal estate plus 5% of income under KRS 395.150 (real estate excluded, often waived by family), plus a separate reasonable attorney fee, plus court and publication costs. The trust side is market data, not a statutory figure: Kentucky attorneys typically charge roughly $1,500–$2,500 for a basic revocable living trust, with hourly-rate data putting a fuller plan closer to $3,440–$5,160. See the full breakdown in Kentucky Living Trust Setup Cost.

Worth being precise about: a trust removes the executor fee and the probate court process, but it does not remove Kentucky's inheritance tax, which is based on the beneficiary's relationship to the decedent, not the vehicle used to transfer the asset.

Kentucky probate vs living trust — frequently asked questions

Is a living trust worth it in Kentucky?

Often yes for estates leaving assets to a cousin, friend, or other Class B/C beneficiary, since a trust avoids the 5% executor fee cap — though it does not avoid the inheritance tax itself, which follows the beneficiary regardless of the vehicle.

How much does Kentucky probate cost compared to a living trust?

On a $500,000 personal estate left to a child, the executor fee can run up to $25,000 at the full 5% cap (often waived by family), plus a reasonable attorney fee. A Kentucky living trust typically costs roughly $1,500–$2,500 for a basic plan, more with attorney hourly-rate data.

Does a living trust avoid the Kentucky inheritance tax?

No — the inheritance tax is based on the beneficiary's relationship to the decedent, not on whether the asset passed through probate or a trust. A trust avoids the 5% executor fee, but a Class B or C beneficiary still owes the tax.

This calculator provides an estimate for general guidance only and is not legal or financial advice. Probate-side figures are based on Kentucky statute (KRS 395.150). Trust-side figures are illustrative market rates, not a legal or statutory amount, and vary by attorney and estate complexity. Confirm current figures with the District Court, the Kentucky Department of Revenue, or a licensed Kentucky estate planning attorney before acting.