When a couple in Kentucky decides to divorce, the first step to take is to file a petition for dissolution. Either spouse or both spouses can file a petition. It is important for the petition to contain all the necessary information in order to be valid. Kentucky law codifies what information needs to be provided in a petition for dissolution. While the following post is for general purposes only and is not legal advice, it still may be informative for those who are seeking a divorce.
First of all, each spouse's occupation, age, residence and Social Security number needs to be provided, including how long each party has resided in Kentucky. In addition, in cases where domestic violence is an issue, the spouse filing the petition must certify the incidents of abuse, along with the status of any orders for protection he or she has sought or received. The petition also needs to include when the parties were married and where the marriage was registered. In addition, the date of separation needs to be included in the petition.
If there are any minor children involved in the divorce, each child's name, Social Security number, age and address need to be included in the petition. Also, if the wife is currently expecting a child, this information must be stated in the petition. If the couple has made arrangements regarding child support, child custody or visitation arrangements, they should indicate this fact in the petition. Similarly, any arrangements regarding spousal maintenance should be included, along with any relief sought in general.
As this shows, filing for divorce can be nuanced. It is important for all paperwork filed to be complete and accurate. However, spouses do not have to go at it alone. They can enlist the aid of a professional, who can walk them through the process step by step and protect their interests.
Source: Kentucky Revised Statutes, Dissolution of Marriage - Child Custody, Procedure - Commencement of actions, pleadings, abolition of existing defenses, §403.150, accessed Jan. 5, 2015