Is Kentucky an attorney closing state?

Asked by: Jenifer Klocko  |  Last update: January 11, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (4 votes)

Kentucky Attorney Involvement Laypersons may conduct real estate closings, but may not answer legal questions that arise at the closing, or offer any legal advice to the parties. However, preparation of deeds and mortgages constitutes the practice of law and must be prepared by an attorney.

Does Kentucky require an attorney at closing?

Another is legal fees: Kentucky law requires that an attorney be present to handle all residential real estate closings. Either party may also hire an attorney to represent their own interests in the deal.

Is Kentucky an attorney state?

Kentucky is an attorney state.

Is my state a title company or closing attorney state?

California – Title or Escrow Company. Colorado – Title or Escrow Company. Connecticut – Attorney only. Delaware – Attorney only.

How many states are attorney states for real estate?

Several states have laws on the books mandating the physical presence of an attorney or other types of involvement at real estate closings, including: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New ...

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What states have escrow closings?

Currently, the escrow states are: Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, parts of Ohio, Oregon, Utah and Washington. States that structure closings differently. You and the seller are not required to be in the same location.

What does an attorney state mean?

In an attorney state, an attorney takes the place of the escrow company. It is an attorney who facilitates the closing process and either acts as the third neutral party or represents the buyer or seller.

Who chooses the title company in Kentucky?

Who selects the title company? Since the purchaser of the property will soon be inheriting all the responsibilities, past, present, and possibly future of the property that they have selected to purchase, the buyer has the right to choose the title company that they would most prefer to work with.

What is the difference between title states and attorney states?

When selecting a title company, one of the first things you'll need to know is if your state is in an “attorney state” or not. An attorney state is a state where the closing is likely required to be handled by a licensed real estate attorney instead of the title company handling the closing directly.

Is Tennessee an attorney closing state?

Some states require an attorney to be involved with the closing, though that list does not include Tennessee. But even in states where it is not required there are several advantages to using an attorney to do your closing.

Is Kentucky an agreement state?

Kentucky is an Agreement State. No operating nuclear reactors or fuel cycle facilities are located in Kentucky. The NRC's Regional Office in Atlanta, Georgia, (Region II) is responsible for carrying out the Agency's duties in Kentucky related to operating reactor licensees.

How much is a real estate attorney for closing?

Attorney fees on a simple residential transaction may be $500 to $1,000. But real estate litigation can easily cost $5,000 to $15,000. Quiet title actions and partition actions may cost $1,500 to $5,000, while hourly rates can range from $150 to $500 per hour depending on location.

Which states are title states for real estate?

Title Theory States:
  • Alaska.
  • Arizona.
  • Colorado.
  • Washington D.C.
  • Georgia.
  • Idaho.
  • Mississippi.
  • Missouri.

Who pays closing costs in KY?

Both the buyer and seller pay certain closing costs at the end of the real estate transaction in Kentucky. The seller shells out a higher monetary amount as closing costs as they pay the REALTOR commission. Other fees, like documentation charges, transfer fees, etc., are paid by the buyer.

Who chooses attorney for real estate closing?

Established trust influences the decision on who picks the closing attorney. Sellers might prefer an attorney they've worked with before who understands their preferences and legal expectations. However, buyers may select an attorney recommended by trusted sources such as friends or real estate agents.

How long do you have to close an estate in KY?

Submit a final accounting of the estate's affairs. In Kentucky, an estate must remain open for at least six months to allow time for creditors to submit their bills to the estate. Thus, a simple estate can be settled in as short a time as six months.

Do you have to be an attorney to own a title company?

Either the title company will be owned by attorneys, or in the alternative, the title company will be part of the law firm and they will be providing title services within the context of a law firm.

Does it matter what state your title is from?

Per DIrect Auto, your new car title comes from the state where you buy the car. If you live in a different state, make sure you take it to your local Department of Motor Vehicles when you register the car in your home state.

What is the difference between a title company and an attorney state?

Real estate closings differ from state to state. In “Attorney States”, a licensed attorney must be present at and have control over the closing. This includes reviewing the title search, preparing affidavits, receiving and disbursing all money.

Does Kentucky issue titles?

Any vehicle owned by a Kentucky resident or primarily operated upon the Commonwealth's roadways may apply for a Kentucky Certificate of Title and Registration at the County Clerk's office in the owner's county of residence or the county where the vehicle is primarily operated.

Who is most often the main closing agent in Kentucky purchase deals?

Kentucky's homebuying process is similar to other states where a closing agent (who is usually an attorney or representative from a title company) is used to consummate the transaction and prepare all the closing documents.

How powerful is a state attorney?

The attorney general is an executive office in all 50 states that serves as the chief legal advisor and chief law enforcement officer for the state government and is empowered to prosecute violations of state law, represent the state in legal disputes and issue legal advice to state agencies and the legislature.

Is Florida an attorney closing state?

HOW ARE CLOSINGS HANDLED IN FLORIDA? As aforementioned, Florida is a closing state. Therefore, it is not mandatory for the buyer or the seller to hire a real estate attorney to close the sale of residential real property.

Does it matter what state my lawyer is in?

By contrast, California has no formal reciprocity with other states, although lawyers licensed elsewhere may be eligible for a shorter California bar exam.