Child Custody Lawyers / Attorneys Helping You in Lexington, Kentucky in Fayette County
Child custody matters often carry both emotional weight and legal complexity. These cases center around one of the most important aspects of your life—your children’s well-being. If you’re involved in a custody matter in Lexington, having a steady legal advocate who is focused on your role as a parent can make all the difference.
At Stange Law Firm, our attorneys in Lexington, Kentucky, are here to provide thoughtful guidance tailored to your needs. We’re committed to standing by your side through each step of the custody process, offering dependable support and clear communication.
While some custody arrangements can be reached through mutual agreement, others may involve more serious disputes. In these situations, we work to protect your parental rights and ensure your position is clearly presented, whether through negotiation or in the courtroom.
Lexington, Kentucky Child Custody Attorneys Ready to Assist You With Custody Matters in Fayette County, KY
Stange Law Firm focuses exclusively on matters related to domestic relations. Many of our attorneys have been recognized for their work, and you can learn more about their backgrounds and accomplishments by visiting their individual biographies. From our office in Fayette County, we assist individuals in Lexington and the surrounding areas as they navigate important domestic law matters.
For additional information about the Fayette County Government or Court, you can visit the following websites:
Fayette County Circuit Clerk’s Office: Access details about the office and its services here.
Kentucky Court Information: Find specific guidelines and procedures for Fayette County Courts here.
Fayette County Domestic Law Forms & Information: This link offers important law forms in Lexington, Kentucky.
City of Lexington, Kentucky: Learn more about Lexington’s local government here.
Fayette County, Kentucky Court: Get directions to the Fayette County Courthouse in Lexington through Google Maps here.
Child Custody in Lexington, Kentucky
Learning Guide Under Kentucky Law
Child custody matters in Lexington, Kentucky are governed by Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 403 and commonly arise in connection with a dissolution of marriage, parentage actions, or requests to modify an existing custody order. When parents cannot reach an agreement on custody or parenting time, the court must enter orders designed to protect the child’s best interests while supporting stability and appropriate parental involvement.
This guide is intended to provide an educational overview of how child custody works under Kentucky law.
The Best-Interests-of-the-Child Standard
Kentucky courts determine child custody based on what arrangement best serves the child’s overall well-being. Judges evaluate the full circumstances of the family rather than relying on a single controlling factor.
In making custody decisions, courts may consider:
The wishes of each parent
The wishes of the child, when the court determines the child is mature enough
The child’s relationships with parents, siblings, and other significant individuals
The child’s adjustment to home, school, and community
The mental and physical health of all parties involved
Any evidence of domestic violence or abuse
Each parent’s ability to encourage a continuing relationship between the child and the other parent
Kentucky law does not favor one parent over the other based on gender, income, or marital status.
Kentucky’s Joint Custody Presumption
Kentucky law includes a rebuttable presumption that joint custody and equally shared parenting time are in the child’s best interests. This presumption may be overcome if evidence shows that joint custody or equal parenting time would not serve the child’s welfare, such as in cases involving safety concerns, high conflict, or an inability to cooperate.
Types of Custody in Kentucky
Kentucky courts address custody through legal custody and physical custody, which may be awarded jointly or solely depending on the circumstances.
Legal custody involves decision-making authority over major aspects of a child’s life, including education, healthcare, and religious upbringing.
Physical custody determines where the child primarily lives and how parenting time is structured between the parents.
Courts may order any combination of legal and physical custody that best meets the child’s needs.
Parenting Time and Parenting Schedules
Parenting schedules in Kentucky outline regular parenting time, holidays, school breaks, and transportation responsibilities. These schedules are designed to provide predictability for the child while supporting meaningful relationships with both parents when appropriate.
Custody Matters Involving Unmarried Parents
When parents are not married, custody and parenting rights are established through a parentage action. Once legal parentage is determined, either parent may request custody and parenting time orders from the court.
Domestic Violence and Child Safety Considerations
Kentucky courts must carefully consider any evidence of domestic violence or abuse when making custody determinations. If safety concerns exist, the court may limit parenting time, require supervised visitation, or impose other protective conditions to safeguard the child.
Modification of Child Custody Orders
Custody orders may be modified if there has been a material change in circumstances and the requested modification would serve the child’s best interests. Courts review modification requests carefully to balance stability with the child’s changing needs.
Child Custody Proceedings in Lexington and Fayette County
Child custody cases in Lexington are handled through the courts serving Fayette County. Parenting plans may be required, and mediation is often encouraged to help parents resolve disputes. The court’s primary goal is to establish custody arrangements that promote the child’s long-term stability, safety, and overall well-being.
Contact Lexington, Kentucky Child Custody Lawyers / Attorneys in Fayette County to Schedule a Consultation Today
If you would like more information about a child custody case in Lexington, Kentucky, contact our attorneys to schedule an initial consultation by calling 855-805-0595 or reaching out to us online.
Fayette County (Lexington) Office: 859-203-2583 | 424 Lewis Hargett Cir., Suite 231, Lexington, Kentucky 40503
