If you live in Kentucky and want to file for divorce, you will have to go through a number of steps. Getting a divorce is rarely an easy process, but this article will help you get everything done as painlessly as possible. The more you know about how to do this, the fewer complications will arise.

  1. Consider the Basic Requirements

It is important to keep in mind that you cannot file for divorce in Kentucky unless you or your partner has lived there for a minimum of 180 days. At least one of you has to live in the same county where the divorce is being filed. If you meet these geographic requirements, you can move on to the next step.

  1. Hire a Lawyer

Not everyone who gets divorced hires an attorney, but many do. You will have to decide if this is something that will be necessary. If your breakup is amicable, you may not have to do this. It is still a good idea to get legal advice from one of these professionals though. A good lawyer can ensure that your divorce will move along as swiftly and smoothly as possible.

  1. Fill out the Necessary Paperwork

You will have to get the required paperwork for filing a divorce in Kentucky. There are a number of forms you will need, including the AOC-15 Civil Summons, which can be turned in to either your local Sheriff’s office or County Clerk. Make sure that all of these documents are filled out completely so you don’t have to go back and redo anything later on.

  1. Take Care of the Filing Fee

There will be a fee of $113 that you will need to pay when filing paperwork for divorce in Kentucky. You will be able to pay with a check or money order. You can go down to the nearest clerk’s office to do this.

  1. Pick up any Additional Forms You May Need

There are some other forms that are not required but that you may need, depending on the situation. For instance, there is a form that you need to get if you don’t know where your ex-partner is currently residing.

  1. File the Documents

The last step in this process is to actually file the divorce documents. Keep in mind that there is a waiting period of sixty days before these documents are processed. This is only the beginning of the divorce process, but it is necessary.

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  • You may also want to attempt to get a temporary order of custody if you have children. There are also orders you can get for child support and visitation. Having children makes divorce a much more complicated process, but these orders can help sort things out for the time being.

If you suspect that your spouse is not going to make things easy, you should get a lawyer. Take the time to find a professional with years of experience working these sorts of cases. This will improve your chances of a favorable outcome in court.

How much does it cost to file for divorce in KY?

How much does it cost to get a divorce? The court will charge a filing fee of $113. You usually have to pay this fee in cash or by certified check or money order. You should check with your local court clerk’s office to find out your county’s exact fee.

How do I file for an uncontested divorce in Kentucky?

Complete the Divorce Petition and Other Forms

In Kentucky, one spouse (the “petitioner”) initiates the divorce proceeding by completing and filing a petition for dissolution of marriage. On the petition, you need to state the “ground,” or legal reason for divorce.

How long do you have to be separated before divorce in KY?

In Kentucky, however, you must be legally separated for a minimum of one year before either spouse can ask for a formal divorce.

What is the fastest way to get a divorce in Kentucky?

The uncontested divorce in Kentucky is perhaps the easiest to complete from a process point of view. While there are several legal options for bringing your marriage to an end in Kentucky, an uncontested divorce is often the fast and most cost-effective solution.

What is the cheapest way to get a divorce in Kentucky?

LegalZoom’s Online Divorce service is an inexpensive way to file for divorce if you and your spouse agree on most major issues. Otherwise, you can talk to an attorney for advice or help filing for divorce through the LegalZoom personal legal plan.

Can you file for divorce online in KY?

100% Court Approval Guarantee

The Courts of Kentucky recognize all the legal forms we provide. Online divorce is an entirely legal option, and kentuckyonlinedivorce.com., in turn, guarantees 100% approval of our forms by any Family Court in any county within the state.

Can you get a free divorce in Kentucky?

The interactive divorce form is a free service. However, you can only use the interactive form if you don’t have children, and you agree about how to divide your property and debts.

How much does a uncontested divorce cost in KY?

Divorce Filing Fees and Typical Attorney Fees by State
State Average Filing Fees Other Divorce Costs and Attorney Fees
Kentucky $148 (without an attorney), $153 (with an attorney) Average fees: $8,000+
Louisiana $150 to $250 Average fees: $10,000
Maine $120 Average fees: $8,000+
Maryland $165 Average fees: $11,000
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Jul 21, 2020

How much is uncontested divorce in KY?

In Kentucky, the fees vary by county, but the fee is generally about $113. If you want to know the exact amount, you can call the courthouse and ask. Filing fees underwrite the cost of the court system, but in the case of indigent petitioners these fees may be waived.

Are separate bank accounts marital property?

In most states, money in separate bank accounts is considered marital property, or property acquired during a marriage. About 10 states operate under community property laws, meaning that any property — money, cars, houses, etc. — acquired during the marriage belongs to both spouses.

How do I file for divorce in Kentucky without a lawyer?

You begin your divorce case in Kentucky by filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the Court. If you have no minor children, you can use Kentucky’s interactive forms and file online. If you live in Jefferson County, you can download a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage online.

Does infidelity affect divorce in Kentucky?

The short answer to this question is that Kentucky is a no-fault state when it comes to divorce, so there are no “divorce consequences” to the act of adultery. Adultery will not typically affect if a spouse will receive alimony or spousal support, but it may affect how much.

What qualifies you for alimony in KY?

A judge will award alimony only when both the following statements are true: the supported spouse lacks sufficient property, including marital property awarded in the divorce, to reasonably provide for the spouse’s individual needs, and.

Is cheating illegal in Kentucky?

Is infidelity a crime in Kentucky? The short answer to this question is no. Adultery is not a crime in Kentucky. As a no-fault state, Kentucky law does not require anyone to be responsible for the failure of the marriage, only that it is “irretrievably broken.”

What are grounds for divorce in Kentucky?

The only ground in Kentucky is that the marriage is irretrievably broken, which means that there is no reasonable prospect of you and your spouse reconciling (getting back together). The judge can grant you a divorce if: both spouses state that the marriage is irretrievably broken; or.

Does it matter who files for divorce first in Kentucky?

There is usually no advantage as to which spouse filed the divorce first.

How is Kentucky child support calculated?

In Kentucky, the child support calculations are based on income of both parties and take into consideration if the receiving part has sole or joint physical custody. A percentage of the parents’ joint income is used in the child support formula.