Dodd & Dodd Attorneys, PLLC

Dodd & Dodd Attorneys, PLLC Louisville Kentucky

(502) 584-1108

What Are the Divorce Options in Louisville

the Divorce Options in Louisville

What are the divorce options in Louisville?  What do I need to know about the legal vehicles to end a marriage in Jefferson County?  Divorces in Louisville primarily come in three types: Uncontested Divorce, Contested Divorce, Collaborative Divorce.  There is somewhat of a fourth option known as a legal separation.  Which is best for your unique circumstances?

The first of the divorce options in Louisville is an “Uncontested Divorce.” An uncontested divorce may be a good option if you have been married for fewer than five years and have no children (and no child custody issues).  If there is a pregnancy, the couple must wait for the arrival of the baby before an uncontested divorce will be granted.  Also, one spouse must have lived in Kentucky for at least 180 days before filing for divorce.

The second of the divorce options in Louisville is a contested divorce. This is the one of the most common types of divorce, and usually involves challenges with resolving essential issues associated with the divorce.

A collaborative divorce is another of the divorce options in Louisville and Jefferson County.  Collaborative divorce is a very structured legal process designed for those parties who wish to avoid going to court, want to limit the time and expense of their divorce, establish specific rules for how the divorce will be handled and work with legal and supporting professionals who are committted to and have a stake in the goals of the divorcing parties.

There is a fourth option known as a “Legal Separation.”  Here in Kentucky, the spouses can be legally separated for up to 12 months.  This allows couples with extensive assets or a business or professional practice to have the time to work through many complex legal issues before divorcing.  Both spouses must agree to the legal separation.  If not, they must file for divorce.  A legal separation essentially leaves the marriage intact,  however, all the issues associated under a regular divorce must be addressed in the separation agreement.   Legal separations allow health insurance to continue in the event one of the spouses is facing a substantial medical challenge.  This is also a good option for those who require the tax advantages of filing jointly, or for those with specific religious beliefs.  Some couples choose this option simply with the hope that a reconciliation may be possible in the next 12 months.

Which of the divorce options in Louisville is best for you?  Get sound advice and counsel and develop a strategy which will protect your goals and objectives. 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.