A bill that would make it more difficult and lengthy for couples with children to get a divorce has been stalled by the House Judiciary Committee after hearing arguments for the proposed change and determining that there was “no consensus” on the matter among the lawmakers. While the bill is not dead yet, it is looking more and more likely that Kentucky divorces will proceed normally for the time being.
The goal of the bill is to institute a delay for couples who have children and are seeking a divorce. The proposed law would give judges the duty of holding a hearing with the couple to determine the brokenness of the marriage and whether or not the marriage might be saved. In some cases, the judge may then order a couple to seek help from a mental health professional.
The bill was authored on behalf of a Fayette Family Court judge, who last year was reprimanded by the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission, after he forced a number of couples with children to engage in hearings about saving their marriage. After the complaint of the Commission, he altered his tactics to require all couples to attend such a hearing.
The bill certainly has its supporters and detractors, but for the time being, that may prove to be irrelevant. The bill may have some life left in it, but until some movement occurs, those wishing to get divorced in Kentucky will not face institutional delays simply because they have children.
If you are considering a divorce, it is important to make sure that you have proper legal guidance. The process can be more complex than you might anticipate, especially considering the current legal climate here in Kentucky. With the assistance of an experienced attorney, you can achieve a fair, reasonable divorce while protecting everyone’s rights in the process.
Source: Lexington Herald-Leader, “Bill that would slow divorce cases in Kentucky stalls in House,” John Cheves, March 02, 2017