Start here
You do not have to know
every legal word.
Find the newest signed order.
Write down the case number, county, court/division, order date, next hearing, and any stated deadline. Ask the clerk for a copy if you do not have it.
Separate what happened from what you think it means.
Record the date, document or witness, exact instruction, and effect on the child. Mark missing information. An allegation, an agency finding, and a judge’s finding are different things.
Name the question you need answered.
For example: “What does this order require?”, “How do I ask for a specific schedule?”, or “How can I respond to this report?” Ask a lawyer promptly about deadlines and the available procedure.
Preserve the documents and identify the specific action you want reviewed. A disappointing result alone does not establish misconduct. A complaint or records request does not change an order or pause a court deadline.
Official court-record instructions ↗ · What court staff can help with ↗
Identify your case
Family law describes the topic.
Your case determines the process.
Dispute between parents or custodians
Chapter 403 covers domestic relations and custody. Read the orders to see who makes decisions and what contact is permitted. Custody, a parenting schedule, and child support are distinct questions.
KRS Chapter 403 ↗Dependency, neglect, or abuse proceeding
Chapter 620 is the child-protection track. It may exist alongside a custody case. An agency meeting, temporary removal hearing, adjudication, and disposition have different purposes.
Read the DCBS parents’ rights guide →Protective-order proceeding
A protective-order case has its own requirements. Tell a lawyer about existing orders and safety concerns before agreeing to exchanges, mediation, or contact arrangements.
Official self-help and protective-order resources ↗Do not assume every connected case belongs before one judge. The official county directories distinguish the 21st Judicial Circuit from the 21st Judicial District. Check the court and division shown on each order.
Rights & limits / Kentucky law
Know the rule.
Know when it applies.
Do parents automatically get equal time?
No. KRS 403.270 uses a child’s best interests and a rebuttable joint-custody/equal-time presumption, subject to KRS 403.315. A presumption can be overcome; it is not a guaranteed schedule. The current custody law requires consideration of specified domestic-violence or child-abuse allegations and written findings on their impact on the child.
What if domestic violence or child abuse is involved?
KRS 403.315 changes the usual presumptions when its domestic-violence conditions are met. KRS 403.317 adds protections after specified findings for a competent, nonabusive, bonded nonoffending parent. The legal findings and circumstances matter. Ask a lawyer how these provisions apply; do not assume every high-conflict disagreement is legally domestic violence.
KRS 403.315 ↗ · KRS 403.317 ↗ · Both effective July 15, 2026
Can I ask for a clearer visitation schedule?
KRS 403.320 addresses qualifying visitation rights and specific scheduling orders on either party’s request. It distinguishes changing visitation from restricting it. Ask about the procedure that fits your order and requested change.
Can I ask to change custody?
KRS 403.340 sets standards for changing sole or joint custody. Its initial two-year limitation has specified affidavit-based exceptions. KRS 403.350 requires supporting affidavits and notice for temporary custody or custody modification; the court evaluates adequate cause for a hearing. These rules do not mean an immediate hearing or change is automatic.
What if a custody investigation report is being used?
For an investigation and report under KRS 403.300, the statute provides for advance mailing of the report, access to specified underlying material, and questioning the investigator and consulted persons. Ask whether this section covers the report in your case. It does not automatically govern every therapist note or GAL report.
Will the court appoint me a free lawyer?
There is no blanket promise of an appointed attorney for an ordinary custody dispute. Some child-protection proceedings have statutory appointment provisions subject to the stage and eligibility conditions. Ask about your case type, eligibility, legal aid, and whether a lawyer can help with a limited task.
KRS 620.100 · Child-protection appointment provisions ↗ · Find legal help ↓
Current-law explanations do not decide which version applies to an older order or event. Review the relevant date, not only today’s text.
Choose the process
What are you trying
to get addressed?
| Your question | Starting point | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| I cannot understand the order. | Get a complete copy; ask a lawyer about its meaning. | The clerk can explain procedure, but cannot choose legal arguments. |
| The schedule is unclear or contact is not happening. | Document the order and events; ask about clarification, enforcement, or scheduling relief. | Changing custody has different requirements. |
| I disagree with a court decision. | Ask promptly about the proper motion or appeal and its deadline. | A misconduct complaint cannot reverse the order. |
| I disagree with DCBS services or a finding. | Read the notice and the appropriate administrative-review instructions. | A service appeal and finding appeal are different. Court-related exclusions may apply. |
| I need documents. | Use the records-route guide. | Agency policies, protected CPS files, and court records use different routes. |
| I believe a judge engaged in misconduct. | Read the Judicial Conduct Commission’s instructions ↗. | The commission cannot review judicial error or change the case result. |
DCBS Ombudsman and appeal resources ↗ · 922 KAR 1:320 · Administrative-review scope ↗
A practical preparation list
Bring a clear question.
Bring the supporting record.
- Make a one-page timeline: date, what happened, source, and impact on the child.
- Keep the newest order with later amendments. Do not rely on someone else’s summary.
- Separate original records from your notes. Keep complete messages and source details.
- Ask about submitting exhibits, witnesses, notice to other parties, and the applicable rules.
- Ask what the next hearing is for. Having a binder does not automatically make its contents evidence.
- List service barriers and proposed practical solutions: transportation, work, cost, or accessibility.
- Keep communication brief, factual, and focused on the child. Follow applicable contact restrictions.
- Keep children’s and private case information off public forums. Do not contact a judge privately about your case.
Preparation aid only; not a filing, motion, objection, or request for an extension.
21st Circuit area / County resources
Confirm your court.
Confirm your local rules.
Use the official county pages for clerk and court information. Confirm the location, court/division, hearing format, and schedule using your notice and the clerk. Old rules PDFs may contain outdated addresses or calendars.
Official local-rules selector ↗Practical resources
Get help with the part
you do not understand.
- Civil legal aid directory · Legal Aid of the Bluegrass serves these four counties ↗
Published contact: 859-431-8200. The provider determines eligibility, scope, and availability.
- Court self-help portal · Legal information and referral resources ↗
- Official AOC forms · Search by title, topic, or form number ↗
- AOC-026 · Request a court-cost waiver, subject to approval ↗
- Court language-access services ↗
- Court disability accommodations ↗
Ask for communication support early. The clerk can explain filing mechanics and provide available forms; court staff cannot give legal strategy or change an order for you.
Look up a term, SOP, form, or statute →