In Kentucky, life expectancy has been on the decline. This has been seen in the state as a whole, although there are some significant differences between counties. Counties that are in a relatively higher wealth bracket, for example, tend to have higher life expectancy rates than poorer counties.
Overall, Kentucky ranks rather low compared to other states. For instance, life expectancy for women is 78.1 years old, according to some reports, which is a full seven years lower than in states with the highest life expectancy. Men are six years lower than in the healthiest state, but men in general also have a lower life expectancy, so it comes in at just 72.1 years old for males in Kentucky.
Probate and estate administration
It is important to monitor these trends from a health perspective, but there are also some legal connotations.
Many people grow up in Kentucky and then leave the state, for example, while their parents may remain. Because Kentucky has a relatively low life expectancy, and one that has been consistently on the decline, their parents may pass away while they are living elsewhere.
This can create some complex cases as their parents’ estate goes through the administration and probate process. Estate administrators need to know exactly what legal steps to take and what options they have, such as when they can conduct estate administration virtually and when they need to be physically present in Kentucky to do so.
For those who are navigating this complex system after a parent passes, it can be helpful to work with an experienced estate administration attorney.