SIMPLIFYING YOUR DIVORCE
Kentucky Divorce Papers
Starting a divorce in Kentucky can feel like staring at a stack of unfamiliar forms with court codes you've never seen before. The good news: Kentucky's divorce paperwork is standardized statewide by the Kentucky Supreme Court's Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), so the same core forms are used everywhere in the Commonwealth. This guide walks you through which Kentucky divorce papers exist, what each one does, where to download them, and how the process generally unfolds.
In Kentucky, divorce is legally called "dissolution of marriage." Many of the official AOC forms are part of a self-help packet designed for uncontested cases without minor children, while cases that are contested or involve children typically follow a more individualized path. We'll explain the difference clearly so you can see where your situation might fit.
This page is informational only. It describes what the forms are and how Kentucky's process generally works, not what you personally should file. Every situation is different, and for advice on your specific situation, consult an attorney.
Which Kentucky Divorce Forms Will You Need?
The forms you encounter depend largely on whether your divorce is uncontested (you and your spouse agree) and whether minor children are involved. Kentucky's official AOC self-help packet (the AOC-252 series) is built for uncontested cases without minor children under 18. Contested cases and cases with children typically proceed before a Domestic Relations Commissioner or family court judge using a more individualized set of forms, with AOC-245 serving as the findings document. Below is a plain-language map of the official Kentucky forms, grouped by what they do.
Starting the Case
Petition for Dissolution of Marriage — AOC-252 (Redacted) and AOC-252A (Unredacted)
This form initiates the divorce case. Both versions are for cases without minor children under 18. AOC-252 is the redacted copy filed in the public record; AOC-252A is the unredacted copy containing Social Security numbers and dates of birth, retained by the parties. For cases with minor children, the official AOC self-help packet does not include a separately numbered petition — those cases typically use court-supervised guided forms or legal aid packets, while AOC-245 and the disclosure forms apply to all cases.
Responding to the Petition
Waiver of Service and Entry of Appearance — AOC-251.1 / AOC-252.1
This form is used when the respondent waives formal service of process and enters an appearance, consenting to the court's jurisdiction. It is common in uncontested dissolutions.
Waiver of Notice of Deposition and Final Hearing — AOC-251.2 / AOC-252.2
This form is used when the respondent waives notice of the petitioner's deposition and the final hearing, allowing the case to proceed without the respondent's attendance.
Financial & Disclosure Forms
Preliminary Verified Disclosure Statement — AOC-238 (full) / AOC-238.1 (Simplified)
This is each party's early financial disclosure of assets, debts, income, and expenses. The full version (AOC-238) is typically exchanged but not filed unless ordered; the simplified version (AOC-238.1) is used in straightforward cases. Under FCRPP 2, it must be exchanged within 45 days of service of the petition.
Final Verified Disclosure Statement — AOC-239 (full) / AOC-239.1 (Simplified)
This is an updated financial disclosure, filed no later than 5 days before trial if property matters are in dispute. It is the companion to the preliminary disclosure (AOC-238/238.1).
Acknowledgment of Preliminary / Final Verified Disclosure Statement — AOC-238.3 / AOC-239.3
This form is used for each party to acknowledge receipt of the other party's disclosure statement, and it is filed with the court as proof of exchange.
Affidavit of No Change in Circumstances — AOC-239.2
This form is filed in lieu of a Final Verified Disclosure Statement when there have been no material changes in financial circumstances since the Preliminary Disclosure was submitted.
Forms for Divorces With Children
Kentucky handles cases with minor children differently. As noted above, the official AOC self-help packet does not publish a separately numbered petition for cases with children; those cases use AOC-245 for findings and often rely on legal aid packets or attorney-drafted pleadings. The forms below relate specifically to children.
Child Support Worksheet — CS-71
This worksheet calculates the monthly child support obligation using Kentucky's Income Shares Model and the statutory guidelines table (921 KAR 1:400). It is issued by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services / Kentucky Office of the Attorney General — not an AOC court form — and is required in all cases involving minor children. An exception worksheet, CS-71.1, is used when one parent has 100% of combined income. Note that amounts are computed from the guidelines table rather than simply filled in.
Parenting Conduct Order — AOC-242
This is a court order governing the conduct of both parties regarding the children during the pendency of the divorce. It is issued under FCRPP 2(5)(b) and Appendix B.
Settlement or Separation Agreement
Separation Agreement (without children under 18) — AOC-252.4
This is the settlement agreement that resolves all property, debt, and spousal maintenance issues in uncontested divorces without minor children. It is signed by both parties before a notary.
