filing a divorce in kentucky, what to do without a lawyer

Can I file my own divorce in KY?

Unlike some states, Kentucky doesn't have a separate, simplified procedure for uncontested divorce. Either spouse can file the divorce, or the spouses can file jointly. The document that you'll file to start the divorce is called the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage.

How much does an uncontested divorce cost in Kentucky?

Divorce Filing Fees and Typical Attorney Fees by StateStateAverage Filing FeesOther Divorce Costs and Attorney FeesKentucky$148 (without an attorney), $153 (with an attorney)Average fees: $8,000+Louisiana$150 to $250Average fees: $10,000Maine$120Average fees: $8,000+Maryland$165Average fees: $11,00048 more rows•Jul 21, 2020

How do I get a free divorce in Kentucky?

If you are unable to pay the filing fee, you can ask the court to waive the cost. If the judge decides that you qualify for assistance, then you do not have to pay for your divorce. In addition, if you have children with your spouse, the court may require you and your spouse to attend the Families in Transition course.Dec 8, 2011

How long does it take to get an uncontested divorce in Kentucky?

60 to 90 daysLuckily, the process of uncontested divorce is generally much shorter than a contested divorce. This is mostly due to the absence of court hearings and divorce proceedings. It usually takes anywhere from 60 to 90 days after you submit your divorce papers to receive your final divorce decree from the court.

Do I have to go to court for uncontested divorce?

What is an uncontested divorce? An uncontested divorce is a divorce that is not being defended by the respondent. It is usually a relatively straightforward process and can be dealt with by the court on paper, so there will be no need to attend court.May 11, 2021

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

In order to file for divorce in Kentucky, the person filing (the petitioner) must be a resident of Kentucky for at least 180 days. You may file in Circuit Court in the county where either you or your spouse resides. The most simple procedure is an uncontested divorce.Oct 27, 2021

Are online divorces legal in Kentucky?

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.

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. (K.R.S. § 403.230.) It's important to understand that you can only file for a legal separation if both spouses agree to the legal process.

What forms do I need to file for divorce in Kentucky?

Which specific forms do I need?Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. ... VS-300, Certificate of Divorce or Annulment data entry sheet (Instructions)AOC-FC-3, Case Data Information Sheet. ... AOC-105, Civil Summons.AOC-238 / AOC-239, Preliminary / Final Verified Disclosure Statements. ... Optional.Mar 6, 2022

Where can I get divorce papers in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, the divorce papers are filed in the Circuit Court, which is the local county courthouse, where the Domestic Relations or Family Law department accepts the divorce filing.

How do I get an amicable divorce?

Be honest, be kind: five lessons from an amicable divorce1 Understand that marriage breakdown impacts on everyone – yes, even your ex. ... 2 Gather a positive support network. ... 3 Always aim for the middle. ... 4 Play the long game. ... 5 Write, don't speak.Mar 16, 2019

Is Ky A no fault divorce state?

Kentucky is a No-Fault Divorce State As a no-fault divorce state, family court judges in Kentucky usually have no interest in hearing about a cheating spouse's misconduct.May 6, 2019

Get Your Divorce Forms Completed Online

You don’t need to visit the Clerk of Courts office to collect legal forms. With our assistance, you can download completed Kentucky divorce forms based upon answers you provide to our online questionnaire. Just follow our step-by-step instructions, and your completed paperwork will be available in just a couple of days.

Online Divorce Without a Lawyer in Kentucky

Answer our detailed online questionnaire system, and we will fill out the forms for you, based on your answers and taking into account the requirements of the Kentucky Revised Statutes.

How long do you have to be separated to get divorced in Kentucky?

To finalize the divorce in Kentucky, you must be separated from your spouse for at least 60 days. In the interim period, if you have children, the court may order your spouse and you to join a course on divorce education.

How long do you have to live in Kentucky to get divorce?

Getting a divorce in Kentucky requires that you must have resided in the state for at least 180 days before filing for divorce. The petition for the dissolution of marriage should be filed in a county where either you or your spouse live.

What is spousal support in Kentucky?

Kentucky Spousal Support. The court may award maintenance or alimony to you or your spouse for maintenance and support post the divorce. Spousal support is awarded on the basis of the financial conditions of you and your spouse.

