Filing for divorce in Kentucky without an attorney costs $148-$180 in court fees. You must meet the residency requirement of 180 days in Kentucky. Kentucky is a equitable distribution state with a 60 days waiting period. An uncontested divorce typically takes 2-3 months. Victoria AI guides you through every step with Kentucky-specific instructions.
Last updated: February 1, 2026 • Reviewed by Divorce.law Legal Team
| Filing Fee | $148-$180 (Jefferson County (Louisville): $148. Fayette County (Lexington): $155. Fees are relatively low across Kentucky.) |
| Residency Requirement | 180 days in Kentucky |
| Waiting Period | 60 days |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (fair, not equal) |
| Grounds for Divorce | Irretrievable breakdown (no-fault) |
| No-Fault Only? | Yes |
| Uncontested Timeline | 2-3 months |
| Contested Timeline | 6 months to 2+ years |
| Fee Waiver Available? | Yes |
To file for divorce in Kentucky, you must meet the following residency requirement: 180 days in Kentucky.
At least one spouse must have been a resident of Kentucky for at least 180 days (approximately 6 months) before filing for divorce.
Tip: Victoria AI can help you determine if you meet Kentucky's residency requirements and guide you through the documentation needed to prove residency.
Follow these steps to file for divorce in Kentucky without an attorney. Victoria AI guides you through each step with state-specific instructions.
At least one spouse must have been a resident of Kentucky for at least 180 days (approximately 6 months) before filing for divorce.
Download the official Kentucky divorce forms: Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, Summons, Verified Disclosure Statement. All forms are available from the Kentucky courts website.
Fill out the divorce petition (AOC-238) with your information, grounds for divorce, and what you're requesting (property division, custody, support).
File your completed petition with the Kentucky court and pay the filing fee of $148-$180. Fee waivers are available if you qualify financially.
Properly serve your spouse with the divorce papers according to Kentucky rules. Options typically include sheriff service, process server, or certified mail with acknowledgment.
Exchange mandatory financial disclosure documents as required by Kentucky law. This typically includes income verification, tax returns, bank statements, and a sworn financial affidavit.
Kentucky has a mandatory 60-day waiting period from the date the respondent is served. The court cannot finalize the divorce until this period passes.
Submit your final judgment to the court. For uncontested divorces in Kentucky, this typically takes 2-3 months. The court will issue your final divorce decree.
These are the primary forms you'll need to file for divorce in Kentucky. Victoria AI guides you through completing each form correctly.
Initiates divorce
Notifies spouse
Financial disclosure
Final judgment
The filing fee to start a divorce in Kentucky is $148-$180. Jefferson County (Louisville): $148. Fayette County (Lexington): $155. Fees are relatively low across Kentucky.
| Cost Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $148-$180 |
| Service of Process | $50-$100 (varies by method) |
| Certified Copies | $5-$25 per copy |
| Total DIY Uncontested | $250-$900 (uncontested DIY) |
If you cannot afford the filing fee, Kentucky offers fee waivers for qualifying individuals. You'll need to complete a fee waiver application demonstrating financial hardship. This typically requires showing income below a certain threshold (often 125-200% of federal poverty guidelines) or receiving public assistance benefits.
Victoria can help: Our AI guides you through the fee waiver application process and helps you gather the required documentation.
After filing your divorce petition in Kentucky, you must legally "serve" your spouse with the divorce papers. This ensures they receive official notice of the divorce and have an opportunity to respond.
A sheriff, constable, or private process server personally delivers the papers to your spouse. Most reliable method.
Papers sent via certified mail with return receipt requested. Your spouse must sign to acknowledge receipt.
Your spouse voluntarily signs an acknowledgment that they received the papers. Fastest and cheapest option if cooperative.
If your spouse cannot be located, you may be able to publish notice in a newspaper. Requires court approval.
You must file proof of service with the court showing your spouse was properly served. Without valid proof of service, your divorce cannot proceed. Kentucky courts are strict about service requirements.
Kentucky is a equitable distribution state.
Kentucky divides marital property equitably. The court assigns each spouse's non-marital property to that spouse, then divides marital property based on contribution, economic circumstances, and length of marriage.
Victoria's Financial Tools: Our AI-powered financial tools help you identify, categorize, and value marital assets. Victoria can help you understand how Kentucky law applies to your specific property.
Kentucky uses the Income shares model per Kentucky Child Support Guidelines.
Kentucky uses income shares guidelines. Combined monthly gross incomes of both parents determine the child support obligation, allocated based on each parent's income percentage.
Understanding the timeline helps you plan and set realistic expectations for your Kentucky divorce.
When both spouses agree on all terms including property division, custody, and support. This is the fastest and least expensive option.
When spouses cannot agree and need court intervention to resolve disputes. Involves hearings, discovery, and potentially trial.
File Petition
Day 1 - Submit your divorce paperwork and pay the $148-$180 filing fee
Serve Your Spouse
Within 30 days - Ensure proper legal service of divorce papers
Response Period
20-30 days - Your spouse has time to file a response
Waiting Period
60 days - Kentucky has a mandatory 60-day waiting period from the date the respondent is served. The court cannot finalize the divorce until this period passes.
Final Judgment
Court issues your final divorce decree
Speed up your divorce: Victoria AI helps you complete forms correctly the first time, avoiding delays from rejected paperwork. Our checklists ensure you don't miss any steps or deadlines.
No-fault only state
60-day waiting period
Low filing fees
Standardized AOC forms statewide
Non-marital property protected
Common questions about filing for divorce in Kentucky without an attorney.
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Kentucky-specific forms
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Financial disclosure wizard
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Child support calculator
Using Kentucky's exact guidelines
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Victoria provides legal information, not legal advice. For advice specific to your case, consult an attorney.
All Kentucky divorce information verified from official state court sources.
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