FAMILY LAW MATTERS

In cases where parents do not get married, a case may be filed so that a parenting schedule, child support and custody can get put in place. These actions may be filed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky on behalf of a parent against another parent, or may be filed by one parent against another.

These cases are filed by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services for the safety and benefit of a child against a parent or  custodian. You have a right to parent your child and these types of cases threaten that right. However, the requirement of the Cabinet is to work to reunify you with your children in the event they were initially removed from your care.

Child Support may be awarded for the benefit of children in cases where the parents are married, but separated, divorced, and when parents were never married. The amount of support is set by the Kentucky legislature based on both parents' incomes before taxes are taken out. Child Support can always be modified as long as the modification meets certain criteria.

These agreements can be very important for some couples and are commonly prepared prior to a marriage. The Commonwealth of Kentucky enforces these agreements as long as they meet certain criteria. 

In times where domestic violence occurs, a party may take out an Emergency Protective Order. The Court will have a hearing to determine whether the facts warrant the issuance of a Domestic Violence order, which can protect a party for up to three years. 

Step Parent Adoptions are very happy occasions and can be  effectuated relatively simply.