Advance Directive Form

Kentucky’s Advance Directive form contains an individual’s living will, wishes regarding organ donation, and authorizes their healthcare proxy. It must be signed by the individual, proxy, and two witnesses non-related to the individual.

How to Order a Death Certificate

Kentucky has no restriction on who may request a death certificate. The required application information includes:

• Deceased’s name
• Date and place of death
• Optional – attending physician’s name
• Applicant’s name, phone number, and address
• Applicant’s relation to the deceased
• Number of copies required

Each copy of the certificate costs $6. Fees are non-refundable and cash is not accepted.

The application can be handed in person or mailed at:

Office of Vital Statistics

275 E. Main Street 1E-A

Frankfort, KY 40621.

Digital Estate Planning Law

Kentucky’s HB 156 Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act authorizes an individual’s legal representative who can access and control their digital assets and communications. This bill came into effect on July 15, 2020.

Death With Dignity or Aid-in-Dying or Physician-Assisted Death

Kentucky is currently reviewing An Act Relating to Individual-Directed Care at the End of Life bill. The bill progress can be tracked here.

Organ Donation Registry

Kentucky’s organ donation registry can be found here.

Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOST)

Kentucky’s Medical Orders for a scope of Treatment form only becomes valid after it’s issued and signed by a doctor. This form must be completed by a doctor only after a conversation with a patient or their representative. It’s necessary for patients who are at risk of a life-threatening clinical event due to a life-limiting medical condition. Full information on this form can be found here.

Probate Laws

Information on Kentucky’s legislation on a decedent’s will regarding their estate and other assets can be found in the following acts:

• Title XXIV, Chapter 394: Wills
• Title XXIV, Chapter 395: Personal Representatives

Estate and Inheritance Tax

Kentucky has an inheritance tax of up to 16%. Full information can be found on the official Kentucky Revenue site.