Q: Are Kentucky executors required to provide beneficiaries a copy of the will?
As an executor of an estate in Kentucky, am I required to present each beneficiary with a copy of the will? One beneficiary feels she has not been properly informed and recently requested to see the will. The will has been filed for probate, and there are two executors managing the estate.
A: No. You are not required to provide them with a copy. If the will has been filed, they can obtain a copy from probate court.
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A:
When a will has been filed for probate in Kentucky, it becomes a public record. That means any interested party, including beneficiaries, has the right to view or request a copy of it through the probate court. As an executor, while you’re not legally required to physically hand each beneficiary a copy, you are expected to be transparent and cooperative throughout the process.
If a beneficiary asks to see the will, it’s a good idea to provide it or help them access it through the court. This can help avoid misunderstandings and reduce tension among family members. Since the will guides how assets are distributed, beneficiaries do have a legitimate interest in its contents, and sharing that information often builds trust during what can be an emotional time.
Even though you and the other executor are managing everything properly, keeping communication open can go a long way. A simple gesture like sending a copy or offering guidance on how to retrieve one from the clerk’s office can make all the difference. You're doing an important job, and showing a little patience can help the entire process go more smoothly.
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