Divorce Law in Kentucky
How to Find a Kentucky Divorce Attorney
Do you have loved ones and acquaintances who have gone through divorce? If so, consider what went right – and what didn’t – during their divorces; then, try to emulate the positive and avoid the negative. That’s what we’ve done in this article.
If you’re considering divorce or looking to find a Kentucky divorce attorney, we wrote this article for you. Even if you make mistakes (and you will; everyone does) just keep going.
“I think I can. I think I can. I think I can. I know I can.”
– Little Engine That Could
In this article (which is based upon Kentucky divorce law), we’ll discuss:
- Kentucky specific divorce law requirements;
- What you need to know about divorce; and
- Whether it’s in your best interest to hire a Kentucky divorce lawyer and, if so, how to find one and how to prepare to work with him or her.
Kentucky Divorce Law Specifics
- If you want to file for divorce in Kentucky, you or your spouse must have been a Kentucky resident (or have been stationed in Kentucky) for at least 180 days immediately before the filing.
- Kentucky has only one ground for divorce, the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.
- Kentucky uses the terms, “petitioner” to refer to the spouse who files the initial divorce papers and “respondent” to describe the other spouse.
- In Kentucky, divorce papers are filed in the Circuit County Court.
- In some cases, alimony is available.
- Child support will be based upon the Income Shares Model.
- Kentucky is an “equitable distribution” state, meaning that marital property will be divided as is fair, which is not necessarily equal.
What You Need to Know About Divorce
In this section, we’ll highlight the aspects of divorce that will help you this most. Of course, we’ll emphasize to learn from your own missteps as well as the mistakes of others. “Just keep swimming” (as advised by Dory, Finding Nemo).
- It gets better. You won’t always feel like this. Use “I think I can” as your daily mantra.
- Your second mantra needs to be “compromise, collaboration, communication, and cooperation”. Use these goals as the foundation for all decision-making. You will benefit from saying, “yes”, as often as you possibly can.
- Don’t hire a shark-like attorney. An attorney, who angers your spouse (or you), will push you into court. Only hire a divorce attorney who is willing to work collaboratively.
- Everyone needs someone to talk to. Don’t use your children or your divorce lawyer to vent anger, frustration, or despair; instead consult with a therapist.
Is it in Your Best Interests to Work with a Kentucky Divorce Lawyer?
Do you know your rights?
If you give up any marital rights during divorce, you will be forever barred from asserting them. There are no do-overs.
Do you know how to protect your children’s best interests?
Even Kentucky attorneys, who go through divorce, hire their own divorce attorneys. One mistake may cost you tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars and time with your children.
How to Find and Select a Kentucky Divorce Attorney
Enter “How to Find a Kentucky Divorce Attorney” into Google to find a Kentucky divorce lawyer.
Then, investigate to make your selection.
- Be sure that the attorneys on your short list focus their practice on divorce law and family law.
- Ask questions about working collaboratively; avoiding court, if possible; legal fees and costs; what to expect; how to handle communications with your spouse and attorney; and how long everything will take.
- Hire the attorney who is the best fit for you and your individual situation.
How to Prepare to Work with Your Divorce Attorney
Keep in mind if you make a mistake or don’t handle a situation well, it’s okay to forgive yourself, learn from it, and move on. Try your best to do the same for your spouse if he or she makes a mistake or doesn’t handle a situation as well as you’d like.
Here is a checklist to help you to prepare to work with your divorce lawyer:
- Remember that your feelings of distress will lessen and you will feel good again.
- Consider reconciliation. It’s okay to wait to file divorce; if you feel the same way in 6 months, you can always file then.
- Consult with a therapist, who specializes in helping people who are going through divorce.
- Make a “wish list” of everything you would like in the divorce (e.g. property division, spousal support, living arrangements, and child related matters). Know that compromise will absolutely be required.
- Make a list of questions to ask your divorce attorney during your next communication.
- Gather financial documentation for everything you and your spouse own or owe, monthly and annual expenses, and income.
The successful man will profit from his mistakes and try again in a different way.
