Thompson Law OfficeThompson Law Office2026-08-27T20:10:31Zhttps://www.ethompsonlaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1304294/2025/10/cropped-favicon-thompson512-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of Thompson Law Office<![CDATA[Can you face charges after unknowingly receiving stolen property?]]>https://www.ethompsonlaw.com/?p=482662026-08-27T20:10:31Z2026-08-27T20:10:31ZWhat you knew when you got the item
Your knowledge forms an important part of the offense under Kentucky law. Prosecutors therefore look beyond the fact that the property turned out to be stolen. They also look at what you knew when you got or kept it.
The law gives added weight to possession of recently stolen property. Kentucky treats that possession as prima facie evidence that you knew someone had stolen it. In plain English, that fact can support the prosecution’s claim about your knowledge, but it does not settle the case by itself.
What your records can explain
Records from the sale can help explain why you believed the purchase was legitimate. A receipt may show that you paid a normal price through an ordinary sale. Messages with the seller can also reveal what the seller said about owning the item.
The details of the sale may work the other way. A very low price or a secretive handoff could raise questions about what you knew. Records from a routine purchase might support your account of how you got the property.
Keeping useful records
You may want to keep records tied to the purchase. Consider saving messages and noting what the seller told you while the details are still fresh. Keeping those records together can help you explain how you got the item and review your options if the charge moves forward.]]>On Behalf of Thompson Law Office<![CDATA[Helping your child adjust to life after your divorce]]>https://www.ethompsonlaw.com/?p=482592026-07-14T14:24:33Z2026-07-29T14:21:42ZMaintain familiar routines between households
Children need structure to feel secure, especially when their family situation has changed dramatically. Establishing consistent routines between both households helps your child know what to expect. Try to coordinate bedtimes, homework schedules and meal patterns with your co-parent when possible.
Predictability extends beyond daily schedules to include holidays, birthdays and special events. Planning for these occasions reduces anxiety and prevents your child from worrying about where they will be or feeling caught between parents. When both households maintain similar expectations for behavior and responsibilities, your child experiences less confusion about rules and boundaries.
Support your child’s emotional needs
Your child may experience a wide range of emotions, including sadness, anger or confusion. Creating an environment where they feel safe expressing these feelings without judgment is essential. Let them know that all their emotions are valid and normal responses to a major life change.
Listen actively when your child wants to talk instead of immediately trying to fix their problems or minimize their concerns. Sometimes they simply need someone to hear them. Reassure them regularly that the divorce is not their fault and that you still love them deeply. This message may need repeating many times before it truly sinks in.
Support a healthy relationship with both parents
One of the most harmful things you can do is involve your child in adult disputes or use them to communicate with your former spouse. Kentucky courts focus on the child's best interests, and you should adopt this same priority in your daily interactions. Keep your child out of conversations about legal matters, financial issues or custody disagreements.
Avoid speaking negatively about your co-parent in front of your child. Even when you feel frustrated, remember that your child may still love your co-parent. Criticizing them could hurt your child’s feelings and damage their sense of security and self-worth.
Consider professional support when necessary
Sometimes children benefit from talking to a counselor who specializes in helping families through divorce. A counselor can help your child develop coping strategies and process their feelings in a neutral space without worrying about upsetting either parent.
Many schools in Kentucky offer counseling services, and community organizations often provide support groups specifically for children of divorce. Connecting your child with peers who are going through similar experiences can help them feel less alone during this difficult time.
Helping your child move forward after the divorce
Supporting your child through a divorce takes patience, care and consistency, but your efforts can make a lasting difference. Every positive step you take helps your child build confidence and adjust to this new chapter. Focus on creating a stable, supportive environment and pay attention to how your child responds. When challenges arise, continue seeking healthy ways to meet their emotional needs.]]>On Behalf of Thompson Law Office<![CDATA[Your rights during a Lexington traffic stop and K-9 sniff]]>https://www.ethompsonlaw.com/?p=482602026-07-23T10:54:58Z2026-07-23T10:54:58ZWatching a police dog circle your vehicle can transform a routine stop into a frightening ordeal. You may question which actions officers can lawfully take and which requests you can decline. Understanding your constitutional protections beforehand may help you remain composed and safeguard your interests.
What the Fourth Amendment protects
The Fourth Amendment, U.S. Const. amend. IV, shields you from unreasonable searches and seizures. Officers generally require probable cause, a warrant or your consent before searching your vehicle's interior. Courts treat an exterior dog sniff differently. Judges have concluded that the sniff alone does not constitute a search.Limits nonetheless apply. In Rodriguez v. United States, 575 U.S. 348 (2015), the Supreme Court held that police cannot extend a stop awaiting a K-9 without reasonable suspicion. Once the officer completes the tasks tied to the stop, the detention should terminate.
