how much does a divorce lawyer cost in kentucky

by Leo Mann 4 min read

While the court charges a fee of $113 to file your papers, hiring a lawyer to handle your divorce can cost anywhere between $3,000 – $20,000 with the attorney fees of around $8,100. If you cannot pay the filing fees, you can fill out Form 8, which is a motion to proceed without paying due to poverty.

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

Full Answer

How much does a divorce cost in Kentucky?

Apr 03, 2015 · The charge can range between $100 and $400 depending on the county. If one spouse is filing the petition, the other must officially be served a copy of the complaint. For those who cannot afford this, a waiver can be received. Keep this in mind if you are worried about how much does a divorce cost in Kentucky.

How to reduce the cost of a divorce?

Jul 19, 2021 · In Kentucky, getting divorced is relatively inexpensive. The average cost of a divorce per person in the state, including court and lawyer fees, is $8,151 -- …

How long before a divorce is final in Kentucky?

Mar 06, 2022 · It’s difficult to anticipate the total cost of a Kentucky divorce, but we think the Army’s estimate is a reasonable one. Assuming no property appraisal and $25 worth of copies and miscellaneous costs, you’re looking at between $175-215 with no children and $225-265 with children, depending on your exact court fees.

How to get a divorce with no money?

Dec 19, 2021 · How much does an uncontested divorce cost in kentucky. Easy, no money and cheap ways to do your own divorce. Pay just a one time flat fee for your uncontested divorce.

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How much does a uncontested divorce cost in Kentucky?

Divorce Filing Fees in Kentucky

Expect to pay around $115 to $250. For example, as of 2022 the filing fees for divorce in Kenton County total $198, and the filing fees for divorce in Fayette County total $211.50.

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.

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

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 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.Oct 27, 2021

How long does divorce take in Kentucky?

30-90 days
When is the Divorce Actually Finalized in Kentucky? The divorce is typically finalized when the Judge signs the final judgment or decree. We give a window of 30-90 days from the filing date, but this will vary due to case load at the courthouse and any mandatory waiting periods.

How do I get a 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.

Is dating during separation adultery?

One of the fault-based grounds, also commonly known as reasons, for divorce is adultery. Therefore, the court may consider dating while in the middle of divorce proceedings as “adultery” even if the couple has been separated and living apart.Feb 12, 2021

Who gets the house in a divorce in KY?

States have two main ways of dividing marital property, equitable distribution or community property. Kentucky is in the majority as an equitable distribution or common law state. This means marital property isn't automatically assumed to be owned by both spouses and therefore should be divided equally in a divorce.Nov 21, 2018

How long after divorce can you remarry in Kentucky?

Divorce on the Grounds of Adultery
StatePost-Divorce Remarriage Waiting Period
Kansas30 days unless waived in Decree
KentuckyNone
LouisianaNone
MaineNone
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Can you divorce without a lawyer?

A mutual consented divorce is an easier and faster way you can get a divorce without a lawyer. For obtaining a divorce mutually, both the parties must agree that the divorce should take place, and decided on other relevant factors.

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. Meaning, infidelity alone is not enough to deny a spouse maintenance or alimony if he or she is otherwise entitled to it.
May 6, 2019

What are the divorce laws in Kentucky?

Kentucky is a “no fault” divorce state that permits divorces with one or both parties believe the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” Irretrievable breakdown means there's no reasonable prospect of reconciliation. The court charges a filing fee of approximately $113 usually paid in cash or money order.Mar 22, 2018

Is divorce legal in Kentucky?

The grounds for divorce are not applicable in Kentucky anymore as Kentucky has been converted into a “no-fault state” by the state legislature. This means that there are no specific grounds required to file for divorce. The spouses filing for divorce must prove that the marriage is broken irretrievably.

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.

Is Kentucky an equitable distribution state?

The State of Kentucky is an “equitable distribution” state which means that all the marital property that you and our spouse have bought during the marriage will be divided equitably (not equally). Any property that the spouse had before marriage or has brought into the marriage will not be divided during the divorce.

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.

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.

What documents are needed to start a divorce?

