Child Custody · Louisville Office
Child Custody Lawyer in Louisville, KY
Wise & Associates handles child custody cases in Jefferson Family Court and surrounding Kentucky counties, from initial custody and timesharing orders to modifications and emergency custody. Kentucky courts start from a presumption of joint custody and equal parenting time. At Wise & Associates, upfront flat fees range from $1,500 to $5,000.
Kentucky Child Custody: Key Facts
| Our fees | At Wise & Associates, upfront flat fees for custody cases range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on how much litigation is required. Mediation, court appearances, and trial are priced separately before each begins. See pricing |
|---|---|
| Court | Jefferson Family Court in Louisville, or the family or circuit court in Oldham, Bullitt, Shelby, Spencer, or Henry County |
| Standard | The best interests of the child |
| Starting point | A rebuttable presumption that joint custody and equally shared parenting time are in the child's best interests |
| Key terms | Custody is decision-making authority, joint or sole. Timesharing is the schedule of each parent's time with the child. |
| Changing an order | Within two years of the order, a custody change generally requires a showing that the child's current situation may seriously endanger the child. After two years, the court looks at changed circumstances and best interests. |
| Typical timeline | Temporary orders can be entered within weeks of filing. Final orders depend on whether the parents agree and on the court's schedule. Uncontested cases can take up to a few months, but contested cases can take 10 months+ depending on the case. |
| Governing law | KRS Chapter 403, including KRS 403.270 (custody and best interests), KRS 403.320 (timesharing), and KRS 403.340 (modification) |
| Handled by | Jennifer Frederick, Managing Attorney, and Christopher Wise, Founder |
Custody Cases We Handle
Initial custody and timesharing
Custody orders as part of a divorce, or a separate custody case between parents who were never married.
Modifications
Changing custody or the timesharing schedule after an order is entered, including when a parent moves. Read about relocation
Emergency custody
When a child faces immediate danger, a court can enter temporary orders quickly. Read about emergency custody
Custody with protective orders
Cases involving an EPO, DVO, or IPO, where the joint custody presumption may not apply. Protective orders
How a Custody Case Works in Jefferson Family Court
Free phone consultation
An attorney reviews your situation and quotes your upfront fee.
Petition or motion
The case begins with a petition, or with a motion in an existing divorce case. Parents who were never married may first need to establish paternity.
Service and response
The other parent is formally served and has the opportunity to respond.
Temporary orders
The court can set temporary custody, timesharing, and support while the case is pending.
Parenting class and mediation
Parents are often required to complete a parenting education program, and many cases are referred to mediation.
Agreement or hearing
Most cases resolve with an agreed parenting plan. If not, the judge decides after a hearing, sometimes with input from a guardian ad litem or a custodial evaluation.
Final order
The court enters a final custody and timesharing order.
Contested Custody Experience
Wise and Associates has taken hundreds of cases over the years. While most of these cases are settled, many require a hearing or mediation.
When a case cannot be settled, the hearing or trial is a separate stage, priced and agreed to before work on it begins.