Kentucky · Divorce and family law

Kentucky Divorce Waiting Period, Residency, and Child Support Rules

Court may not enter decree until the parties have lived apart for 60 days; living apart includes living under the same roof without sexual cohabitation.

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Four state rules to check first

The filing timeline and support method can change by state and by the facts. Start with the governing reference points, then confirm the current court procedure.

Timeline

Waiting period and finality

Court may not enter decree until the parties have lived apart for 60 days; living apart includes living under the same roof without sexual cohabitation.

Ky. Rev. Stat. Sec. 403.044.

Verified Jul 3, 2026 · Next review by Jul 3, 2027

Filing jurisdiction

Residency requirement

One party must reside in Kentucky, or be stationed in Kentucky while in the armed services, for 180 days before filing.

Ky. Rev. Stat. Sec. 403.140(1)(a).

Verified Jul 3, 2026 · Next review by Jul 3, 2027

Published framework

Child support guideline

Kentucky child support uses statutory child support guidelines and table.

Ky. Rev. Stat. Sec. 403.212.

Verified Jul 3, 2026 · Next review by Jul 3, 2027

Adjustments and inputs

Child support methodology

Income shares guideline using combined monthly adjusted parental gross income, childcare, health insurance, extraordinary medical expense, and parenting-time credits.

Ky. Rev. Stat. Secs. 403.211, 403.212, 403.2122.

Verified Jul 3, 2026 · Next review by Jul 3, 2027

What changes the answer

The statewide rule is the starting point

  • Service and filing postureA waiting period may run from filing, service, appearance, or another event.
  • County and venueState residency and the correct county are separate questions.
  • Parenting time and incomeSupport calculations can turn on custody time, income definitions, credits, and deviations.
  • Current forms and local rulesCourt forms, scheduling, and required disclosures can change the practical workflow.

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This page reports source-linked state rules and review dates. It does not calculate a deadline, determine eligibility, select a procedure, value a claim, or apply law to an individual situation. Verify the cited authority, local procedure, and current law before relying on a rule.