Kentucky courts add more protection
Kentucky's highest court has enforced these limitations rigorously. InMoberly v. Commonwealth, the court suppressed drug evidence obtained through a prolonged stop. The justices determined that nervous behavior and a prior record cannot justify detaining a driver for a dog. Remembering several principles during a stop may benefit you:
Stay respectful: Cameras may capture your demeanor, and composed conduct can only strengthen your position.
Do not consent: You can politely decline a vehicle search.
Ask to leave: You might inquire, "Officer, am I free to go?"
Stay silent: You may decline questions beyond basic identification.
Prosecutors cannot lawfully use your refusal against you. Your refusal may also give your defense greater latitude to contest the stop afterward.
Why the timeline of your stop matters
If officers held you longer than the stop required, a court could suppress the evidence. Suppressed evidence often cannot be used to convict you. That is why the exact timeline of your stop may shape your entire case.
What these protections mean for your case
A K-9 sniff is legal in some situations and unlawful in others. The difference often comes down to timing, suspicion and consent. Knowing these rules may help you recognize when your rights were violated. If your stop was prolonged or your charges are contested, a criminal defense attorney may help you evaluate your options.]]>On Behalf of Thompson Law Office<![CDATA[Basic steps to complete an adoption in Lexington]]>https://www.ethompsonlaw.com/?p=482562026-06-29T06:37:48Z2026-06-29T06:37:48ZEstablish eligibility under Kentucky law
You must meet baseline qualifications before you file your petition with the court. Kentucky law allows any adult who is at least 18 years old to file for adoption. You must either currently live in the state or have lived in the state for 12 months directly before you submit your paperwork.
The exact documents you need depend on your situation. Most local cases fall into specific categories:
Stepparent requests to secure bonds with stepchildren
Independent placements made directly with birth parents
Agency placements through public or private adoption groups
Your specific category determines which forms you must submit to the local circuit court.
Complete the mandatory home study process
Most families must complete a home assessment before a judge approves the placement. A licensed social worker visits your home to ensure the environment is safe and stable.
This step involves face-to-face interviews and a review of your household history. The social worker looks at specific items during the evaluation:
Background checks to ensure household safety
Employment records to confirm financial stability
Health reports to verify you can care for the child
The social worker sends a final report to the judge to verify that your home is ready.
Finalize the request in Fayette County court
A judge must review the case to complete the process. The base filing fee for a civil action in a Kentucky Circuit Court is $188, current as of June 2026. Local county fees may apply at the time of filing.
During the final hearing, the judge reviews the home study report and verifies that the birth parents surrendered their rights legally. Once the judge signs the final order, the state issues a new birth certificate.
Begin your family expansion with clear guidance
The legal framework protects the welfare of the child, but the strict rules can create administrative burdens. Minor errors in your initial petition can cause delays or lead to a dismissal of your case. Working with a local family law attorney can help you manage the required filings and court appearances efficiently.
]]>On Behalf of Thompson Law Office<![CDATA[How should you talk to insurance adjusters after a car accident?]]>https://www.ethompsonlaw.com/?p=482552026-06-05T15:44:54Z2026-06-05T15:44:54ZYou may need time to process the accident
An insurance adjuster usually works for the insurance company handling the claim. Their role shapes how they ask their questions. They may call soon after the accident, when details may still seem difficult for you to organize.
Before discussing the accident with them, it may be wise to keep in mind the following:
Questions about past injuries or medical issues may come up.
Adjusters may want to offer a settlement as early as possible.
Medical treatment may still be ongoing, so the full impact of your injuries could remain uncertain. As your treatment continues, you may learn more about the extent of your injuries and how they affect your daily life.
Consider a measured approach
When you speak with an adjuster, it may be beneficial to give brief but factual answers. You might want to share only basic information, such as the date, location or vehicles involved. Speculation about fault, injury severity or accident details without a factual basis might create confusion later.
You may want to avoid saying you are fine if you still feel pain or discomfort. Symptoms sometimes change after the first day or two, and your medical records may give a clearer picture over time.
It may also help to take notes. Consider documenting the adjuster’s name, company, phone number and the date they called. You may also ask for their requests or offers to be in writing.
Informed answers may support a steadier process
Your answers now could matter as the process develops. Consider taking the time so you could respond more thoughtfully to any adjuster questions. Reviewing your options first may help keep the claims process clearer and more organized.]]>On Behalf of Thompson Law Office<![CDATA[3 ways you might unintentionally hurt your child during a divorce]]>https://www.ethompsonlaw.com/?p=482542026-05-08T12:30:45Z2026-05-08T12:30:45ZSpeaking negatively about your ex-spouse
You may feel hurt, angry or betrayed by your former partner, but sharing these feelings with your child can cause lasting damage. When you criticize the other parent in front of your child, you could put them in a difficult position. Children naturally love both parents, and hearing negative comments might cause confusion, guilt or emotional distress.
