Kentucky Divorce Checklist
divorce.law/resources/divorce-checklist/kentucky/
Prepared: 5/20/2026
Data updated: 3/1/2026
Estimated Timeline
60-90 days for uncontested divorces without children, 90-120 days for uncontested with children, 12-18 months for contested cases in Kentucky. The mandatory 60-day waiting period under KRS 403.170 sets the absolute minimum timeline.
Documents to Gather
- Certified Marriage Certificate
- Birth Certificates for Minor Children
- Valid Kentucky Driver's License or State ID
- Social Security Cards for All Family Members
- Proof of Kentucky Residency (180 days)
- Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreement(if applicable)
- Existing Court Orders(if applicable)
- Health Insurance Policy Documents
Financial Documents
- Last 3 Years of Federal and State Tax Returns
- Recent Pay Stubs (Last 3-6 Months)
- Bank Statements for All Accounts (Last 6 Months)
- Retirement and Pension Account Statements
- Investment and Brokerage Account Statements
- Real Estate Documentation
- Vehicle Titles and Loan Statements
- Business Ownership Documentation(if applicable)
- Credit Card and Loan Statements
- Life Insurance and Annuity Policies
- Health Insurance Premium Documentation
- Childcare Cost Documentation(if applicable)
Key Steps
1. Before Filing
- Verify Residency Requirements
- Gather Essential Personal and Financial Documents
- Determine the Appropriate County for Filing
- Assess Safety Concerns and Obtain Protective Orders if Needed
2. Filing Process
- Complete the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Generate the VS-300 Certificate of Divorce
- File the Petition and Pay the Filing Fee
- Prepare the Separation Agreement if Uncontested
3. After Filing
- Serve Your Spouse with the Divorce Papers
- Wait for Respondent's Answer Within 20-Day Deadline
- Exchange Preliminary Financial Disclosure Statements
- Attend Mediation if Ordered by the Court
- Complete the Mandatory 60-Day Separation Period
- File Final Disclosure and Complete the Deposition of Petitioner
- Submit the Motion and Decree for Final Entry
- Complete Post-Decree Name Change and Record Updates
Key Deadlines
Quick Reference
To file for divorce in Kentucky, you must first establish that at least one spouse has resided continuously in the state for 180 days under KRS 403.140. File a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (Form AOC-252A for no children, or the AOC-251 series with children) at the Circuit Court in the county where either spouse resides, along with the Case Data Information Sheet (AOC-FC-3) and the VS-300 Certificate of Divorce generated through the state vital statistics portal at ovs.chfs.ky.gov as required by KRS 213.116. The filing fee is $150.00, with fee waivers available via Form AOC-026. After filing, serve your spouse by certified mail, sheriff, or waiver (Form AOC-252.1). The respondent has 20 days to file an answer. Both parties must exchange Preliminary Verified Disclosure Statements (Form AOC-238) within 45 days of service under FCRPP Rule 2. Kentucky imposes a mandatory 60-day waiting period under KRS 403.170 before the court can enter a final decree. After 60 days, submit Form AOC-252.8 (Motion to Submit) with the completed decree (Form AOC-252.6) for the judge's review and signature. Uncontested cases typically finalize in 60-90 days; contested cases may take 12-18 months.