Dodd & Dodd Attorneys, PLLC

Dodd & Dodd Attorneys, PLLC Louisville Kentucky

(502) 584-1108

The Affect of Domestic Violence on a Louisville Divorce

The Affect of Domestic Violence on a Louisville Divorce

What is the affect of domestic violence on a Louisville divorce?  What does Kentucky Family Law have to say about domestic violence and child custody?

Domestic violence in today’s legal terms can take many forms.  The most obvious is physical and emotional abuse.  Physical abuse involving slapping, hitting, kicking shoving or throwing things at another are considered in domestic violence cases.  Emotional abuse ranges from making threats, controlling money and freedom of movement, consistent insult or belittling comments as well as the disclosure of private information and/or photos.  Domestic violence also includes activities such as stalking, harassment, and even making threats against a person’s family, friends or pets.  As relationships break down it is not difficult to see how these behaviors become important and the affect of domestic violence on a Louisville divorce.

Domestic violence will be a factor in many divorce related issues such as child custody and visitation as well as maintenance.  The victim of domestic violence cannot be required to pay maintenance to their abuser.  The abuser can still make support arguments in Court but our attorneys present evidence at trial to bar these claims.  Those who have recently been served with a restraining order or convicted of domestic violence will have several challenges in terms of child custody and visitation.  Even past convictions or domestic violence issues can come into play.  The primary concern of the Judge will be the best interests and safety of the child.  It is not unusual for the Court to order supervised visitation in cases where violence is present.

Recent changes to Kentucky Family Law provide a rebuttable presumption that an order for sole or joint custody of any child to any person who has committed domestic violence is not in the best interests of the child.  The central guiding principle of issues associated with children under Kentucky Family Law is “the best interest of the child.”

The affect of domestic violence on a Louisville divorce will extend into many aspects of the divorce itself.  The experienced divorce and family law attorneys at Dodd & Dodd strongly defend clients who are victims of domestic violence and work to protect the safety of those clients and their children.

We invite you to review the strong recommendations of our former clients and contact us or call 502-584-1108 to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced divorce and family law attorneys.