In Kentucky, a contested divorce occurs when spouses can’t agree on key issues like property division, child custody, or support—requiring court involvement or mediation. An uncontested divorce, however, happens when both parties agree on all terms, making it a faster and more affordable process.

Kentucky’s no-fault divorce laws mean couples don’t need to prove wrongdoing—only that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. To file, at least one spouse must have lived in Kentucky for 180 days, and the couple must be separated for 60 days before finalizing the divorce.

At Velez Law, we guide clients through both contested and uncontested divorces with compassion and clarity to help them reach fair, lasting outcomes.

In Kentucky, the court is required to determine custody based on the best interests of the child, giving equal consideration to each parent and any de facto custodian. While joint legal custody is presumed, a parent may request sole legal custody. Upon initial determinations, courts are required to weigh best interest factors. Judges in Kentucky are not restricted to only looking to what parents, grandparents, or children desire when it comes to custody disputes.

The court encourages divorcing or separating parents to work together to raise their children, and they are expected to develop a parenting plan outlining the terms and circumstances of their shared parenting.

To learn more about child custody and parenting time in Kentucky and how our team can help you with your case, schedule your initial consultation with us today!

Child support is a monthly payment made by a parent to assist in covering the costs of raising a child. In Kentucky, both parents are financially responsible for their child (or children), although only the non-custodial parent normally makes payments. This is because the law presumes that the custodial parent—the parent who spends the most of the time with the kid—spends the appropriate amount of child support directly on the child.

The amount of child support will depend on each parent’s income and the number of children requiring support. Kentucky has enacted child support guidelines, or rules, for calculating support. In addition to the amount determined by the guidelines, parents must also share the child’s health and childcare costs and may need to cover other expenses, like those required for the child’s education.

In Kentucky, child support payments will continue until the child turns 18, or until 19 if the child is still in high school. Parents divide these payments between themselves proportionally, based on their individual incomes.

If you would like to know more about child support and how we can help you with your case, feel free to schedule your initial consultation with us!

It is important to know that child custody can be changed. If the child’s mental, physical, or emotional health is jeopardized, an individual might request a modification of custody during the first two years of the initial custody ruling. After this time, the court has the authority to change custody if it believes it is in the best interests of the kid.

As your kid grows older and his or her needs change, you may request a custody change. You may also do so to safeguard the child’s physical or mental health (for example, in situations of domestic abuse) or if one parent intends to relocate, which may have an adverse effect on the child’s life.

If you would like to know more about how to modify a custody order and how we can help you with your case, feel free to schedule your initial consultation with us!

A parent is always free to relocate alone, but the court may need to be involved when one parent wants to move-away with the children and the other parent disagrees. Both parents must agree in writing and submit their agreement to the court. If they are unable to reach an agreement, a court will have to make a decision.

If a parent’s planned relocation would interfere with the current parenting schedule, they must notify the other parent. If there is no agreement, the relocating parent must seek the Family Court’s permission, and the issue may proceed to a hearing or trial.

If you would like to know more about relocation law in Kentucky and how we can help you with your case, feel free to schedule your initial consultation with us!

A Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) is a written contract between divorcing spouses that outlines how they will divide their assets, debts, and responsibilities after the marriage ends. This agreement can also include arrangements for child custody, support, and alimony. Having a clear and fair MSA helps avoid future disputes and ensures a smoother divorce process.

If you would like to know more about marital settlements in Kentucky and how we can help you draft your agreement, feel free to schedule your initial consultation with us!

In family law, appeals can arise from a variety of issues, including child custody and visitation, child support, alimony, property division, and more. During an appeal, the parties involved will present legal arguments to the higher court in an attempt to persuade them to either uphold the lower court’s decision or to overturn it.

It’s important to note that appeals can be complex and time-consuming, and it’s crucial to have an experienced family law attorney on your side to guide you through the process. At Velez Law PLLC, we have the knowledge and expertise to handle appeals in family law cases and will work tirelessly to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements help couples protect their financial interests and clarify expectations before or after marriage. These agreements outline how assets, debts, and property will be handled in the event of divorce or separation, ensuring fairness and transparency for both parties. Our team can help you draft, review, or negotiate an agreement that safeguards your rights while supporting a healthy relationship.

If you are considering a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement in Kentucky, it’s important to consult with a qualified attorney to ensure that the agreement meets all legal requirements and adequately protects your interests.

Emergency Protective Orders (EPO) and Domestic Violence Orders (DVO) are court-issued protections designed to safeguard individuals and their children from abuse, threats, or harassment. These orders can provide immediate relief, including temporary custody and no-contact provisions.

At Vélez Law, PLLC, we guide clients through both filing for protection and defending against false or exaggerated claims. Our goal is to protect your rights, your safety, and your reputation while ensuring that all court orders are fair and enforceable.

If you or someone you know needs immediate help or has been served with an EPO or DVO, it’s important to act quickly. Our firm can assist you in understanding your legal options and preparing for court.