You have been unhappy in your marriage for a while and have finally decided to end it; now what? Although the decision to divorce is an emotional one, it’s important to approach the actual filing process with pragmatism. For most individuals, that means hiring a divorce attorney who can help them navigate the proceedings and ultimately secure a fair settlement; however, even those who turn to lawyers should familiarize themselves with the logistics of filing so they know what to expect. Complete the Appropriate Forms You can find some of the forms you will need to fill out on the Kentucky Court of Justice website, but there are other essential documents that are not available online. Fortunately, a divorce attorney will provide them. If you are the one filing, you are called the “petitioner,” and your spouse is the “respondent.” After preparing the summons and petition, the case data information sheet, and the certificate of divorce—and signing them in the presence of a notary—you must make two copies of everything. Your divorce attorney will file the originals with the court, and each party will retain copies of everything.
File & Serve the Documents
A lawyer will help you file the forms with the clerk of court, who will stamp all copies. You must then serve your spouse with his or her signed, stamped copies as soon as possible. In the state of Kentucky, petitioners have 45 days to serve the papers after filing them at the local courthouse. How the case proceeds depends on your spouse’s response and whether the divorce is contested. Regardless, a seasoned lawyer can guide you every step of the way. If you need a divorce attorney, turn to Thompson Law Office. Based in Lexington, they are proud to serve clients throughout all of central Kentucky. Their legal team is comprised of a brother and sister who have more than two decades of combined experience. Visit their website to learn more about their broad range of practice areas and the comprehensive counsel they provide or call (859) 280-2222 to schedule an initial consultation with a compassionate family attorney today.