Finalizing Your Case
Deposition of Petitioner — AOC-251.5 / AOC-252.5
This is the petitioner's sworn testimony establishing the grounds for dissolution (irretrievable breakdown), residency, and other jurisdictional facts required by KRS 403. It is used in uncontested cases.
Motion to Submit for Entry of Decree of Dissolution of Marriage, and Order — AOC-251.8 / AOC-252.8
This motion asks the court to enter the final decree once all documents are filed and the 60-day separation period has elapsed.
Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Decree of Dissolution of Marriage (without children under 18 and with separation agreement) — AOC-252.6
This is the final decree for uncontested cases without minor children where a separation agreement is in place. It combines findings of fact, legal conclusions, and the dissolution decree in one document.
Dissolution of Marriage — Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law — AOC-245
This form is used for contested or commissioner-heard cases, including cases with minor children. It is a separate findings and conclusions document; the actual decree is entered separately or in conjunction. It covers custody, child support, and property.
Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage — AOC-250
This is the clerk's certification of the dissolution, used for record-keeping and as proof of divorce.
Certificate of Divorce or Annulment — VS-300
This vital statistics form is required by KRS 213.116 for every Kentucky divorce. It is completed online through the Cabinet for Health and Family Services portal (ovs.chfs.ky.gov/VS300Divorce). It is not an AOC court form, but it is mandatory, and the clerk will not record the final decree until it is completed.
Where to Get Kentucky Divorce Forms
You have several options for obtaining Kentucky divorce papers. All official AOC forms are free.
Official State Courts Site
The Kentucky Court of Justice publishes the official, free, statewide AOC forms. You can download them from the legal forms library at kycourts.gov. Form numbers and the AOC-252 self-help packet are available directly there.
County Clerk / Circuit Court
Divorce cases in Kentucky are handled by the Circuit Court (often the Family Court division). While the forms themselves are standardized statewide, individual family court judges have discretion over certain procedural requirements, so your local Circuit Court Clerk's office is a useful resource for local filing details.
Legal Aid / Self-Help
Because the official AOC packet covers only uncontested cases without minor children, those with children sometimes use legal aid packets (such as the ARDFKY materials) or self-help resources. Legal aid organizations in Kentucky can be a helpful starting point for those who qualify.
Online Divorce Services (Divorce.com)
If sorting through form numbers and series feels overwhelming, an online service can help organize the paperwork for you. Divorce.com guides you through a simple questionnaire and helps prepare your documents so you're not left guessing which version of which form applies.
Hire an Attorney
For contested cases, cases involving children, or any situation with complex assets, working with a Kentucky family law attorney provides individualized guidance. For advice on your specific situation, consult an attorney.
The Kentucky Divorce Process
Every case is different, but here is a general overview of how a Kentucky dissolution typically moves forward.
1. Meet the Residency Requirement
At least one spouse must have resided in Kentucky continuously for 180 days immediately before filing, under KRS 403.140.
2. File the Petition
The case begins when the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (AOC-252 / AOC-252A for cases without minor children) is filed with the Circuit Court. There is no waiting period to file — only to finalize.
3. Serve or Waive Service
The other spouse is notified of the case. In uncontested cases, the respondent may sign a Waiver of Service and Entry of Appearance (AOC-251.1 / AOC-252.1) rather than being formally served.
4. Exchange Financial Disclosures
Each party exchanges a Preliminary Verified Disclosure Statement (AOC-238 / AOC-238.1) within 45 days of service of the petition under FCRPP 2. A Final Verified Disclosure (AOC-239 / AOC-239.1) may follow if property matters remain in dispute.
5. Observe the Waiting Period
The parties must have lived apart for at least 60 days before the court may enter a decree of dissolution. This is a waiting period to finalize, not to file.
6. Finalize With the Decree and Certified Copies
In uncontested cases without children, a Motion to Submit for Entry of Decree (AOC-251.8 / AOC-252.8) asks the court to enter the final decree, often the Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Decree of Dissolution (AOC-252.6). The Certificate of Divorce or Annulment (VS-300) must be completed online before the clerk records the decree. The Certificate of Dissolution (AOC-250) serves as proof of divorce for your records.
Kentucky-Specific Requirements You Should Know
Residency. At least one spouse must have resided in Kentucky continuously for 180 days immediately before filing (KRS 403.140).
Property division. Kentucky is an equitable distribution state. This means marital property is divided fairly, though not necessarily 50/50. Notably, fault does not affect property division under KRS 403.190.
