Louisville, Kentucky Divorce Lawyers Serving Jefferson County, Kentucky, and the Surrounding Areas
If you’re dealing with a divorce in Louisville, Kentucky, it’s essential to have compassionate and dedicated legal counsel on your side. The outcomes of these cases can have a great and lasting impact on you and your family.
At Stange Law Firm, our practice is focused solely on divorce and domestic relations, allowing our attorneys to provide effective guidance with care and compassion. Whether your divorce involves courtroom litigation or alternative dispute resolution, we have the resources and a committed team to support you every step of the way.
From our office in Louisville, Kentucky, located in Jefferson County, we help residents of Louisville, KY, and the surrounding areas, offering legal guidance with a wide range of domestic relations matters, including:
- Louisville, Kentucky Domestic Litigation Attorneys in Jefferson County: We assist with all domestic relations matters in the Louisville, KY area.
- Louisville, Kentucky Child Support Attorneys in Jefferson County: If you’re seeking guidance on child support in Jefferson County, visit this page for more information, including access to our Kentucky support calculator.
- Louisville, Kentucky Child Custody Lawyers in Jefferson County: Our attorneys are here to assist with parenting time and custody matters in Louisville, KY, and surrounding areas.
- Louisville, Kentucky Paternity Attorneys in Jefferson County: Unmarried parents in Louisville, and nearby areas, can contact our attorneys for assistance with paternity and custody issues.
- Louisville, Kentucky Fathers’ Rights Lawyers: Fathers in Jefferson County, KY, seeking representation for a divorce or other domestic relations matters can consult our compassionate attorneys.
- Louisville, Kentucky Estate Planning Lawyers: From wills and trusts to probate, our team is ready to assist with all your estate planning needs in Louisville, KY.
- Louisville, Kentucky Adoption Lawyers in Jefferson County: If you’re considering adoption in Louisville, KY, our attorneys can guide you through the entire process.
- Louisville, Kentucky Modification Lawyers: For assistance with modifying custody or support orders in Kentucky, our experienced attorneys are here to help.
- Louisville, Kentucky Guardianship Attorneys: Need help with establishing or revoking guardianship in Jefferson County? Visit this link for more information.
- Louisville, Kentucky Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreement Lawyers: Ensure these important agreements are drafted precisely. Visit this page to learn more.
The lawyers at Stange Law Firm recognize that divorce in Louisville, Kentucky, can be one of the most emotionally challenging times in your life. That’s why our Louisville divorce attorneys are dedicated to advocating for you, whether your divorce is uncontested or contested. From out-of-court resolutions to divorce trial proceedings, the divorce attorneys at Stange Law Firm are here to support and guide you every step of the way.
You can also find out more information about Jefferson County, KY here:
- Government Website for Louisville, Kentucky: Need to learn more about the government in Louisville, KY? Click this link for additional details.
- Kentucky Court Information: To learn about the rules, procedures, and other information on the Kentucky Courts, click this link.
- Jefferson County Family Court: Click here for a Google Maps link with directions to the Jefferson County Courthouse.
- Louisville, Kentucky Children’s Advocacy Centers: If you’re seeking help for a child experiencing sexual or physical abuse in Jefferson County, Kentucky, click here to access valuable resources and find a nearby advocacy center.
COMMON DIVORCE QUESTIONS IN KENTUCKY
What Are the Grounds for Divorce in Kentucky?
The state of Kentucky is a “no-fault” divorce state. This means that Kentucky allows divorce when one or both parties feel that their marriage is irretrievably broken and there is no reasonable chance of reconciliation.
Residency Requirements for Divorce & Waiting Period in Louisville, Kentucky
In Kentucky, at least one spouse must be a resident of the state and have been living or present in the state for at least 180 days prior to filing for divorce. This rule also applies to individuals who have been stationed at a military base in Kentucky. Divorcing spouses must also be without sexual cohabitation for 60 days before filing the divorce petition.
