Divorce Lawyer in Georgetown, KY
Steady, practical guidance through divorce, custody and support for Scott County families.
Divorce & Separation Representation in Scott County
Ending a marriage is one of the hardest things a person goes through. On top of the emotional strain, you have to make big decisions about your children, your home, your finances and your future, often all at once. David Higdon has guided Scott County families through divorce for more than 20 years. He knows the local Family Court process and the practical issues that matter most.
Whether your divorce is uncontested and you mostly need the paperwork done right, or you and your spouse disagree on major issues, David will explain your options in plain language. He’ll protect your rights and work toward a resolution that lets you move forward.
Family Law Services
Uncontested Divorce
If you and your spouse agree on the major issues, an uncontested divorce is usually the fastest and least expensive option. David can draft and review your settlement agreement so it’s complete, enforceable and fair to you, and walk it through the court process.
Contested Divorce
When you can’t agree on custody, support or how to divide property, you need someone ready to negotiate firmly and, when necessary, present your case to the court. David prepares every contested case with care and keeps you informed at each step.
Child Custody and Parenting Time
Kentucky law starts with a presumption that joint custody and equally shared parenting time are in a child’s best interests. A parent can rebut that presumption with evidence, and the court makes its final decision based on the child’s best interests. David helps parents build workable parenting plans, respond to custody disputes and protect their relationship with their children.
Child Support
Kentucky calculates child support using statewide guidelines based on both parents’ incomes, the number of children and costs such as health insurance and child care. David makes sure the numbers are calculated correctly and that your child’s needs are covered.
Property and Debt Division
Kentucky separates marital property from nonmarital property, then divides marital property and debts fairly, which doesn’t always mean equally. That can include the family home, retirement accounts, vehicles, businesses and debts. David helps you identify what’s at stake and pursue a fair division.
Spousal Support (Maintenance)
In some cases, one spouse may be entitled to maintenance after the divorce. David can evaluate whether maintenance is likely in your situation and how much and for how long it may be paid.
Modifications and Enforcement
Life changes after a divorce. If a parent moves, incomes change or a court order isn’t being followed, David can help you request a modification or enforce the existing order.
How Divorce Works in Kentucky
- Residency: At least one spouse must have lived in Kentucky for 180 days before filing.
- Filing: In Scott County, the divorce petition is filed in Circuit Court, and the Family Court division hears it.
- No-fault grounds: Kentucky is a no-fault state, so you only need to show the marriage is irretrievably broken. You don’t have to prove wrongdoing.
- Waiting period: If you have minor children, Kentucky requires at least 60 days after service before the court can take final testimony.
- Agreement or trial: Most cases resolve through a settlement agreement. If you can’t reach one, the court decides the remaining issues.
Other Practice Areas
Talk With a Georgetown Divorce Lawyer
You don’t have to go through this alone. Call (502) 863-5515 or contact our office to schedule a free consultation with David Higdon.
Divorce FAQs: Georgetown and Scott County
Common questions about divorce, custody and support in Kentucky.
How do I file for divorce in Scott County, KY?
A divorce starts with a petition filed in Scott Circuit Court. Scott County is part of Kentucky’s 14th Judicial Circuit, and its Family Court division hears divorce cases. At least one spouse must have lived in Kentucky for 180 days before filing.
Is Kentucky a no-fault divorce state?
Yes. You only need to show that the marriage is irretrievably broken. You don’t have to prove that your spouse did anything wrong to get a divorce.
How long does a divorce take in Kentucky?
An uncontested divorce can often be finished in a few months. If you have minor children, Kentucky requires at least 60 days after your spouse is served before the court can take final testimony. Contested divorces take longer, depending on how many issues are in dispute and the court’s schedule.
How is child custody decided in Kentucky?
Kentucky law starts with a presumption that joint custody and equally shared parenting time are in a child’s best interests. A parent can rebut that presumption with evidence, and it doesn’t apply to a parent who has a domestic violence order entered against them. The court makes its final decision based on the child’s best interests.
How is child support calculated in Kentucky?
Kentucky uses statewide child support guidelines. They’re based on both parents’ incomes, the number of children, and costs such as health insurance and child care. David makes sure the numbers are calculated correctly.
Who keeps the house and other property in a divorce?
Kentucky first separates marital property from nonmarital property, such as property owned before the marriage or received as a gift or inheritance. It then divides marital property and debts fairly, which doesn’t always mean equally. The family home, retirement accounts, vehicles and debts are all part of that process.
Can custody or child support be changed after the divorce?
Yes. If circumstances change significantly, such as a move, a job loss or a change in a child’s needs, you can ask the court to modify custody, parenting time or child support. David can also help enforce an order the other parent isn’t following.
