Setting Up Trusts in Kentucky

Trusts are a powerful estate planning tool in Kentucky, helping families protect assets and streamline the transfer of wealth.


The Law Office of Doug Peterson provides trust formation and planning services for clients throughout Northern Kentucky—so you can safeguard your legacy with confidence.

Benefits of a Trust

A trust offers unique advantages compared to a will alone. Properly funded trusts allow your assets to bypass Kentucky’s probate court, saving your family time, cost, and hassle. Trusts also keep your affairs private (unlike wills, which become public record), let you set specific conditions for inheritance, and provide ongoing management for beneficiaries—such as minor children or loved ones with special needs. In certain cases, trusts can also offer tax benefits or help protect assets from creditors.

Types of Trusts We Handle

Revocable Living Trusts
These flexible trusts can be changed at any time during your life and are used to hold assets, avoid probate, and maintain control. You remain in charge as trustee while you’re able.


Irrevocable Trusts
Irrevocable trusts usually cannot be changed once established, but they can be valuable for estate tax planning, asset protection, and special needs planning. Assets placed in these trusts are removed from your taxable estate and may be shielded from certain creditors.


Specialty Trusts
Depending on your goals, we can also draft specialty trusts such as Special Needs Trusts or Charitable Trusts, tailored to your family’s unique situation.

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Our Trust Establishment Process

The Law Office of Doug Peterson guides you through every step, beginning with an initial consultation to identify your priorities—whether that’s probate avoidance, caring for minor children, or providing for a loved one with a disability. We’ll help you choose the right type of trust, draft the trust deed, and most importantly, fund the trust by transferring titles to the trust (a crucial step many overlook). Doug also explains the responsibilities of the trustee, so you know exactly how your plan will work for years to come.

Trusts and Probate in Kentucky

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Assets placed in a properly funded trust will avoid the Kentucky probate process entirely, which can be lengthy and public. However, even if you have a trust, it’s important to also have a “pour-over” will to catch any assets that weren’t transferred into the trust and to name guardians for minors.

Frequently Asked Questions about Trusts

  • Does a living trust avoid Kentucky’s probate process?

    Yes—any assets held in a funded living trust do not pass through probate, which significantly speeds up distribution to your heirs. This is one of the main reasons many Kentucky families choose trusts.

  • How much does it cost to set up a trust?

    Costs depend on your needs and the complexity of your plan. While there are upfront legal fees, a trust can save money and stress in the long run by avoiding probate. The Law Office of Doug Peterson provides transparent pricing and will help you weigh whether a trust is right for you.

  • Can I be my own trustee?

    Yes, you can serve as your own trustee for a revocable living trust while you’re able. You’ll also choose a successor trustee to step in if you become incapacitated or pass away—we’ll help you select someone reliable for this important role.

  • What’s the difference between a will and a trust?

    A will only takes effect after death and must go through probate, while a trust takes effect as soon as it’s signed and funded—managing assets now and after you’re gone, without probate. Many clients benefit from using both: a will (to cover any miscellaneous assets and name guardians) and a trust (for major assets and privacy/probate avoidance).

Protect Your Assets with a Trust

Contact The Law Office of Doug Peterson to discuss whether a trust is right for your family’s needs and to have your trust expertly drafted. Take control of your legacy, avoid probate, and give your loved ones clarity and peace of mind for the future.

Get Started With a Trust