How to File for Divorce in Kentucky

One spouse must have lived in Kentucky, or been stationed in Kentucky as a member of the armed services, for the 180 days before the petition is filed.

Kentucky has no separate simplified divorce. Spouses may sign a written separation agreement covering maintenance, property, and child custody, support and visitation; its financial and property terms bind the court unless the court finds them unconscionable, and child-related terms remain subject to the court's review. The Court of Justice offers a free A2J guided interview to prepare forms for a divorce without children.

No divorce decree can be entered until the spouses have lived apart for 60 days; living under the same roof without sexual relations counts as living apart. In divorces with minor children, no testimony (other than on temporary motions) may be taken until 60 days after service of the summons, the appointment of a warning order attorney, or the other spouse's appearance or response, whichever comes first.

The Kentucky Court of Justice posts official AOC forms on its Legal Forms page, searchable by form number, keyword or topic. Divorce forms include the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (without children under 18) (AOC-252 redacted and AOC-252A unredacted), Waiver of Service and Entry of Appearance (AOC-252.1), Separation Agreement (without children under 18) (AOC-252.4), Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Decree of Dissolution of Marriage (AOC-252.6), Motion to Submit for Entry of Decree (AOC-252.8), Preliminary and Final Verified Disclosure Statements (AOC-238/239) and the Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage (AOC-250). Circuit court clerks also provide printed forms, and the Court of Justice offers eFiling (File & Serve).