Child Custody Lawyers Helping You in Louisville, Kentucky in Jefferson County
Managing a child custody matter can be one of the most stressful and emotional experiences a parent may face. These cases are deeply personal, as they affect not only your legal rights but also your relationship with your children and their sense of stability. If you are dealing with a custody issue in Louisville, Kentucky, it is important to have an attorney who understands the emotional weight of these decisions and is committed to protecting both your parental rights and your children’s well-being.
At Stange Law Firm, we understand how much your children mean to you. Our Louisville child custody attorneys approach each case with care, patience, and compassion, while also providing clear guidance and steady support throughout the legal process. When you work with our firm, you are not facing this situation alone—we are here to help you every step of the way.
While some child custody matters can be resolved through cooperation and agreement, that is not always possible when parents have different perspectives on what is best for their children. In those situations, our attorneys are prepared to advocate for you, ensuring your voice is heard and your interests are protected both in and out of the courtroom.
Louisville, Kentucky Child Custody Attorneys Ready to Assist You With Custody Matters in Jefferson County, KY
Stange Law Firm is dedicated solely to domestic relations law, and many of our attorneys have received notable accolades, which you can review in their biographies. Located in Jefferson County, our Louisville office is ready to assist you in navigating this significant chapter of your life.
Learn more about the Jefferson County Government and Court by visiting the websites listed below:
Jefferson County Circuit Clerk’s Office: Access details about the office and its services here.
Kentucky Court Information: Find specific guidelines and procedures for Jefferson County Courts here.
Jefferson County Domestic Law Forms & Information: This link offers important law forms in Louisville, Kentucky.
City of Louisville, Kentucky: Learn more about Louisville’s local government here.
Jefferson County, Kentucky Court: Get directions to the Jefferson County Courthouse in Louisville through Google Maps here.
If you’re dealing with a child custody matter in Louisville, Kentucky, our dedicated child custody attorneys are here to assist you. Consulting with a local attorney can help you understand your rights, explore your options, and develop an effective legal strategy for your case.
Child Custody in Louisville, Kentucky
Legal Guide Under Kentucky Law
Child custody matters in Louisville, Kentucky are governed by KRS Chapter 403 and most commonly arise in a dissolution of marriage, parentage proceedings, or actions to modify an existing custody order. When parents cannot reach an agreement, the court is required to enter custody and parenting time orders that serve the best interests of the child while promoting stability and appropriate parental involvement.
Kentucky law places a strong emphasis on the child’s welfare, safety, and need for consistent care.
Kentucky’s Best-Interests Standard
Kentucky courts determine custody based on the best interests of the child. Judges evaluate the totality of the circumstances and consider statutory factors rather than applying a rigid formula.
Factors the court may consider include:
The wishes of the child’s parents regarding custody
The wishes of the child, when the court finds the child sufficiently mature
The child’s interaction and relationship with parents, siblings, and others who significantly affect the child’s well-being
The child’s adjustment to home, school, and community
The mental and physical health of all individuals involved
Information, records, or evidence of domestic violence
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.
Joint Custody Presumption in Kentucky
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 by evidence showing that joint custody or equal parenting time would not serve the child’s welfare, particularly in cases involving safety concerns or high conflict.
Types of Custody Recognized in Kentucky
Kentucky courts address custody through legal custody and physical custody, which may be awarded jointly or solely.
Legal Custody
Legal custody concerns decision-making authority over major matters affecting the child, including education, healthcare, and religious upbringing.
Joint legal custody allows both parents to share decision-making responsibilities
Sole legal custody grants one parent primary decision-making authority
Physical Custody
Physical custody determines where the child primarily resides and how parenting time is divided.
Joint physical custody provides for substantial time with both parents
Sole physical custody places the child primarily with one parent, with parenting time awarded to the other
Courts may order any combination of legal and physical custody that best meets the child’s needs.
Parenting Time and Parenting Schedules
Kentucky courts generally require a parenting schedule that outlines regular parenting time, holidays, school breaks, and transportation responsibilities. Parenting schedules are structured 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 seek custody and parenting time orders from the court.
Domestic Violence and Child Safety
Kentucky courts must carefully consider any evidence of domestic violence or abuse when making custody determinations. If safety concerns exist, the court may restrict parenting time, order 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 evaluate modification requests carefully to balance the need for stability with the child’s changing needs.
Child Custody Proceedings in Louisville and Jefferson County
Child custody matters in Louisville are handled through the courts serving Jefferson County. Courts may require parenting plans and may encourage mediation to help parents resolve disputes. The court’s primary objective remains establishing custody arrangements that support the child’s long-term stability, safety, and well-being.
Contact Louisville, Kentucky Child Custody Lawyers in Jefferson County to Schedule a Consultation Today
If you want more information regarding a child custody case in Louisville, Kentucky, contact our lawyers to schedule an initial consultation today at 855-805-0595 or contact us online.
Jefferson County (Louisville), Kentucky Office (502-516-7375) | 9850 Von Allmen Ct., Suite 235, Louisville, Kentucky 40241
