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Kentucky · What this letter means

Kentucky foreclosure letters and notices

The papers Kentucky homeowners receive, in the order they usually arrive. Each page uses the name on the Kentucky document, explains the deadline it starts under Kentucky law, and lists what to do this week.

  1. Step 1

    Civil Summons (form AOC-105) and Complaint

    Every Kentucky home foreclosure is a lawsuit in circuit court, and it starts with a Civil Summons and the lender's complaint. The summons says you must file a written answer within 20 days, starting the day after you were served. If you do not, a default judgment may be entered against you.

    What it means
  2. Step 2

    Judgment and Order of Sale

    A Kentucky judgment and order of sale means the circuit judge has ruled for the lender, set the amount owed, and ordered the home sold by the master commissioner. Once the case is referred, the sale must be held within 90 days. Kentucky has no redemption waiting period before the sale, so time is short.

    What it means
  3. Step 3

    Notice of Master Commissioner's Sale

    In Kentucky, the court's master commissioner sells foreclosed homes at public auction, not the sheriff. The commissioner must give notice of the date, time and place to every party not in default, and the sale must be advertised at least once, 7 to 21 days before. The appraisal done before the sale decides whether you can redeem afterward.

    What it means
  4. Step 4

    Master Commissioner's Report of Sale

    Within 3 business days after the auction, the master commissioner files a report of sale that states the sale price and the appraised value. If no one objects, the judge can confirm the sale. Compare the two numbers: if the price is under two-thirds of the appraisal, you have 6 months from the sale to redeem.

    What it means
  5. Step 5

    Notice of Motion for Possession and Writ of Possession

    After a Kentucky master commissioner's sale, the buyer can ask the court for a writ of possession, which lets the sheriff remove you and your belongings. Kentucky's legal aid programs say the new owner gives 10 days' written notice first. When you have a right to redeem, the buyer still gets an immediate writ of possession.

    What it means

Got a letter not listed here? See every foreclosure letter explained, or how foreclosure works in Kentucky.