Grounds. Kentucky is a pure no-fault state. The sole ground for divorce is irretrievable breakdown of the marriage (KRS 403.170). Kentucky does not recognize fault-based grounds such as adultery, cruelty, or abandonment. That said, marital misconduct may be considered in custody and spousal maintenance determinations. Kentucky also has no covenant marriage law.
Waiting period. The parties must have lived apart for at least 60 days before the court may enter a decree. There is no waiting period to file — only to finalize.
Vital statistics form. The VS-300 Certificate of Divorce or Annulment is mandatory for every dissolution and must be completed online through the CHFS portal before the clerk will record the final decree.
Parenting education. Courts may order parents with minor children to attend a co-parenting or divorce education class. This is at the discretion of the individual family court judge and is common in many counties, though it is not a uniform statewide statutory mandate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using the wrong form track
The AOC-252 self-help packet is built only for uncontested cases without minor children. Cases with children or contested issues follow a different path using AOC-245 and often legal aid or attorney-drafted pleadings. Assuming the self-help packet covers every situation is a frequent source of confusion.
Mixing up redacted and unredacted petitions
AOC-252 (redacted, for the public record) and AOC-252A (unredacted, retained by the parties with SSNs and DOBs) serve different purposes. They are not interchangeable.
Forgetting the VS-300
Because the VS-300 is completed through a separate online portal rather than as an AOC court form, it is easy to overlook — yet the clerk will not record the decree without it.
Missing disclosure deadlines
Preliminary disclosures must be exchanged within 45 days of service under FCRPP 2. Overlooking that timeline can stall a case.
Miscalculating child support
The CS-71 amount is computed from Kentucky's statutory guidelines table (921 KAR 1:400), not simply written in. Treating it as a blank fill-in form can lead to errors.
How Divorce.com Can Help
Kentucky's mix of AOC series numbers, redacted versus unredacted petitions, and separate vital-statistics forms can be a lot to track. Divorce.com simplifies the process by walking you through a guided questionnaire and helping prepare your documents — so you spend less time decoding form codes and more time moving forward.
A simple, guided questionnaire instead of a stack of confusing forms
Help preparing your Kentucky divorce documents based on your answers
Clear, step-by-step organization of the paperwork
An affordable alternative to sorting through everything alone
Support designed to reduce stress and save time
Which Kentucky Divorce Forms Will You Need?
The forms you encounter depend largely on whether your divorce is uncontested (you and your spouse agree) and whether minor children are involved. Kentucky's official AOC self-help packet (the AOC-252 series) is built for uncontested cases without minor children under 18. Contested cases and cases with children typically proceed before a Domestic Relations Commissioner or family court judge using a more individualized set of forms, with AOC-245 serving as the findings document. Below is a plain-language map of the official Kentucky forms, grouped by what they do.
Starting the Case
Petition for Dissolution of Marriage — AOC-252 (Redacted) and AOC-252A (Unredacted)
This form initiates the divorce case. Both versions are for cases without minor children under 18. AOC-252 is the redacted copy filed in the public record; AOC-252A is the unredacted copy containing Social Security numbers and dates of birth, retained by the parties. For cases with minor children, the official AOC self-help packet does not include a separately numbered petition — those cases typically use court-supervised guided forms or legal aid packets, while AOC-245 and the disclosure forms apply to all cases.
Responding to the Petition
Waiver of Service and Entry of Appearance — AOC-251.1 / AOC-252.1
This form is used when the respondent waives formal service of process and enters an appearance, consenting to the court's jurisdiction. It is common in uncontested dissolutions.
Waiver of Notice of Deposition and Final Hearing — AOC-251.2 / AOC-252.2
This form is used when the respondent waives notice of the petitioner's deposition and the final hearing, allowing the case to proceed without the respondent's attendance.
Financial & Disclosure Forms
Preliminary Verified Disclosure Statement — AOC-238 (full) / AOC-238.1 (Simplified)
This is each party's early financial disclosure of assets, debts, income, and expenses. The full version (AOC-238) is typically exchanged but not filed unless ordered; the simplified version (AOC-238.1) is used in straightforward cases. Under FCRPP 2, it must be exchanged within 45 days of service of the petition.
Final Verified Disclosure Statement — AOC-239 (full) / AOC-239.1 (Simplified)
This is an updated financial disclosure, filed no later than 5 days before trial if property matters are in dispute. It is the companion to the preliminary disclosure (AOC-238/238.1).
Acknowledgment of Preliminary / Final Verified Disclosure Statement — AOC-238.3 / AOC-239.3
This form is used for each party to acknowledge receipt of the other party's disclosure statement, and it is filed with the court as proof of exchange.
