Child Custody

When you believe a child is in immediate danger, waiting for a regular custody hearing can feel impossible. Kentucky law allows courts to intervene quickly in certain circumstances to protect children from harm.  However, emergency custody is not granted simply because parents disagree about parenting decisions or have concerns about the other parent’s behavior. The…

When parents separate or divorce, one of the biggest concerns is how parenting time will be divided. In recent years, Kentucky has gained national attention for adopting a strong preference for shared parenting. As a result, many parents have heard that Kentucky is now a “50/50 custody state.” While there is some truth to that…

If you are dealing with a custody dispute in Kentucky, you may hear terms such as “sole custody,” “joint custody,” “full custody,” and “parenting time.” These terms can be confusing, particularly because “full custody” is commonly used by parents but does not describe one specific legal arrangement under Kentucky law.  Understanding what these terms actually…

When unmarried parents have a child together, questions about custody and parenting time can become complicated, particularly if both parents are named on the child’s birth certificate. Being listed on the birth certificate can establish important legal rights, but it does not necessarily mean the parents already have a court-ordered custody or parenting-time arrangement. Kentucky…

When family situations become urgent, Kentucky courts have the authority to step in quickly through what is known as emergency custody orders. These orders are not issued lightly. Judges use them only when a child may be in immediate danger or when waiting for a standard custody hearing would put the child at risk. Because…

When parents separate or divorce, one of the most emotional and important questions is who will have custody of the children. Many parents come to family court asking how they can get “full custody.” In Kentucky, however, the answer is often more complex than people expect. Kentucky law generally favors arrangements that allow both parents…

When parents are not married, questions about custody often become more complicated than many expect. In Kentucky, the law does not automatically give fathers custody rights simply because they are the biological parent. Instead, certain legal steps must be taken before a father can fully assert parental rights and seek custody or parenting time. Understanding…

When parents go through a custody dispute in Kentucky, one legal principle sits at the center of nearly every decision: the “best interests of the child” standard. This standard is set out in Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS) 403.270 and guides judges in determining where a child will live and how parenting time will be shared….

Child custody decisions can be one of the most emotional parts of a divorce or separation. Parents often worry about how much time they will be able to spend with their children and whether they can obtain primary or sole custody.  While every situation is different, courts focus on one guiding principle when making custody…