You must have the following documents to start the divorce process: Petition for Divorce: To begin the process of dissolution, the petitioner should file: Form #1A: This is a petition for dissolution of marriage (without children under the age of 18 years). Form #1B: This is a petition for dissolution of marriage ...

How long does it take to get divorce papers served?

As a petitioner, you have around 45 days post filing by which the documents must be served on your spouse. If the papers are not served within 45 days , your case will be dismissed by the court clerk automatically. And, if you still want a divorce, you must start the entire process all over again.

The differences between divorce, annulment and legal separation

Married couples can end their marriages by divorce or annulment in Kentucky. Legal separation is also permitted, but a couple will still remain married after this action takes place.

What are the grounds for divorce in Kentucky?

Kentucky only allows for divorce on a no-fault basis. This means all you must do when you file for divorce in Kentucky is state that the marriage is irretrievably broken. No other explanations are needed, and you will not need to state a specific reason for the divorce beyond that.

What kind of divorce is right for you?

One of the first things you must decide is what kind of divorce you want. There are several possible options in Kentucky.

What is the process of filing for divorce in Kentucky?

The basics of all divorces in Kentucky are pretty much the same no matter what direction and method you choose – just remember you must be separated from your spouse for at lease 60 days prior to serving them with divorce papers. There are some initial steps that need to be handled so that you can move on to the next phase of the process.

Completing proof of service in Kentucky

In Kentucky, proof of service must be completed by making sure divorce paperwork is delivered to the other spouse. This can be done either by certified mail, or by having a person over 18 years old personally deliver the paperwork. This is usually done by a professional process server or a sheriff or constable.

Can you file for divorce online in Kentucky?

If you have no minor children, you can file a Dissolution of Marriage with the court by using the state’s interactive forms and file online.

How much will it cost?

The court will charge a $113 filing fee when you submit your paperwork. Some counties may have a slightly different fee schedule, so it’s best to check with the county court where you will file if you want to be sure of the exact amount.

How to reduce costs of divorce?

While the costs seem high, an important takeaway is that divorce is still attainable. Do not refuse to get a divorce just because you cannot afford it. You may be able to reduce costs by: 1 Asking your attorney for an affordable payment plan 2 Discussing tactics to reduce time in court with your attorney 3 Resolving issues through divorce mediation 4 Working with a lawyer on just some parts of your case (this is called limited scope representation) 5 Getting free advice at a family law clinic (available at some family law courts) 6 Speaking with a legal aid organization to see if you qualify for free services

What are the requirements for a divorce?

In every state, a variety of factors will change the hours required to negotiate and find a divorce agreement such as: 1 Child custody 2 Amount of property 3 Tax advice 4 Alimony (spousal support)

Can you get an uncontested divorce?

An uncontested divorce is possible if you can negotiate together and agree on big-ticket items such as who keeps the house. If you want the court to help you determine how things are split (in a contested divorce), you will rack up additional attorney's fees.

What is alimony in divorce?

Alimony (spousal support) Consider how complex your divorce is when estimating how much it might cost. If you and your spouse own a lot of property and don't agree on its division, for example, you are looking at a longer and more costly divorce. The same is often true in divorces with children.

What is the difference between an uncontested divorce and a contested divorce?

Cost Difference Between Uncontested and Contested Divorce. An uncontested divorce (or an amicable divorce that uses mediation) will typically cost less. An uncontested divorce is possible if you can negotiate together and agree on big-ticket items such as who keeps the house.

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

When can I file for divorce in Kentucky? If you have resided in Kentucky for 180 days prior to the filing of the petition, then you would file the petition in the county in which you reside with the clerk of the court.

Can a spouse start dating in Kentucky?

Since Kentucky is a no-fault state a spouse can technically start dating at any point in the process . However, please be advised that if you are spending funds that are deemed marital on a new girlfriend or boyfriend an argument could be made that you are dissipating marital assets and you could be required to repay those funds to the marital estate.

What is maintenance in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, maintenance is an award that is solely at the discretion of the court. In order to award maintenance, the court must make a finding that the party seeking maintenance (1) lacks sufficient property to provide for their reasonable needs; and (2) is unable to support themselves through reasonable employment.

