Get Ky Paternity Laws And Procedures Handbook 2020-2025

If a child is born between two unmarried people, then the father does not have any rights to custody or visitation, until paternity is established. Paternity can be established by signing a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (VAP) or by genetic testing.

Who will get custody of our child? In Kentucky, the courts are required to determine custody based upon the best interest of the child(ren). Usually, parents will share joint custody of the children and if their schedules will allow, will share 50-50 parenting time with the children.

Father's Rights in Louisville, KY. Fathers have the same legal right to have parenting time with their child and to participate in their upbringing. However, fathers can face unique challenges in their pursuit of parental rights.

The paternity case happens in the district court in the county where any of the parties live. The case is decided by a judge, not a jury. If both parties agree on who the father is, the judge can issue an order to be signed by the father.

In Kentucky, when a woman is married at the time of the child's birth or conception, or any time in between, the law considers her husband to be the father – even if he is not the biological father.

Genetic testing in court: can be required When it comes to paternity actions filed with the court, the judge will not order genetic testing unless the parties do not agree on the father and actively request the court to order a test. If the judge orders DNA testing, both parties must agree to get tested.

When a child is born to unmarried parents in Kentucky, paternity must be established before the father has any rights to visitation or custody. However, if a man is listed on the child's birth certificate, the Court will then assume that that named individual is the child's biological father.