Consider keeping adult conversations separate from interactions with your child. You might find it helpful to vent frustrations to a friend, therapist or support group instead. Keep in mind that your child generally needs to maintain a healthy relationship with both parents. Speaking respectfully about your ex-spouse, even when it feels difficult, could provide your child with some peace of mind.
Involving your child in the divorce
During a Kentucky divorce, communication between parents could become strained. However, relying on your child to deliver messages, ask questions about finances or report your co-parent’s activities could place a heavy burden on them.
This practice typically forces children into adult roles and can make them feel responsible for problems between their parents. Beyond the emotional harm you could cause your child, this behavior can also have legal consequences. Courts in Kentucky typically prioritize the best interests of a child when determining custody. As a result, they may look unfavorably on you if you are willing to involve your child in adult conflicts.
It may help to establish direct communication channels with your ex-spouse whenever possible. Text messages, emails or co-parenting apps can help you share necessary information without involving your child. If direct communication proves too difficult, you could consider working with a mediator or legal professional to facilitate exchanges.
Disrupting routines and stability
During divorce, you might feel tempted to become the "fun parent" or discard routines to prioritize spending as much time with your child as possible. However, inconsistent rules, schedules and lifestyles may lead to behavioral problems.
You may want to maintain familiar routines as much as possible, including bedtimes, mealtimes and school schedules. Coordinating with your ex-spouse about household rules and expectations can provide consistency across both homes. While some changes are inevitable during divorce, preserving stability in key areas can help your child feel safer and more comfortable.
Putting your child’s needs first
Your actions during the divorce can potentially affect your child’s mental health and development. By prioritizing their needs over conflict, maintaining respectful communication and preserving stability, you may give them a sense of security. This way, you can protect them and foster healthy growth even after separating from your spouse.]]>On Behalf of Thompson Law Office<![CDATA[Can you modify child support if prices keep rising?]]>https://www.ethompsonlaw.com/?p=482462026-04-13T18:54:23Z2026-04-13T18:54:23ZWhen rising costs may support a child support modification
Rising prices do not automatically change a child support order. Instead, the court looks for a “material change in circumstances,” which refers to a clear and ongoing shift in your financial situation. You may have grounds to request a modification if:
Your income has decreased or has not kept pace with your expenses
Your child-related costs have increased in a consistent and ongoing way
Your work situation has changed in a lasting manner
Your child’s needs have increased as circumstances evolve
A guideline recalculation would result in a significant difference
What matters is how these rising costs affect your overall financial position. If your income no longer covers the same share of your child’s needs as it did when the order was set, that change may support a request. The court will focus on documented financial differences rather than general economic conditions.
When higher prices alone are not enough
Higher prices, on their own, will not usually support a modification. Courts rely on concrete financial evidence, not broad concerns about the cost of living.
If your income and expenses have remained largely the same, or if the increase in costs is temporary or inconsistent, the court will likely leave the current order in place. The same outcome is likely if you cannot provide updated financial records to support your request. In most cases, the court must see a measurable and continuing change, not simply a general sense that expenses have increased.
When it may be time to take a closer look
Rising costs can place added pressure on any household, particularly when you are already working within the limits of an existing support order. Even so, the central issue remains whether your financial situation has changed in a way that is both clear and ongoing.
If your current child support order no longer reflects what you can reasonably afford or what your child requires, it may be worth having your situation reviewed. A closer and more deliberate look at your financial records can help you decide whether to move forward with a support modification request.
]]>On Behalf of Thompson Law Office<![CDATA[Managing medical bills after a Lexington injury]]>https://www.ethompsonlaw.com/?p=482452026-03-02T13:10:18Z2026-03-02T13:10:18ZRecovering from an injury in Lexington often brings more than physical pain. Along with healing, you may quickly face stacks of medical bills, insurance paperwork and confusing charges. These financial details can feel like a maze. However, knowing how bills may affect your personal injury claim can make navigating them less stressful and more manageable.
Untangling confusing medical costs
Bills can arrive from multiple sources — hospitals, urgent care centers, specialists and even labs — sometimes for the same visit. Each statement may include different codes and charges that are hard to read at first glance. Studies show that 79% of medical bills contain at least one error, such as duplicate charges, incorrect codes or services that were not performed. This is why carefully reviewing each statement is important. Doing so can help you catch mistakes before they add up. Keeping a record of payments and statements not only tracks your total expenses but also lays the groundwork for your claim.Getting guidance from someone who knows how accident-related compensations work in Lexington can also take some of the stress off while keeping your paperwork in order. A lawyer can guide you in identifying which costs may be included in your claim. They can also help ensure your documentation supports the compensation you may deserve.