Affidavit of No Change in Circumstances — AOC-239.2
This form is filed in lieu of a Final Verified Disclosure Statement when there have been no material changes in financial circumstances since the Preliminary Disclosure was submitted.
Forms for Divorces With Children
Kentucky handles cases with minor children differently. As noted above, the official AOC self-help packet does not publish a separately numbered petition for cases with children; those cases use AOC-245 for findings and often rely on legal aid packets or attorney-drafted pleadings. The forms below relate specifically to children.
Child Support Worksheet — CS-71
This worksheet calculates the monthly child support obligation using Kentucky's Income Shares Model and the statutory guidelines table (921 KAR 1:400). It is issued by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services / Kentucky Office of the Attorney General — not an AOC court form — and is required in all cases involving minor children. An exception worksheet, CS-71.1, is used when one parent has 100% of combined income. Note that amounts are computed from the guidelines table rather than simply filled in.
Parenting Conduct Order — AOC-242
This is a court order governing the conduct of both parties regarding the children during the pendency of the divorce. It is issued under FCRPP 2(5)(b) and Appendix B.
Settlement or Separation Agreement
Separation Agreement (without children under 18) — AOC-252.4
This is the settlement agreement that resolves all property, debt, and spousal maintenance issues in uncontested divorces without minor children. It is signed by both parties before a notary.
Finalizing Your Case
Deposition of Petitioner — AOC-251.5 / AOC-252.5
This is the petitioner's sworn testimony establishing the grounds for dissolution (irretrievable breakdown), residency, and other jurisdictional facts required by KRS 403. It is used in uncontested cases.
Motion to Submit for Entry of Decree of Dissolution of Marriage, and Order — AOC-251.8 / AOC-252.8
This motion asks the court to enter the final decree once all documents are filed and the 60-day separation period has elapsed.
Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Decree of Dissolution of Marriage (without children under 18 and with separation agreement) — AOC-252.6
This is the final decree for uncontested cases without minor children where a separation agreement is in place. It combines findings of fact, legal conclusions, and the dissolution decree in one document.
Dissolution of Marriage — Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law — AOC-245
This form is used for contested or commissioner-heard cases, including cases with minor children. It is a separate findings and conclusions document; the actual decree is entered separately or in conjunction. It covers custody, child support, and property.
Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage — AOC-250
This is the clerk's certification of the dissolution, used for record-keeping and as proof of divorce.
Certificate of Divorce or Annulment — VS-300
This vital statistics form is required by KRS 213.116 for every Kentucky divorce. It is completed online through the Cabinet for Health and Family Services portal (ovs.chfs.ky.gov/VS300Divorce). It is not an AOC court form, but it is mandatory, and the clerk will not record the final decree until it is completed.
Where to Get Kentucky Divorce Forms
You have several options for obtaining Kentucky divorce papers. All official AOC forms are free.
Official State Courts Site
The Kentucky Court of Justice publishes the official, free, statewide AOC forms. You can download them from the legal forms library at kycourts.gov. Form numbers and the AOC-252 self-help packet are available directly there.
County Clerk / Circuit Court
Divorce cases in Kentucky are handled by the Circuit Court (often the Family Court division). While the forms themselves are standardized statewide, individual family court judges have discretion over certain procedural requirements, so your local Circuit Court Clerk's office is a useful resource for local filing details.
Legal Aid / Self-Help
Because the official AOC packet covers only uncontested cases without minor children, those with children sometimes use legal aid packets (such as the ARDFKY materials) or self-help resources. Legal aid organizations in Kentucky can be a helpful starting point for those who qualify.
Online Divorce Services (Divorce.com)
If sorting through form numbers and series feels overwhelming, an online service can help organize the paperwork for you. Divorce.com guides you through a simple questionnaire and helps prepare your documents so you're not left guessing which version of which form applies.
Hire an Attorney
For contested cases, cases involving children, or any situation with complex assets, working with a Kentucky family law attorney provides individualized guidance. For advice on your specific situation, consult an attorney.
The Kentucky Divorce Process
Every case is different, but here is a general overview of how a Kentucky dissolution typically moves forward.
1. Meet the Residency Requirement
At least one spouse must have resided in Kentucky continuously for 180 days immediately before filing, under KRS 403.140.
2. File the Petition
The case begins when the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (AOC-252 / AOC-252A for cases without minor children) is filed with the Circuit Court. There is no waiting period to file — only to finalize.