How many cases settle before trial?

Approximately 95% of all cases settle before a trial. If your case falls into this 95% then you may not ever step foot in a courtroom as it relates to your divorce. However, if your case does not settle and there needs to be a trial, you will have to go to court.

How much does a divorce attorney cost?

The total cost of a divorce is about $15,000, but can go as high as $100,000 depending on how many issues you want a judgment on ...

How much does it cost to file for divorce?

The cost will vary from state to state, but typically it’s about $300 , which can sting, considering the circumstances.

Is divorce pleasant?

No one would ever describe the divorce process as being pleasant; neither would any spouses say on their wedding day they were planning on divorcing down the road. But divorce happens—for at least 50 percent of all first, second, and third marriages.

Is divorce time consuming?

Divorces can be time-consuming and messy, and the issues in each divorce are different from one couple to the next. Because the outcome of every divorce is determined by the defendants, the attorneys, and what is at stake, it’s nearly impossible to find a standard overall cost.

What is a free consultation for divorce?

Most firms offer a free consultation, and it can be very helpful in finding the attorney that's a good fit for the particular details that need to be resolved in your divorce. A good consultation will cover. guidelines on how to conduct yourself for the duration of the case.

Does a divorce lawyer offer a free consultation?

Most firms offer a free consultation, and it can be very helpful in finding the attorney that's a good fit for the particular details that need to be resolved in your divorce. A good consultation will cover

How long is a mediation session?

While most mediation sessions are charged hourly, some mediators prefer to charge per session. On average, a typical mediation session will last about two hours. Of course, this timeframe will depend on the topics of discussion and whether or not any conflict is involved. The hourly rate for private meditation ranges, ...

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

If you are stationed at a Kentucky base, you must reside there for at least 180 days before filing for divorce, unless the spouse who filed first is a Kentucky resident. The grounds for military divorce are the same as they are for a civilian divorce in Kentucky.

Can you get alimony in Kentucky?

Alimony in Kentucky. Alimony can be granted on a temporary basis during a divorce transition, or after a divorce is final to help one spouse move forward with their lives. Requests are closely scrutinized and the court must not grant alimony unless two things are proven as true.

Is Kentucky an equitable distribution state?

Kentucky is an equitable distribution state. In a divorce, courts will divide marital property fairly and equitably. But this does not mean that the assets will be divided exactly in half.

Is property acquired before marriage considered separate property?

Property acquired before marriage or after the date of separation is considered separate property. There are exceptions and determining what is separate property can become a complex situation at times, so it is best to consult an attorney if you are not sure of the asset’s status.

How long does alimony last?

Generally, it is not supposed to last an indefinite amount of time, allowing only until the spouse can become self-supporting as soon as possible. Read: Everything You Need to Know About Alimony.

Does Kentucky have child support?

Child Support in Kentucky. Both parents have a legal responsibility to provide care and pay for costs of raising a child in Kentucky. The state recognizes that both parents must provide for the well-being of any children, whether they are married or not.

What is the legal responsibility of both parents in Kentucky?

Both parents have a legal responsibility to provide care and pay for costs of raising a child in Kentucky. The state recognizes that both parents must provide for the well-being of any children, whether they are married or not.

How much does a divorce attorney charge per hour?

20% paid $400 or more per hour. The more complicated the divorce, the higher attorneys' fees -- especially if the proceedings take a long time or if going to trial to resolve contested issues is necessary. Some attorneys offer a flat fee, which can help you budget for your divorce case.

How much does a divorce cost?

The median cost of a divorce is $7,500. An uncontested divorce or one with no major contested issues costs, on average, $4,100. Disputes over child support, child custody, and alimony raise the average cost of a divorce significantly. Divorces that go to trial on two or more issues cost, on average, $23,300.

How much does a family therapy session cost?

Family therapy for yourself or your child: Rates are typically $75 to $200 per session, according to the National Directory of Marriage and Family Counseling.

How long does it take to dissolve a marriage?

According to Nolo, the average time it takes to complete the process of dissolving a marriage is 12 months. However, for those who went to trial to resolve at least one contested issue, the average time expanded to 18 months.

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