Kentucky FAQ
Kentucky Family Law Questions
These answers cover Kentucky divorce, custody and timesharing, child support, and EPO, DVO, and IPO cases, handled by the Louisville office of Wise & Associates in Jefferson Family Court and Oldham, Bullitt, Shelby, Spencer, and Henry counties. Kentucky family law is governed mainly by KRS Chapter 403.
Kentucky Divorce
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 divorce decree until the spouses have lived apart for at least 60 days. Uncontested cases can finish soon after that. Contested cases usually take longer, depending on the issues and the court's schedule.
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.
How is property divided in a Kentucky divorce?
Marital property is divided in just proportions, and each spouse keeps nonmarital property.
What is maintenance in Kentucky?
Maintenance is Kentucky's term for spousal support, also called alimony.
Custody and Child Support in Kentucky
How do Kentucky courts decide custody?
Kentucky courts decide custody based on the child's best interests, starting from a rebuttable presumption that joint custody and equally shared parenting time are in the child's best interests.
What is timesharing?
Timesharing is Kentucky's term for the schedule of time each parent spends with the child.
How is child support calculated in Kentucky?
Kentucky calculates child support under statewide guidelines based on both parents' incomes.
Can custody be changed after a divorce in Kentucky?
Yes, when circumstances change. A request to modify custody within two years of the decree requires a sworn affidavit showing specific grounds, such as serious danger to the child.
Kentucky Protective Orders
What is the difference between an EPO, DVO, and IPO in Kentucky?
An EPO is an emergency protective order issued before a hearing. A DVO is a domestic violence order entered after a hearing, for cases between family members or members of an unmarried couple. An IPO is an interpersonal protective order for dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The firm represents both people filing and people responding. Protective orders.
How long does a DVO last?
A DVO can last up to three years and can be renewed.
The Louisville Office
Where is the Wise & Associates Louisville office?
The office is at 303 Middletown Park Pl, Suite G, Louisville, KY 40243. It is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and the phone number is (502) 618-0000.
Which counties does the Louisville office serve?
Jefferson, Oldham, Bullitt, Shelby, Spencer, and Henry counties in Kentucky.
Still Have Questions?
Consultations are free and by phone. Book a time, then call the office at your scheduled time.