Detailed Answer

Short answer: In Kentucky, if your sibling died without a will (intestate), you can ask the probate court in the county where your sibling lived to appoint you as the administrator (often called a personal representative or administrator). The court will appoint the person with the highest priority among competent adults who apply and who the court finds suitable. If there is no surviving spouse, children, or parents, a sibling is commonly next in line. To qualify you must be an adult, able to serve, and acceptable to the court; you must file the required petition, provide a death certificate, notify interested persons, and usually post a bond unless the court waives it.

How Kentucky law handles intestate estates (basic framework)

Kentucky administers estates according to state probate procedures and intestacy rules. If there is no will, the probate court follows statutory rules to (1) identify heirs, (2) appoint a personal representative (administrator), and (3) supervise distribution of assets under the intestacy rules. The statutes and local court rules set the procedural steps for appointment, required notices, bond, inventories, creditor claims, and final distribution. You can review Kentucky statutes and probate rules on the official Kentucky Legislature site: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/statutes/ and probate information at the Kentucky Court of Justice site: https://courts.ky.gov/.

Step-by-step: How to seek appointment as administrator of your sibling’s estate

Confirm there is no will and collect the death certificate.

Check for a will in your sibling’s belongings and ask other family members. Obtain certified copies of the death certificate from the county health department or funeral home—courts require them when you file.
Identify the correct courthouse and clerk’s office.

File in the probate division of the District Court (or county clerk/probate court depending on your county’s structure) in the county where the decedent was domiciled at death. Contact the local court clerk for required forms, filing fees, and local procedures.
File a petition for appointment (petition for letters of administration).

The petition asks the court to appoint a personal representative. Typical attachments: death certificate, list of heirs and addresses (known next of kin), and any affidavits required by local rules.
Show you are qualified and have priority or consent.

Kentucky gives priority to certain beneficiaries (for example, spouse, then children, then parents). If none of those individuals seek appointment, a sibling may be appointed. If another person with higher priority applies, the court usually appoints that person unless they are unsuitable. If multiple people with equal priority apply (e.g., two siblings), the court resolves disputes — often giving preference to the person who will best administer the estate or who is agreed to by other heirs.
Post bond and take oath (if required).

The court commonly requires a fiduciary bond to protect estate creditors and heirs. Heirs may sometimes waive the bond by written consent. You will take an oath and receive letters of administration (official authorization to act) once appointed.
Perform duties as administrator.

Typical duties include locating assets, securing property, inventorying the estate, notifying creditors, paying valid debts and taxes, and distributing remaining assets to heirs per Kentucky intestacy rules. You must follow court deadlines and file required reports/receipts. The court supervises the process and may require accountings.

Common eligibility and disqualification issues

You generally must be an adult (18+) and legally competent.
The court may refuse to appoint someone convicted of certain crimes or who is demonstrably unsuitable (e.g., conflicts of interest, incapacity, failure to post bond).
If a higher-priority person (spouse, child, parent) seeks appointment, the court usually appoints them unless they decline or are disqualified.

Practical example (hypothetical)

Maria’s brother died intestate and had no spouse, no children, and no living parents. Maria (age 42) wants to be administrator. She contacts the clerk in her brother’s county, files a petition for letters of administration with the death certificate and a list of next-of-kin, and asks siblings to sign waivers of bond so the court will waive the fiduciary bond. The court reviews the petition, confirms no higher-priority heir is seeking appointment, waives the bond because the heirs consent, appoints Maria, and issues letters of administration so she can handle the estate’s affairs.

Where to find forms and statute text

Local probate clerks provide required forms and explain local procedures. For statutory text and more detailed rules, use the Kentucky Revised Statutes search on the Legislature’s website: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/statutes/. For court procedures, contact your county’s District Court clerk or visit the Kentucky Court of Justice: https://courts.ky.gov/.

When you should get an attorney

Consider hiring a probate attorney if the estate is complex, assets are substantial, there are contested heirs, suspected creditors, tax issues, or potential family disputes. A lawyer can prepare filings, represent you at hearings, and reduce personal risk when administering the estate.

Disclaimer: This article is informational only and is not legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed Kentucky attorney.

Helpful Hints

Get several certified copies of the death certificate immediately—banks, insurers, and the probate court will need them.
Secure the decedent’s property (home, vehicle, safe deposit box) to prevent loss or theft while probate proceeds.
Ask all potential heirs in writing whether they consent to your appointment and whether they will waive a fiduciary bond—written consents can speed appointment.
Make a preliminary list of known assets and debts before filing—this helps the court and reduces delays.
Contact the local probate or district court clerk first; many clerks provide checklists and sample forms for letters of administration.
Keep clear records and receipts for any estate-related expenses you pay or collect—you’ll need them when you account to the court and heirs.
Be transparent with heirs: early communication often prevents disputes and contested appointments.
If someone contests your appointment, respond quickly—missing deadlines can limit your options and increase legal costs.
Ask whether your county has self-help resources or pro se forms if you cannot afford an attorney; some counties offer limited assistance.