Official Kentucky Living Trust Form | Step-by-Step Guide

Manage and distribute assets while avoiding probate

Sales Tax: 6%Notary: $2Witnesses: 2

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REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST AGREEMENT
State of Kentucky

This Living Trust Agreement is made on [DATE] by:

GRANTOR/TRUSTOR:
Name: [YOUR NAME]
Address: [ADDRESS], KY [ZIP]

TRUSTEE:
Name: [TRUSTEE NAME] (may be same as Grantor)
Address: [ADDRESS], KY [ZIP]

SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE:
Name: [SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE NAME]
Address: [ADDRESS], KY [ZIP]

ARTICLE I — TRUST NAME
This trust shall be known as the "[YOUR NAME] Revocable Living Trust."

ARTICLE II — TRUST PROPERTY
The Grantor transfers the property listed in Schedule A to the Trustee to hold under the terms of this agreement.

ARTICLE III — DURING GRANTOR'S LIFETIME
The Trustee shall manage trust property for the benefit of the Grantor. The Grantor retains the right to amend, revoke, or terminate this trust at any time.

ARTICLE IV — UPON GRANTOR'S INCAPACITY
If the Grantor becomes incapacitated, the Successor Trustee shall manage trust assets for the Grantor's benefit.

ARTICLE V — UPON GRANTOR'S DEATH
Upon death, the Trustee shall distribute trust assets as follows:
1. [BENEFICIARY NAME]: [PERCENTAGE/DESCRIPTION]
2. [BENEFICIARY NAME]: [PERCENTAGE/DESCRIPTION]
3. [BENEFICIARY NAME]: [PERCENTAGE/DESCRIPTION]

ARTICLE VI — TRUSTEE POWERS
The Trustee shall have full power to invest, sell, lease, and manage trust property in accordance with Kentucky trust law.

This trust is governed by the laws of Kentucky (KY Statutes).

GRANTOR SIGNATURE: _____________________ DATE: _____
TRUSTEE SIGNATURE: _____________________ DATE: _____

NOTARY:
State of Kentucky, County of [COUNTY]
Subscribed and sworn before me this ___ day of _______, 20__.
Notary Public: _____________________

SCHEDULE A — TRUST PROPERTY:
[LIST ALL PROPERTY TRANSFERRED TO TRUST]

Kentucky Living Trust Requirements

Review the following requirements to ensure your Living Trust is legally valid in Kentucky.

Grantor must be of sound mind
Successor trustee named
Trust property listed in schedule
Notarization required
Trust must be funded (assets transferred)
Revocation clause included
Distribution instructions specified
Incapacity provisions included
Governing law stated
Signed by grantor and trustee

Kentucky Notarization

Kentucky requires 2 witnesses and notarization may be mandatory. Fees typically range from $2.

Before You Sign

Review all information carefully. In Kentucky, a 6% sales tax may apply.

Legal Protection

Keep copies of all signed documents. Kentucky law requires all parties to receive copies of executed documents.

Kentucky Filing Deadlines

Check Kentucky deadlines for filing or recording this document with the appropriate county clerk's office.

MCE
Reviewed & Fact-Checked

Michael Chen, Esq.

Real Estate Law Consultant

Bar Certified, Real Estate Expert

Expert in property transactions and real estate documentation

This Living Trust template for Kentucky has been reviewed for accuracy and legal compliance.

Last reviewed: March 2026

Living Trust Costs in Kentucky

Estimated fees and processing times

Fee TypeCostNotes
Notary Fee$5-$15 (if required)Kentucky standard rate: $2
Filing FeeVaries by stateState registration (if applicable)
Processing Time1-3 business daysTypical turnaround in Kentucky
Sales Tax6%Kentucky base rate (local taxes may apply)
Witness Requirement2 witnessesKentucky requires multiple witnesses
Our TemplateFREEDownload instantly, no cost
Fees shown are Kentucky-specific estimates. Contact your local office for exact pricing.

Kentucky Living Trust Legal Guide

In Kentucky, this document is legally binding under local statutes and provides essential protection for both parties involved in the transaction.

In Kentucky, according to Kentucky State Code, a 6% sales tax applies to applicable transactions. Notary fees in KY typically range from $2. The state requires 2 witnesses for this document.

This document offers comprehensive legal protection tailored specifically to Kentucky's unique statutory framework.

grantortrusteesuccessor trusteetrust assetsrevocable trustavoid probatetrust fundestate planning
Kentucky residents searching for a reliable Living Trust template have come to the right place. Our form is tailored to KY statutory requirements and updated for 2026, giving you a legally sound starting point.

Pro Tips for Kentucky Residents

- **Use blue or black ink** when signing physical copies in Kentucky
- **Keep digital backups** of all signed documents
- **Check for local county requirements** that may apply in addition to KY state law
- **Don't backdate** — Kentucky courts view backdated documents unfavorably
- **Consult an attorney** for transactions exceeding $10,000 in value

How Kentucky Courts View This Document

Kentucky courts apply KY statutory standards when evaluating a Living Trust. Judges look for: clear language, proper identification of parties, lawful purpose, and correct execution formalities. Meeting these standards ensures your document will be upheld if ever challenged.

Completing Your Living Trust

The process in Kentucky is straightforward but detail-oriented. Begin with the header information, proceed through each section methodically, and ensure all KY-required fields are completed. Kentucky courts take document completeness seriously — missing information can delay or invalidate your filing.

What Kentucky Law Requires

Kentucky's statutes are clear: a valid Living Trust must identify all parties by full legal name, include the date of execution, and be signed in the presence of a notary public where applicable. Failure to meet these requirements under KY law can render the document unenforceable.

FAQ: Living Trust in Kentucky

Is a Living Trust required in Kentucky?

Yes, in Kentucky, a Living Trust is required for most transactions of this type. Under Kentucky State Code, the document must include all parties' information, be signed, and witnessed by 2 individuals. Failure to use a proper Living Trust may result in legal complications.

Does a Living Trust need to be notarized in Kentucky?

Notarization requirements in Kentucky (KY) vary by transaction type. Notary fees in the state typically range from $2. While not always mandatory, notarization adds an extra layer of legal protection and is recommended for high-value transactions.

What are the tax implications of a Living Trust in Kentucky?

Kentucky has a base sales tax rate of 6%. Depending on the type of transaction documented in your Living Trust, additional local taxes may apply. Consult with a Kentucky tax professional for specific guidance on your situation.

What is the difference between a living trust and a will?

A living trust avoids probate and takes effect immediately, while a will goes through probate after death. A trust provides privacy (not public record), can manage assets during incapacity, but requires transferring assets into the trust to be effective.

Do I still need a will if I have a living trust?

Yes, a "pour-over" will is recommended to catch any assets not transferred to the trust during your lifetime. The will directs those assets into the trust. You also need a will to name guardians for minor children.

Can I be my own trustee?

Yes, most people serve as their own trustee of their revocable living trust. You maintain full control of your assets during your lifetime. A successor trustee takes over if you become incapacitated or pass away.

Where to File Your Living Trust in Kentucky

Visit your local County Clerk office to file or notarize your Living Trust.

Kentucky County Clerk

Kentucky Capital

Main Government Building, Kentucky

District County Clerk

Kentucky Metro Area

County Courthouse, KY

Document Information

Document
Living Trust
State
Kentucky (KY)
Category
Estate Planning
Format
PDF / Word / Print
Cost
100% Free
Sales Tax
6%
Notary Fee
$2

Kentucky Legal Requirements

Governing Statute:

State Law

  • Consult with a licensed attorney for specific requirements

Legal Disclaimer

This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws in Kentucky may change. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.