Upset girl hugging teddy bear on Christmas

Dealing with Custody Arrangements During the Holidays

The holiday season, while often filled with joy and celebration, can become stressful for parents and children if there is no clear, agreed-upon holiday custody schedule. When parents do not communicate effectively about their holiday plans, it can lead to last-minute decisions that may negatively impact the holiday experience for everyone involved. To promote a…

Parental rights book with gavel and cutout family

Can a Parent Give Up Parental Rights in Kentucky?

Family courts emphasize the importance of the parent-child relationship, which is critical to a child’s emotional and social development. This emphasis is consistent whether parents are together or separated. When children can cultivate a supportive connection with one or both parents, the court typically highlights the need to maintain that bond. Nevertheless, the court may…

joint custody

Understanding Joint Custody in Kentucky: What It Means for Parents

Understanding the distinctions between sole custody (where one parent has primary custody) and joint custody (where both parents share custody) is vital for parents going through a separation.  In Kentucky, custody laws prioritize the child’s best interest, considering factors such as the child’s relationship with each parent, their adjustment to home, school, and community, and…

Checking in on Mental Health During Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Checking in on Mental Health During Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Mental health and domestic violence are interconnected in ways that heighten risk and complicate family dynamics. Violent behavior is often triggered by untreated mental health conditions, leading to increased stress, aggression, confusion, and miscommunication. The trauma of domestic violence frequently leads to mental health struggles like PTSD, anxiety, or depression. Those at risk or in…

child

Do Unmarried Parents Have Equal Rights in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, statistics indicate that approximately 42.5% of children are born to unmarried parents, which often makes child custody cases more complicated and stressful. However, it is important to understand that the Kentucky court system is primarily concerned with identifying arrangements that most effectively cater to the best interests of the child or children involved,…

domestic violence

How Domestic Violence Affects Family Law Cases in Kentucky

Research has shown that even when children are not direct targets of abuse, exposure to domestic violence can lead to long-term emotional and psychological issues, affecting their future relationships and overall development. Consequently, state laws typically mandate that judges thoroughly assess a parent’s history of domestic violence when determining custody arrangements to prioritize the safety…