Why do spouses pay each other after divorce?

This is usually in the case of a short marriage, where a spouse pays so that the other spouse can complete a program, training or education that will enable the person to get suitable employment. This is when the court orders a specific amount that must be paid by one spouse to the other after the divorce.

How long does it take to get divorced after a divorce?

In an uncontested divorce, all you need to do is submit your agreement of marital settlement to the court and after the requisite waiting period of 60 days , you will be divorced. An uncontested divorce is quicker and low cost as you don’t have to hire an attorney. STEP 4:

What to do if you can't agree on divorce?

If you and your spouse are unable to agree on most of the divorce matters, hiring a lawyer will be the best route for you. When you have an contested divorce, the judge will order a trial that will require you and your spouse to argue over who get what.

What to do if you have only one or two issues with your spouse?

If there are only one or two issues that you and your spouse cannot seem to come to a satisfactory verdict for both sides, hiring a third party like a mediator will help ease the confrontation. And most of all, help you both come out with a conclusion that will avoid going to court and arguing via lawyers.

Where do you file for divorce in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, you will typically file with the courthouse in the county in which you currently reside. If a petitioner is not currently a resident but a defendant is, divorce is typically filed in the county where the defendant resides.

How long do you have to live in Kentucky to file for divorce?

To file for a divorce in the State of Kentucky, the filing spouse must have been a state resident for at least 180 days before submitting the paperwork to the court. Or, the spouses must live in the state separately and apart for at least 60 days before filing.

What is spousal support in Kentucky?

Alimony, also known as spousal support, is sometimes ordered by the court to help one spouse live in a manner established during the marriage after the divorce. Either spouse may be awarded maintenance if: That spouse lacks the property to provide for his or her own needs; and.

What is considered marital misconduct?

Any marital misconduct of a parent that does not affect the relationship with the child is not to be considered.

How long does child support last?

In most child support cases, payments continue until the child reaches eighteen years of age and may extend until the completion of secondary school. Either or both parents can be ordered to provide a reasonable amount of child support without regard to any marital misconduct or the gender of the parents.

What is the custody of a child in Kentucky?

Custody of the child in Kentucky. The court may award sole or joint custody, giving equal consideration to both spouses. Custody will be awarded based on what is deemed to be in the best interests of the child, considering the following factors: Preference of a sufficiently mature child; The desires of the parents;

Does Online Divorce sell blank forms?

OnlineDivorce.com is a website that provides access to self-guided online questionnaires. Online Divorce does not sell blank forms. You may be able to download blank forms from a government website depending on your state.

What is no fault divorce in Kentucky?

Divorce laws in Kentucky provide for “no-fault” divorce. This means that if one party wants to get divorced, he or she can do so by claiming that there has been an “irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.”.

How long do you have to be a resident of Kentucky to get divorced?

Before filing for divorce in the state of Kentucky, one or both spouses must be a resident of Kentucky for at least 180 days. One or both spouses also must be a resident of the county in which the divorce is filed. If you don’t meet these residency requirements, you cannot get divorced in Kentucky until you meet them.

What happens if my spouse doesn't respond to my divorce?

When your spouse has been served with notice of the divorce, but does not file a response, you can finalize your divorce by asking for a default judgment. In this case, you have not been able to reach an agreement with your spouse and he or she simply doesn’t respond to the divorce filing.

What happens if you file a settlement agreement with your spouse?

If you and your spouse have agreed on all matters and have filed the Marital Settlement Agreement, then the judge will ask questions about your agreement during the hearing. If everything is in order, the court will approve your agreement.

How much does it cost to file for divorce?

Anyone who wishes to file a divorce must pay a court filing fee of $113.00. This amount can be paid to your local county clerk’s office in cash or by certified check or money order. You should always check with your local clerk’s office to ensure that there are no other fees. Obtain and complete any optional forms.

How long do you have to wait to get divorced in Kentucky?

Wait 60 days. In order to finalize your divorce in Kentucky, you and your spouse must be separated for a minimum of 60 days. This waiting period is mandatory in all Kentucky divorces. Once you have waited 60 days, your divorce can become final.

How long does it take to get divorce papers?

This step formally places your divorce on file with your local court and starts the divorce process. The 60-day waiting period starts running on the date that you file your divorce documents.