A Small Estate
KRS 395.455 — when the spouse's exemption covers everything, administration can be dispensed with
When the exemption for the surviving spouse or children, alone or with preferred claims they paid, equals or exceeds what the estate has to distribute, the court may order that administration be dispensed with and the assets transferred to the spouse, or to the children if there is no spouse, or to someone the spouse names. That works whether or not there is a will, without renouncing it.
The exemption meant is the one in KRS 391.030: personal property or money up to $30,000 set apart for the surviving spouse, or for the children if there is no spouse.
Sources for this section (2)
- KRS 395.455 — Transfer of assets without administration
- KRS 391.030 — Descent of personal property -- Exemption for surviving spouse and children -- Withdrawal of money from bank by surviving spouse
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Kentucky attorney.