Spotting common bills you may face
Once you start reviewing bills, it becomes easier to recognize recurring expenses. Medical costs can range widely, but some of the most common charges you may see include:
Emergency room visits and related testing
Hospital stays or surgeries
Specialist consultations like orthopedic or neurological care
Physical therapy sessions and follow-up appointments
Prescription medications and medical equipment like crutches or braces
Tracking these expenses alongside receipts and insurance communications can give you a clear picture of your total financial responsibility. This level of organization can make responding to billing questions or insurance disputes much smoother.
Staying ahead while healing
Medical bills after a Kentucky accident case can feel like another obstacle on top of your physical recovery. However, approaching them as part of your overall healing plan can reduce stress. By staying organized and proactive, you may protect your finances while focusing on regaining your health.]]>On Behalf of Thompson Law Office<![CDATA[Can a criminal record in Kentucky be expunged?]]>https://www.ethompsonlaw.com/?p=482402026-02-06T15:08:30Z2026-02-06T15:08:30ZWhat is expungement?
Expungement refers to the process of removing your cases from public view and treating them as if they did not happen. After removing these cases, courts and law enforcement agencies erase or seal your records.
You can accomplish this by acquiring a certificate of eligibility before filing a petition for expungement in court. Afterwards, you can then claim that the relevant arrests or convictions did not happen when applying for a job, credit or any other type of application.
Kentucky allows broad relief for cases that did not result in a conviction. By law, courts must clear records for charges that end in dismissal with prejudice or acquittal. People can also file a petition to expunge their criminal records, preventing them from dealing with lifelong consequences for certain crimes.
Bear in mind that some agencies, such as law enforcement like the Kentucky State Police, may retain nonpublic records for certain legal purposes.
Which misdemeanors and felonies qualify for expungement?
You can clear certain felonies and misdemeanors after a five-year waiting period after the completion of your sentence, probation and paying your fines. During this period, you must avoid new convictions. Some offenses are expungable, with exceptions involving sex crimes or crimes against children.
Similarly, some class D felonies are eligible for expungement – specifically non-violent and non-sexual crimes such as theft or drug possession.
To have your criminal record cleared, you must obtain an expungement certification from the Kentucky State Police before filing an application in court. Judges then examine your case and review public safety and the interests of justice before determining whether or not to grant your request.
Kentucky’s laws can give you a second chance, allowing you to start over without losing major opportunities due to your criminal record. While you must wait five years until after your sentence ends, successful expungement can remove a major barrier to employment and stability.]]>On Behalf of Thompson Law Office<![CDATA[How do military divorces differ under Kentucky family law?]]>https://www.ethompsonlaw.com/?p=482362026-02-03T17:00:33Z2026-02-03T17:00:33ZDivorce brings added complexity when military service plays a role. Kentucky family law still governs the process, but federal protections and service-related factors can affect timing, finances, and parenting arrangements. Understanding these differences helps you prepare for what lies ahead.
Military service can delay divorce proceedings
Federal law allows courts to pause civil cases when active-duty service makes participation difficult. Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, a court may issue a stay to prevent default judgments or unfair progress during deployment or training. These pauses can delay hearings, temporary orders, and final decisions, even though a Kentucky court keeps authority over the case.
Residency rules work differently for service members
Kentucky usually requires one spouse to live in the state for at least 180 days before filing for divorce. A service member stationed in Kentucky may meet this requirement even if their legal home lies elsewhere. This rule also applies when one spouse lives in Kentucky while the service member serves outside the state.
Military pay and benefits affect financial issues
Kentucky courts calculate child support and maintenance using gross income from many sources. Military compensation often includes base pay and other forms of pay that can change with duty status or location. Because income may fluctuate, courts must review service-related earnings carefully when setting or adjusting financial obligations.
Military retirement follows federal rules
Military retirement differs from civilian pensions because federal law controls what portion a state court may divide. Kentucky courts may address military retirement in a divorce, but only within limits set by federal statute. Proper orders ensure any division follows those federal requirements.
Custody and parenting time require flexibility
Deployments and relocations can affect parenting schedules. Kentucky courts focus on the child’s best interests while accounting for service obligations. Courts often approve temporary changes during deployment without permanently changing custody rights, especially when parents create clear and workable parenting plans.
Understanding the rules helps you prepare
Military divorce involves both Kentucky statutes and federal protections. Knowing how service affects residency, court timelines, income calculations, and parenting arrangements allows you to make informed decisions during a challenging time.]]>