Detailed Answer — How Kentucky law treats appointment of a personal representative

Short answer: Often yes — but it depends on whether your sister left a valid will, whether she named someone else to serve, and whether a Kentucky court finds you qualified and suitable to serve.

What a “personal representative” is

In Kentucky, the person who manages another person’s estate after death is called the personal representative (sometimes called an executor if named in a will, or an administrator if appointed when there is no will). The personal representative gathers estate assets, pays valid debts and taxes, and distributes what remains to beneficiaries under the will or under Kentucky’s intestacy rules if there is no will.

If there is a will

If your sister left a valid will and it names a personal representative, the probate court will usually appoint the person she nominated, unless that person is legally disqualified or unwilling to serve. If the will names you, you generally have a strong claim to appointment. If the will names someone else, the court normally follows the nomination unless there is a good reason not to (for example, the nominated person is deceased, incompetent, or otherwise unsuitable).

If there is no will (intestate administration)

When someone dies without a will, Kentucky courts appoint a personal representative according to a priority order set by law. Typically the highest-priority persons are the surviving spouse and then close relatives such as adult children and parents. Siblings are usually in the next tier of priority after a spouse, children, or parents. That means you may be eligible to serve as administrator if you are next in line under that priority scheme and higher-priority people are unwilling or unavailable.

Basic qualifications and disqualifications

Court will consider whether a proposed personal representative:

• is an adult of sound mind;
• is willing to serve;
• is not legally disqualified (for example, some courts will refuse to appoint a person who is incapacitated or who has engaged in serious misconduct related to the deceased); and
• can post a bond if the court requires one (sometimes the will waives bond).

Courts look to fairness and the best interest of the estate and beneficiaries. If someone objects and can show you are unfit, the court may refuse the appointment.

What you must do to be appointed

Steps to become the personal representative in Kentucky generally include:

1. Locate the original will (if any) and file it with the probate court in the county where your sister lived.
2. File a petition for probate of the will or for appointment of an administrator if there is no will.
3. Provide the court with the death certificate and required forms; give notice to heirs and creditors as the court requires.
4. If the court appoints you, you will receive letters testamentary or letters of administration that authorize you to act for the estate.
5. Carry out fiduciary duties: identify and secure assets, pay taxes and valid debts, keep records, file inventories and accountings when required, and distribute assets according to the will or intestate law.

Small estate alternatives

Kentucky provides simplified procedures for small estates in some situations. If the estate’s value falls below the statutory small-estate threshold, you may be able to use an affidavit process or other streamlined method to collect assets without full probate. The thresholds and procedures vary, so check the probate court rules for the county or consult an attorney.

Compensation and bond

A personal representative is entitled to reasonable compensation for administering the estate. The court set or statutory rules determine the amount. The court may also require a bond to protect estate creditors and beneficiaries; a will can waive the bond, but the court has discretion to require one in some cases.

When someone objects

Any interested person (heir, beneficiary, creditor) may file objections if they believe you are unfit or if they dispute who has priority. The court will hold a hearing and decide based on the facts and the law.

Where to find official Kentucky probate rules and forms

Probate procedures and forms are handled by the local county probate or district court. For general information about Kentucky probate and accessing statutes or forms, start with the Kentucky Court of Justice (courts.ky.gov) and the Kentucky Legislature’s statutes site (apps.legislature.ky.gov/statutes/) to review the probate code and local court rules.

Helpful Hints — Practical steps if you want to serve as personal representative

• Find the original will and any funeral plan documents before you file anything with the court.
• Order several certified copies of the death certificate — you will need them for banks, title companies, and government agencies.
• Talk to likely heirs and beneficiaries early. Clear communication cuts down on later disputes.
• Check whether the will waives bond. If it doesn’t, ask the court whether a bond will be required and how much it will cost.
• Make an inventory of assets quickly and secure property (vehicles, safe deposit boxes, real estate).
• Keep meticulous records — bank statements, receipts, and a ledger of transactions. The court may require an accounting when the estate closes.
• Consider hiring an estate attorney for complex estates, contested appointments, tax issues, or if you are unfamiliar with probate. An attorney can prepare the petition, handle court filings, and advise on deadlines and tax filings.
• If the estate looks small, ask the court clerk whether a simplified small‑estate procedure is available in your county.
• Remember the timeline: probate takes time. Expect months for simple estates and a year or more for complex ones.

Disclaimer

This information is educational only and does not constitute legal advice. It explains general principles under Kentucky law but may not reflect recent changes or the specifics of your situation. For advice about whether you can or should serve as personal representative in a particular case, consult a Kentucky probate attorney or contact the local probate court.