how to get a divorce in kentucky without paying a lawyer

by Ollie D'Amore 5 min read

If you can't afford to pay the filing fees, you can ask the judge to waive the fees by filing a Motion for Waiver of Costs and Fees and to Proceed In Forma Pauperis. If the court grants your request to waive fees, you won't have to pay any court costs during your divorce.

Do you need an attorney to get a divorce in Kentucky?

Mar 06, 2022 · Kentucky state divorce law says you can file for divorce if you meet three requirements. You’ve been a Kentucky resident for at least the previous 180 days (just under 6 months) (1). You can show you’re a Kentucky resident with, for example, a driver’s license, voter registration, paying Kentucky taxes, paying utilities in Kentucky, or other sources of evidence …

Where can I get divorce papers in Kentucky?

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. Within a couple of days, you will get the completed paperwork by email, and we will provide you with clear instructions on how to file …

How does the Kentucky divorce process work?

Jul 09, 2021 · Can I file for divorce in Kentucky without using a lawyer? Yes. The state’s self-help forms will walk you through the process which works best in an uncontested divorce where you and your spouse can work out all issues on your own and …

How to get a free divorce lawyer?

Feb 24, 2021 · After a petitioner files for divorce in Kentucky, a spouse has 20 days to file a response to the complaint. If they fail to do so, the petitioner can file a motion for a default judgment which will be notarized before being submitted to the clerk of the court.

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Can you get a divorce without a lawyer in KY?

Filing for divorce in Kentucky without a lawyer typically works best in uncontested cases. For more complicated cases or where the couple is unable to reach an agreement, it's better to consult a divorce lawyer. Similarly, you might need expert assistance if you have minor children or own considerable assets.

How much does an uncontested divorce cost in Kentucky?

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

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 does it take to get an uncontested divorce in Kentucky?

60 to 90 days
Luckily, 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.

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.

How do I start a divorce in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, the grounds for divorce are “no-fault.” To file for divorce in Kentucky, neither party has to show that the other party is at fault, such as adultery. The Kentucky court is required to make a finding that the marriage is irretrievably broken before the court can enter a decree for a divorce.

Do you have to be separated before divorce in KY?

In Kentucky, to get divorced the parties have to be “separated” for at least sixty days before they can get divorced. This means that the parties either live apart or refrain from having intercourse for sixty days prior to the divorce being finalized.

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

What is an uncontested divorce?

An uncontested divorce means that both spouses agree on all of their divorce-related issues. Each state has specific legal requirements that spouses must meet before they can proceed with an uncontested divorce.

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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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

How do I get an amicable divorce?

6 steps to an amicable divorce
  1. Don't try to get revenge – Trying to get one over on your spouse, or “take them for all they are worth”, is not a useful approach. ...
  2. Keep talking – you do need to speak to your other half to get things sorted out. ...
  3. Leave the children out of it – never use children as pawns or to score points.
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Jun 21, 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 does it take to get divorced in Kentucky?

If there are no children in the marriage, the divorce can proceed quicker as long as they have lived in Kentucky for at least 180 days and live apart from each other for a minimum of 60 days.

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

Service members stationed at a Kentucky base 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. You only need to cite irreconcilable differences.

How to get proof of service in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, proof of service 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. Kentucky laws gives a petitioner 45 days from the date of filing to complete proof of service.

How long do you have to be a resident of Kentucky to file for divorce?

What are the residency requirements to file for a divorce in Kentucky? To file for divorce in Kentucky, one of the spouses must have been a resident of the state for at least 180 days prior to the filing of the Complaint.

How long do you have to be married to receive military retirement?

A key element is that the former spouse must have been married to the servicemember for a minimum of 10 years while the military member has served on active duty to share in any retirement benefits.

Who is Jason Crowley?

Jason Crowley is a divorce financial strategist, personal finance expert, and entrepreneur. Jason is the managing partner of Divorce Capital Planning, co-founder of Divorce Mortgage Advisors, and founder of Survive Divorce. A leading authority in divorce finance, Jason has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and other media outlets.

Is divorce legal in Kentucky?

Divorce is different than a legal separation under Kentucky law. While a divorce formally ends your marriage, a legal separation does not. However, a judge can issue court orders in a legal separation that govern issues like custody, visitation, and payment of debts.

