Kentucky Law Blog
Receiving protective orders in Kentucky
Victims of domestic abuse often feel they’ve lost control over their lives. That’s because their partner may watch and judge their every move. Unfortunately, this can lead to victims receiving verbal, physical or even sexual abuse from their abuser. According to a recent study, approximately 40 Kentuckians die annually due to some form of partner abuse. Luckily, abuse victims can fight back to keep themselves and their loved ones safe from further harm. Different types of protective orders Here in Kentucky, courts often issue protective orders to prevent victims from enduring more...
The emotional impact of digital stalking
Leaving an abusive marriage can be challenging enough. But in some cases, an abusive partner may find ways to track their former spouse's every move. While technology can add value and convenience to many people's lives, victims of digital stalking know the fear, paranoia and stress it can cause them. How abusive ex-spouses use technology to spy Before, abusers didn’t have many options available to follow their former spouses. But now, they have apps and other software available at their fingertips that can tell them where their ex-spouses are, who they are with and what they are doing. In...
Kentucky ranks as the sixth-highest state for divorce rates
Since people have been waiting longer to get married than before, marriage rates have been steadily decreasing. However, this is not the case among southern states, where marriage rates have stayed somewhat consistent compared to the decreasing national average. Divorce rates in southern states, specifically Kentucky, have also stayed above the national average. In 2017, Kentucky had a divorce rate of 3.7 per 1,000 residents. This places Kentucky sixth nationally in terms of divorce rates. No-fault laws may increase divorce rates One reason for Kentucky’s high divorce rates might be how...
Filing for divorce first could win you some advantage
You’re getting ready to file for divorce, but you’re not sure if the time is right. Your uncertainty could put you at a disadvantage if your partner beats you to the punch. Divorce can be hard, but it can get harder when your partner is the one serving the divorce papers. There are certain advantages to be had when you’re the first to file, so it will likely be in your best interest to be confident in your decision and act. Heading off the past Acting first can put you in a better position at most stages of the proceedings: Jump start: Your spouse will generally have a window within which...
3 Ways to prepare yourself for divorce mediation
If you want to settle conflict with your partner during a divorce but don’t want to go through court proceedings, mediation is an available option. In the mediation process, you and your partner sit down with an impartial third party — a mediator — to find solutions for your divorce-related problems. While mediation avoids expensive, stressful court proceedings, it is not without its challenges. However, preparing yourself for mediation can make the process more bearable for all parties. Plan your approach Don’t come into mediation with a vague sense of what you want out of your divorce. You...
Recognize the signs of financial abuse in your relationship
A recent survey of 2,000 millennials found that 69% reported being financially abused by their partner to gain control or manipulate them in their relationship. Nearly a third of those said they were also abused by their partner, either physically or through infidelity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says one in four women will be the target of domestic violence in their lifetime, usually before age 25, and nearly all of those victims will also experience financial abuse. What are the signs? Financial disputes are one of the main reasons why couples file for divorce....
Will child support payments increase if the other parent gets a raise?
When raising a child, both parents have a financial obligation to help and support them. For the custodial parent, they meet this obligation by directly spending their time and money on the child. Generally, the non-custodial parent sends child support payments to the other spouse to meet their financial responsibility. Either parent can petition the court to modify the amount of child support, but each state has different guidelines on how often a parent can make this request. Typically, to change the amount of support, the petitioner will have to prove that there was a substantial change...
