Kentucky Divorce · Dissolution of Marriage · Louisville Office
Dissolution of Marriage Lawyer in Louisville, KY
Wise & Associates handles dissolution of marriage, the legal name for divorce in Kentucky, in Jefferson Family Court and in Oldham, Bullitt, Shelby, Spencer, and Henry counties. Kentucky is a no-fault state, and no decree can be entered until the spouses have lived apart at least 60 days. At Wise & Associates, upfront flat fees range from $1,500 to $5,000, and a typical uncontested divorce takes 3 to 4 months.
Kentucky Divorce: Key Facts
| Legal name | Dissolution of marriage |
|---|---|
| Grounds | No-fault: the marriage is irretrievably broken |
| Residency | At least one spouse must have lived in Kentucky for 180 days before filing |
| Waiting period | No decree until the spouses have lived apart at least 60 days, which can include living apart under the same roof (KRS 403.044) |
| Typical timeline | At Wise & Associates, a typical uncontested divorce takes 3 to 4 months, and a typical contested divorce in Jefferson County takes 8 to 10 months or longer |
| Property | Marital property is divided in just proportions; each spouse keeps nonmarital property |
| Spousal support | Called maintenance, decided on need and ability to pay |
| Custody | Best interests of the child, with a rebuttable presumption of joint custody and equally shared parenting time. Louisville child custody |
| Child support | Kentucky income shares guidelines. Louisville child support |
| Governing law | KRS Chapter 403 |
| Our fees | At Wise & Associates, upfront flat fees range from $1,500 to $5,000; mediation, court appearances, and trial priced separately before each begins. See pricing |
| Litigation experience | The firm's attorneys have handled hundreds of contested hearings and trials |
| Handled by | Jennifer Frederick, Managing Attorney, and Christopher Wise, Founder |
Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce in Kentucky
| Uncontested | Contested | |
|---|---|---|
| What it means | Spouses agree on all issues | Spouses disagree on one or more issues |
| Key document | A written separation agreement covering property, debt, maintenance, and, if there are children, custody, timesharing, and support | Issues are negotiated, mediated, or decided by the judge |
| Earliest decree | After the 60-day separation requirement is met | Usually longer, depending on the issues and the court's schedule |
| Our fees | Upfront flat fee | Upfront flat fee, plus separately priced stages if mediation, court appearances, or trial are needed |
How a Kentucky Divorce Works
Free phone consultation
An attorney reviews your situation and quotes your upfront fee.
Petition for dissolution of marriage
The case begins when a petition is filed in the family court of the county where either spouse lives, such as Jefferson Family Court.
Service and response
The other spouse is formally served and has the opportunity to respond.
Financial disclosures
Both spouses exchange information about income, assets, and debts.
Agreement, mediation, or hearing
Most cases resolve through a separation agreement. Cases that do not settle go to mediation or to a hearing before the judge.
Decree of dissolution
The court enters the decree once the 60-day separation requirement is met and all issues are resolved.
Credentials
- Christopher Wise, founder: Super Lawyers Rising Stars, 2023–2027; Louisville Business First 20 People to Know in Law, 2023 and 2026. Read his bio
- Jennifer Frederick, managing attorney: member of the Kentucky Bar since 2000; Walker Award for excellence in public advocacy, two-time recipient. Read her bio
- Wise & Associates: Best Law Firm in Louisville, The Courier Journal Best of Louisville (reader-voted), Winner 2022 and 2023, Top 3 2025 and 2026. All awards
Legal separation vs. dissolution of marriage in Kentucky · Dissolution of marriage in Jefferson County: a guide
Kentucky Divorce Questions
What is dissolution of marriage in Kentucky?
Dissolution of marriage is the legal name for divorce in Kentucky. The petition is called a petition for dissolution of marriage, and the final order is a decree of dissolution.
How much does a divorce lawyer cost in Louisville?
At Wise & Associates, upfront flat fees range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the case type and how much litigation is required. The firm does not bill hourly, and the first consultation is free.
How long does a divorce take in Kentucky?
A Kentucky court cannot enter a decree until the spouses have lived apart for at least 60 days (KRS 403.044). At Wise & Associates, a typical uncontested divorce takes 3 to 4 months, and a typical contested divorce in Jefferson County takes 8 to 10 months or longer.
Do I need a reason to get divorced in Kentucky?
No. Kentucky is a no-fault state. The court only needs to find that the marriage is irretrievably broken.
How long do I have to live in Kentucky before filing?
At least one spouse must have lived in Kentucky for 180 days before the petition is filed.
Can we live in the same house during the 60-day separation?
Yes. Kentucky law allows spouses to be considered living apart while under the same roof, as long as they are not living together as a married couple.
Talk to a Louisville Divorce Lawyer
Consultations are free and by phone. Book a time, then call the office at your scheduled time.
Wise & Associates303 Middletown Park Pl, Suite G, Louisville, KY 40243
(502) 618-0000
Attorney advertising. This page provides general information, not legal advice. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.