As a former Kentucky family-law paralegal with over twelve years of experience drafting custody petitions and helping hundreds of parents navigate the process, I’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to start a child custody case. The good news? Kentucky makes the basic forms available to everyone for free, and with the right guidance you can file pro se (on your own) without paying thousands upfront to an attorney. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to file for custody in Kentucky in 2025, explain every required form, and give you my battle-tested Petition for Custody Kentucky template that you can download and customize today.
Important Disclaimer: This article and the free template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Family law is highly fact-specific. Always consult a licensed Kentucky attorney or your local Legal Aid office before filing. Laws and local rules can change.
Kentucky no longer uses the words “custody” and “visitation” in most new orders. Since the 2018 amendments to KRS 403.270, the court now awards:
The court’s only concern is the best interest of the child (KRS 403.270). Factors include the wishes of the parents, the child’s adjustment to home/school/community, mental and physical health of all individuals, and any history of domestic violence.
You typically need to file a Petition for Custody when:
If paternity has never been established, you may need to file a separate paternity action first or combine it with the custody petition.
You must file in the county where the child has lived for the last six months (KRS 403.840 – Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act). If the child has not lived in Kentucky for six months, Kentucky may not have jurisdiction.
The Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) provides free standardized forms at kycourts.gov/Legal-Forms. The core forms you will almost always need are:
| Form Number | Name | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| AOC-740 | Petition for Custody | Yes – this is the main document |
| AOC-745 | Verified Disclosure of Financial Information | Usually (child support will be set) |
| AOC-741 | Child Custody Affidavit (UCCJEA) | Yes – required by federal and state law |
| AOC-275.1 | Case Data Information Sheet (Civil) | Yes – clerk needs it |
| AOC-105 | Civil Cover Sheet | Yes in most counties |
If you need an immediate order (for example, the other parent is withholding the child or there are safety concerns), file a separate Motion for Temporary Custody (AOC-746) along with a supporting affidavit. Many judges will set a temporary hearing within 14-21 days.
As of 2025, the standard filing fee in most Kentucky circuit courts is $150–$200 depending on the county. If you cannot afford it, complete Form AOC-050 Affidavit of Indigency and Motion to Waive Fees.
Kentucky requires formal service by sheriff or certified mail (restricted delivery, return receipt). You cannot hand-deliver the papers yourself unless the other parent signs an Acceptance of Service (AOC-745).
Most counties now require mediation before a final custody hearing. If you reach an agreement, you’ll put it in writing and the judge signs it. If not, you’ll have a bench trial (no jury) where both sides present evidence.
I’ve taken the official AOC-740 and expanded it into a fill-in-the-blank Word template that includes common language Kentucky judges actually expect to see. Thousands of parents have used earlier versions of this template successfully.
Click here to download the free Petition for Custody Kentucky template (DOCX)
The template includes:
Even if you only want custody and not support, the court will almost always set child support at the same hearing using the Kentucky Child Support Guidelines (KRS 403.212). Have pay stubs and proof of childcare/health insurance costs ready.
If the child is in immediate danger, you can file a Dependency, Neglect, and Abuse (DNA) petition in juvenile court or an Emergency Protective Order (EPO) if domestic violence is involved. Standard custody petitions are not “emergency” vehicles.
Can I file for custody online in Kentucky?
Not yet in 2025 – most counties still require paper filing at the circuit clerk’s office.
How long does it take to get a final custody order?
3–12 months depending on mediation success and court backlog.
Do I need an attorney?
You are not required to have one, but cases involving domestic violence, relocation, or significant assets almost always benefit from counsel.
Filing for custody in Kentucky is a serious step, but with the free AOC forms and the right preparation, many parents successfully represent themselves and protect their children’s best interests. Download the free Petition for Custody Kentucky template above, fill it out honestly and completely, and take that first step today.
Remember – this guide is educational only. For advice specific to your family, contact a Kentucky family law attorney or your county’s Legal Aid office.
Sources:
Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) Chapter 403 – apps.legislature.ky.gov
Kentucky Court of Justice Legal Forms – kycourts.gov/Legal-Forms
Kentucky Child Support Guidelines – chfs.ky.gov