Kentucky Family Court: A Comprehensive Guide
Family Court is a vital institution responsible for resolving a variety of disputes related to family matters. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the Kentucky Family Court system, focusing on its structure, jurisdiction, and the types of cases heard.
Kentucky Family Court Structure
The Kentucky Family Court system is a part of the state's unified court system. It was established in 1991 with the goal of streamlining the process of handling family law matters, making it more efficient and accessible to the public. The family court is part of the circuit court, which is a trial court of general jurisdiction.
As of September 2021, there are 71 family court judges in 53 out of 120 Kentucky counties, with plans to expand the system to other counties in the future. Kentucky Family Court judges are elected to eight-year terms and must have at least five years of experience practicing law to be eligible for the position.
Jurisdiction of the Kentucky Family Court
The jurisdiction of the Kentucky Family Court covers a wide range of family law matters. Some of the primary areas include:
- Divorce and legal separation
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support and spousal support (alimony)
- Adoption
- Domestic violence and abuse
- Paternity and maternity matters
- Termination of parental rights
- Grandparent visitation rights
- Property division in divorce cases
- Name changes
- Contempt of court for noncompliance with court orders
It is important to note that the Kentucky Family Court does not handle criminal matters or matters related to the probate of wills and estates.
Types of Cases Heard in Kentucky Family Court
Divorce and Legal Separation
One of the most common cases heard in Kentucky Family Court involves divorce and legal separation. The court helps couples navigate the complex process of ending their marriages or obtaining a legal separation. This includes determining matters such as child custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, and the division of marital assets and debts.
Child Custody and Visitation
Child custody and visitation cases are among the most critical matters handled by the Kentucky Family Court. The court's primary goal in these cases is to determine the best interests of the child or children involved. This may involve joint custody arrangements, where both parents share custody, or sole custody, where one parent has primary custody. Additionally, the court will establish visitation schedules for the noncustodial parent.
Child Support and Spousal Support
The Kentucky Family Court is responsible for establishing and enforcing child support and spousal support orders. The court uses state guidelines to calculate the appropriate amount of support based on each parent's income, the number of children, and other factors. The court may also order one spouse to pay temporary or permanent spousal support (alimony) to the other spouse in certain situations, such as when there is a significant income disparity between the parties.
Adoption
Adoption cases are also handled by the Kentucky Family Court. The court oversees the legal process of adopting a child, ensuring that the best interests of the child are considered throughout the process. This includes reviewing the home study, conducting background checks on prospective adoptive parents, and finalizing the adoption.
Domestic Violence and Abuse
The Kentucky Family Court plays a crucial role in addressing domestic violence and abuse. The court can issue protective orders, also known as restraining orders, to help protect victims of domestic violence and their children. These orders may include provisions such as prohibiting the abuser from contacting or approaching the victim, surrendering firearms, or attending counseling. The court can also order the abuser to attend anger management or other counseling programs.