Divorce doesn’t have to mean chaos. In Kentucky, the process is straightforward if you know what to expect—especially when it comes to timelines, court requirements, and financial disclosures. This guide walks you through everything from how to file to what happens after your divorce is final.
To file for divorce in Kentucky:
You can file for a divorce at any time, but you and your spouse must be separated and living apart for at least 60 days before a judge can grant a final divorce decree. You can both live in the same house but cannot have a sexual relationship or shared bedroom.
Kentucky is a no-fault divorce state. The only recognized ground is that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” You won’t need to prove misconduct like adultery or cruelty—but abuse or bad behavior can still influence custody and financial issues.
Filing fee: Typically $115–$250, depending on the county.
Additional costs may include:
If you can’t afford the fees, you can request a fee waiver (In Forma Pauperis status).
Kentucky follows equitable distribution laws. Marital property is divided fairly (not always 50/50).
Factors include:
Separate property—acquired before marriage or by inheritance/gift—is not divided unless it’s commingled.
Spousal support in Kentucky must be formally requested and justified and is not guaranteed. Courts consider:
Support may be temporary, rehabilitative, or in rare cases, long-term. There's no formula—judges decide on a case-by-case basis.
Kentucky law presumes joint custody and equal parenting time is in the child’s best interest—unless proven otherwise.
The court considers:
Kentucky uses a standardized Child Support Calculator, which factors in:
Either spouse must meet Kentucky’s 180-day residency requirement. Federal laws like the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) can pause proceedings during active duty or deployment.
You can file a “Petition for Legal Separation” instead of divorce. After one year, either spouse can convert it to a divorce.
Rare—granted in cases of bigamy, fraud, duress, or underage marriage without consent.
Some counties offer eFiling for attorneys, but most people filing pro se (without a lawyer) must do so in person. Use the Kentucky Court of Justice to find forms and courthouse contact details.
Once your divorce is finalized:
The Kentucky divorce process is manageable—especially if both parties cooperate. Still, parenting plans, financial disclosures, and property division can complicate things quickly. The more prepared you are, the smoother it’ll go. Don’t hesitate to seek help from Hello Divorce if you need to understand your next step.