How to File for Dissolution of Marriage in Kentucky Without a Lawyer (2026)

Kentucky calls it a Dissolution of Marriage — not a divorce. The official legal term matters because that's how Kentucky's forms and court documents are labeled.

Kentucky has been a no-fault only state since 1972 — one of the first states in the country. The sole ground is "irretrievable breakdown of the marriage." No fault is considered for property division or maintenance.

Key advantage: Kentucky has one of the lowest filing fees in the country ($113–$148), free AOC forms from courts.ky.gov, and a relatively streamlined process for self-represented filers.

Disclaimer: General legal information only. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed Kentucky attorney for your specific situation.

Kentucky Dissolution at a Glance

Is Kentucky Right for You?

Residency: Either you or your spouse must have lived in Kentucky for at least 180 days (about 6 months) immediately before filing.

The 60-Day Separation: Kentucky requires that the parties have been separated (living as if the marriage is over) for at least 60 days before the court can enter the final Decree of Dissolution. This waiting period begins at filing. You do not need to have been separated for 60 days before filing — the 60 days runs after the Petition is filed.

No-Fault Only: Kentucky eliminated fault grounds in 1972. You simply state that the marriage is "irretrievably broken." You cannot allege adultery or cruelty as grounds, and neither the court nor opposing counsel can use fault to affect the outcome.

The AOC Form System

Kentucky's Administrative Office of Courts (AOC) publishes numbered forms for every step of the dissolution process. These forms are free and available at courts.ky.gov/forms.

Key AOC form series for dissolution:

• AOC-238 series: Petition, Response, and related pleadings
• AOC-239 series: Domestic Relations Financial Disclosure
• AOC-243 series: Agreed Order and Final Decree

Paper filing: In most Kentucky counties, self-represented parties file paper forms at the Circuit Court Clerk's office. Bring originals plus two copies.

Step-by-Step Overview

Step 1 — Confirm Eligibility

• Either party has lived in Kentucky for 180+ days
• Gather basic information: date of marriage, separation date, list of marital property and debts

Step 2 — Gather and Complete AOC Forms

Download from courts.ky.gov/forms:

• Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (AOC-238.1)
• Domestic Relations Financial Disclosure (AOC-239.1)
• Separation Agreement (if agreed on all issues)
• Child-related forms if applicable

Step 3 — File at Circuit Court

Take completed forms to the Circuit Court Clerk in the county where either spouse has lived for 180 days. Pay the $113–$148 filing fee. Request an IFP waiver if eligible.

Step 4 — Serve the Respondent

Serve the other spouse with the Petition and Summons. In Kentucky, service can be by:

• Certified mail (most common for agreed cases)
• Sheriff/process server
• Acceptance of Service (Waiver of Summons) — simplest for agreed cases

Step 5 — Respondent's Response or Acceptance

The Respondent has 20 days to file a Response (or 30 days if served by mail). For agreed cases, the Respondent signs an Acceptance of Service and waives the response deadline.

Step 6 — 60-Day Waiting Period

The court cannot enter a final decree until at least 60 days after the Petition was filed. Use this time to finalize the Separation Agreement.

Step 7 — File the Separation Agreement and Proposed Decree

File the fully executed Separation Agreement and the proposed Decree of Dissolution. In uncontested cases, many Kentucky Circuit Courts will enter the Decree without requiring a hearing — the judge reviews the paperwork.

Step 8 — Decree of Dissolution Entered

The judge signs the Decree of Dissolution of Marriage. The marriage is dissolved. You can request certified copies from the Circuit Court Clerk.

Post-Dissolution Steps

• Real estate: Deed transfer → county Property Valuation Administrator and County Clerk (deed recording)
• Retirement: QDRO for employer plans
• Name restoration: Social Security → Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (driver's license) → financial accounts
• Beneficiary designations: Update all

Last reviewed: March 2026 | No-fault only since 1972 | 60-day wait | AOC forms free at courts.ky.gov | Circuit Court | $113–$148 fee

Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.