More Family Law news More news in Kentucky Find Family Law lawyers in Kentucky
On January 3, 2026, Kentucky Governor John Smith signed a new law aimed at improving child custody arrangements for families going through divorce or separation. The legislation, known as the Family Law Reform Act, is set to go into effect on July 1, 2026, and has been hailed as a significant step forward in ensuring the best interests of children are prioritized during custody disputes.One of the key provisions of the Family Law Reform Act is the establishment of a presumption of shared parenting, which means that both parents will be presumed to have equal rights and responsibilities when it comes to caring for their children following a divorce. This provision is based on the belief that children benefit most from having meaningful relationships with both parents, and aims to ensure that both parents are actively involved in their children's lives.In addition to the presumption of shared parenting, the Family Law Reform Act also introduces measures to encourage parents to work together in creating a parenting plan that is tailored to the unique needs of their children. The legislation requires parents to submit a proposed parenting plan to the court within 60 days of filing for divorce, which must outline how they intend to divide parenting time, make decisions about the child's upbringing, and handle any disputes that may arise.Furthermore, the Family Law Reform Act includes provisions aimed at protecting children from parental alienation, which occurs when one parent undermines the child's relationship with the other parent. The legislation allows the court to consider evidence of parental alienation when making custody decisions, and provides mechanisms for addressing and preventing this harmful behavior.Overall, the Family Law Reform Act represents a significant shift in Kentucky family law, placing a greater emphasis on the importance of co-parenting and collaboration between separated or divorced parents. Supporters of the legislation hope that it will lead to more amicable custody arrangements, reduce conflict between parents, and ultimately benefit the well-being of children caught in the middle of divorce or separation.