Family Law Resources

Filing for Divorce in Kentucky

Residency Requirements

One spouse must have been a Kentucky resident for at least 180 days before filing.

Waiting Period

60 days after filing before the divorce can be finalized.

Grounds

Kentucky is a pure no-fault state. The only ground is irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.

Filing Process

1. File Petition for Dissolution of Marriage in Family Court


2. Serve your spouse


3. Complete required disclosures


4. Finalize after 60-day waiting period

Family Courts in Kentucky

Kentucky has a unified Family Court system in all 120 counties.

Jurisdiction

• Divorce, annulment, legal separation


• Child custody and visitation


• Child support and paternity


• Adoption


• Domestic violence orders

Major Courts

• Jefferson County (Louisville): Jefferson Family Court


• Fayette County (Lexington): Fayette Family Court

Filing Fees in Kentucky

Fee Schedule

• Divorce filing fee: $148-$180 depending on county


• Service fees: Additional $30-$50

Fee Waiver

Motion to Proceed In Forma Pauperis available for those who cannot afford fees.

Typical Costs

• Uncontested: $500-$2,000


• Contested: $5,000-$20,000+

Free Legal Resources in Kentucky

Kentucky Legal Aid

• Website: klaid.org


• Phone: 1-866-452-9243

AppalReD Legal Aid

• Website: ardfky.org


• Serves Eastern Kentucky

Online Resources

• Kentucky Free Legal Answers: ky.freelegalanswers.org


• KYCourts Self-Help: kycourts.gov

Critical Deadlines in Kentucky

Waiting Period

60 days after filing before divorce can be finalized.

Response Deadline

20 days to respond after being served.

Residency

Must be Kentucky resident for 180 days before filing.

Kentucky's Unique Family Law Features

Equal Timesharing Presumption

Kentucky law presumes equal timesharing is in the child's best interest (since 2018).

Unified Family Court

All 120 counties have a dedicated Family Court - a unified system handling all family matters.

No-Fault Only

Kentucky is a pure no-fault state - "irretrievable breakdown" is the only ground for divorce.

Marital Property

Kentucky is an equitable distribution state - property divided fairly, not necessarily equally.