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.

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 you don't hire an attorney?

Your risk of an unfair settlement or court decision increases if you don’t hire an attorney. If you do choose to hire an attorney, you will have to pay your attorney’s fees. The amount of these fees may vary. In some cases, your spouse may be ordered to pay your attorney’s fees.

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 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.

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.

Community Property vs. Separate Property

Kentucky is a separate property state. Meaning that if you file for divorce or legal separation in a separate property state, the court distributes property by equitable distribution. Instead of splitting the property in half, equitable distribution using certain factors to decide what is fair to give to each spouse. The factors include:

What Should You Do If There are Children Involved?

During a divorce or separation case, the judge can decide child custody and child support. The custody and support orders may be temporary or permanent. A court decides child custody based on the best interest of the minor child. The court may order full custody or shared custody.

Do You Need to Pay Alimony?

The court may decide during a divorce or legal separation case that one spouse must pay alimony to the other spouse. The spouse seeking alimony must prove:

Where Can You Find the Right Divorce Lawyer?

The divorce and legal separation processes require a lot of time and legal knowledge. Let an experienced Kentucky divorce lawyer handle your divorce or separation case today.

How long does it take to get divorced 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.

What is the reason for dissolution in Kentucky?

Grounds for dissolution are legally recognized reasons to get a dissolution. This is the justification for severing the marital relationship. Kentucky, like most states, has what are commonly called no-fault grounds for dissolution. Unlike most states, Kentucky does not have any fault-based grounds. To get a no-fault dissolution in Kentucky you need to state in the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage that “the marriage of the parties is irretrievably broken.”

What is alimony in Kentucky?

Alimony is called maintenance in Kentucky. Absent an agreement of the parties, the court may only order maintenance if: (1) the party seeking maintenance lacks sufficient property, considering the property division, to provide for his or her reasonable needs, and (2) is unable to become self-supporting through appropriate employment, or is the custodian of a child whose circumstances make it inappropriate to be required to seek employment. Maintenance may be ordered for a period of time that the judge finds just, after considering the following factors: 1 the financial resources of the party seeking maintenance, including the property division, and the ability to meet his or her needs independently, including whether a sum for that party as a child custodian is part of the child support order, 2 the time necessary to acquire sufficient education or training to enable the party seeking maintenance to find appropriate employment, 3 the standard of living established during the marriage, 4 the duration of the marriage, 5 the age, and physical and emotional condition of the party seeking maintenance, and 6 the ability of the party from whom maintenance is sought to meet his or her needs while paying maintenance.

What happens when a marriage dissolves?

A dissolution for any married couple will accomplish two things: (1) severing the marital relationship, and (2) dividing assets and debts. If they have been married for a significant length of time and one of them will be unable to be self-supporting after the divorce, the issue of alimony may also arise.

What happens if you get divorced and you have minor children?

If there are minor children, they will also need to resolve issues of child custody, visitation, and support.

What is the process of divorce?

You begin the divorce procedure by preparing a document called a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, along with various other supporting documents. For an uncontested divorce, one of these documents will be a marital settlement agreement outlining the division of assets (and your agreement regarding any children).

What is property acquired before marriage?

property acquired before marriage, property acquired by gift or inheritance during the marriage (and income from such property), property acquired in exchange for nonmarital property, property acquired by a spouse after a decree of legal separation, property excluded by a valid agreement of the parties, and.

How to file for divorce without a lawyer?

To file for a divorce without a lawyer, you will have to fill out the divorce forms, such as the petition for divorce and the divorce settlement agreement. Most states offer uncontested divorce forms that you can download or get in your country courthouse. Once you get them, you will have to:

What are the requirements for an uncontested divorce?

To be eligible for one, you will need to meet the following requirements: You and your spouse should agree on all issues, such as: Division of property. Child custody and child support. Parenting time and taxes. Your spouse has not retained an attorney. Neither party is in the military.

Do you have to be physically separated to get a divorce?

Some states will ask that you are physically separated from your spouse for a while before filing for the divorce, or you may need to provide proof of residency.

What is the advantage of DoNotPay?

Using DoNotPay comes with plenty of advantages, the main one being that you can resolve just about anything in a matter of clicks. It doesn’t get any easier than that!

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