Kentucky courts are unable to finalize a divorce until at least 20 days have passed since service on the respondent in divorces without children. In divorce cases involving children, Kentucky courts are unable to finalize a divorce for at least 60 days.
Name of Court and Title of Action/Parties in Louisville, Kentucky
In Kentucky, divorce cases are typically filed in the Circuit Court. The process starts with a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and concludes with a Judgment for Dissolution of Marriage, which legally terminates the marriage. The spouse initiating the divorce is referred to as the Petitioner, while the other spouse is called the Respondent.
Legal Separation in Louisville, Kentucky
Legal separation is similar to divorce in that Kentucky courts address the same issues, such as property division, support, and custody. However, the couple remains legally married. While legally separated, spouses live independently but cannot remarry unless the separation is converted into a divorce. If a legally separated couple reconciles, either spouse can request the court to vacate the separation order.
Spousal Support and Alimony in Jefferson County, Kentucky
In Kentucky, alimony is referred to as “maintenance” and describes financial support provided by one spouse to the other during or after divorce proceedings. Judges determine eligibility based on elements including whether the requesting spouse lacks sufficient property to meet reasonable needs and cannot support themselves through appropriate employment. Factors that can influence the amount and duration of maintenance include the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial resources, age, physical and emotional condition, and the time necessary for the recipient to acquire education or training for employment. Kentucky law does not prescribe a specific formula for calculating maintenance. Instead, judges have the discretion to decide what is fair based on all relevant circumstances of each case.
Distribution of Property and Debt in Louisville, Kentucky
In Kentucky, the courts follow equitable distribution rules when determining how to divide marital debts and assets. It is not common for the courts to divide property 50/50, and in most cases, judges divide the marital assets how they see fit. Common property that is subject to equitable distribution in Kentucky consists of pensions, retirement accounts, real estate, personal property, marital home, and bank accounts.
Kentucky courts will not include separate property as part of the distribution. Separate property consists of items owned prior to the marriage but also includes items such as gifts, inheritances, and monetary settlements related to personal injury.
Child Custody in Jefferson County, KY
In Kentucky, child custody decisions are made with the child’s best interests as the main consideration, and there is a legal presumption in favor of joint custody. Courts assess various factors, including the child’s relationship with each parent, their adjustment to home, school, and community, and the mental and physical health of everyone involved. If parents cannot agree on custody, the court may appoint a “friend of the court” to investigate and recommend an arrangement. Kentucky law also recognizes “de facto custodians,” individuals who have been the primary caregivers and financial supporters of the child and may grant them custody rights if it is in the child’s best interests. Custody and visitation orders can be modified if there is a significant change in circumstances that impacts the child’s well-being.
Child Support in Louisville, Kentucky
In Kentucky, child support is determined using state guidelines that consider both parents’ combined adjusted gross income and the number of children to be supported. The minimum monthly child support amount is $60, but this can be adjusted based on the parent’s financial circumstances. The court may also consider factors such as the child’s needs, the parent’s financial resources, and the standard of living the child would have enjoyed if the marriage had not ended. Additionally, Kentucky law allows for modifications to child support orders if there is a significant change in circumstances.
Name Change in Jefferson County, Kentucky
In Kentucky, if you’re going through a divorce and wish to resume using your former name, the court can restore your maiden name or previous name when it finalizes the divorce decree. While this is a common practice, it’s not an automatic process. You must specifically request it from the court. In most cases, it is simpler to request the name change during the divorce process rather than after it’s finalized. Once your divorce is complete, you can use a certified copy of the divorce decree to update your name with various government agencies.
Contact Our Louisville, Kentucky Divorce Attorneys Today to Schedule a Consultation in Jefferson County, KY
If you’re going through a divorce in Louisville, Kentucky, our dedicated team at Stange Law Firm is here to support you. We understand how significant family matters are, and we are committed to guiding you through this difficult time and helping you move forward with your life.
Jefferson County (Louisville), Kentucky Office (502-516-7375) | 9850 Von Allmen Ct., Suite 235, Louisville, Kentucky 40241