3. Serve or Waive Service
The other spouse is notified of the case. In uncontested cases, the respondent may sign a Waiver of Service and Entry of Appearance (AOC-251.1 / AOC-252.1) rather than being formally served.
4. Exchange Financial Disclosures
Each party exchanges a Preliminary Verified Disclosure Statement (AOC-238 / AOC-238.1) within 45 days of service of the petition under FCRPP 2. A Final Verified Disclosure (AOC-239 / AOC-239.1) may follow if property matters remain in dispute.
5. Observe the Waiting Period
The parties must have lived apart for at least 60 days before the court may enter a decree of dissolution. This is a waiting period to finalize, not to file.
6. Finalize With the Decree and Certified Copies
In uncontested cases without children, a Motion to Submit for Entry of Decree (AOC-251.8 / AOC-252.8) asks the court to enter the final decree, often the Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Decree of Dissolution (AOC-252.6). The Certificate of Divorce or Annulment (VS-300) must be completed online before the clerk records the decree. The Certificate of Dissolution (AOC-250) serves as proof of divorce for your records.
Kentucky-Specific Requirements You Should Know
Residency. At least one spouse must have resided in Kentucky continuously for 180 days immediately before filing (KRS 403.140).
Property division. Kentucky is an equitable distribution state. This means marital property is divided fairly, though not necessarily 50/50. Notably, fault does not affect property division under KRS 403.190.
Grounds. Kentucky is a pure no-fault state. The sole ground for divorce is irretrievable breakdown of the marriage (KRS 403.170). Kentucky does not recognize fault-based grounds such as adultery, cruelty, or abandonment. That said, marital misconduct may be considered in custody and spousal maintenance determinations. Kentucky also has no covenant marriage law.
Waiting period. The parties must have lived apart for at least 60 days before the court may enter a decree. There is no waiting period to file — only to finalize.
Vital statistics form. The VS-300 Certificate of Divorce or Annulment is mandatory for every dissolution and must be completed online through the CHFS portal before the clerk will record the final decree.
Parenting education. Courts may order parents with minor children to attend a co-parenting or divorce education class. This is at the discretion of the individual family court judge and is common in many counties, though it is not a uniform statewide statutory mandate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using the wrong form track
The AOC-252 self-help packet is built only for uncontested cases without minor children. Cases with children or contested issues follow a different path using AOC-245 and often legal aid or attorney-drafted pleadings. Assuming the self-help packet covers every situation is a frequent source of confusion.
Mixing up redacted and unredacted petitions
AOC-252 (redacted, for the public record) and AOC-252A (unredacted, retained by the parties with SSNs and DOBs) serve different purposes. They are not interchangeable.
Forgetting the VS-300
Because the VS-300 is completed through a separate online portal rather than as an AOC court form, it is easy to overlook — yet the clerk will not record the decree without it.
Missing disclosure deadlines
Preliminary disclosures must be exchanged within 45 days of service under FCRPP 2. Overlooking that timeline can stall a case.
Miscalculating child support
The CS-71 amount is computed from Kentucky's statutory guidelines table (921 KAR 1:400), not simply written in. Treating it as a blank fill-in form can lead to errors.
How Divorce.com Can Help
Kentucky's mix of AOC series numbers, redacted versus unredacted petitions, and separate vital-statistics forms can be a lot to track. Divorce.com simplifies the process by walking you through a guided questionnaire and helping prepare your documents — so you spend less time decoding form codes and more time moving forward.
A simple, guided questionnaire instead of a stack of confusing forms
Help preparing your Kentucky divorce documents based on your answers
Clear, step-by-step organization of the paperwork
An affordable alternative to sorting through everything alone
Support designed to reduce stress and save time
Which Kentucky Divorce Forms Will You Need?
The forms you encounter depend largely on whether your divorce is uncontested (you and your spouse agree) and whether minor children are involved. Kentucky's official AOC self-help packet (the AOC-252 series) is built for uncontested cases without minor children under 18. Contested cases and cases with children typically proceed before a Domestic Relations Commissioner or family court judge using a more individualized set of forms, with AOC-245 serving as the findings document. Below is a plain-language map of the official Kentucky forms, grouped by what they do.
Starting the Case
Petition for Dissolution of Marriage — AOC-252 (Redacted) and AOC-252A (Unredacted)
This form initiates the divorce case. Both versions are for cases without minor children under 18. AOC-252 is the redacted copy filed in the public record; AOC-252A is the unredacted copy containing Social Security numbers and dates of birth, retained by the parties. For cases with minor children, the official AOC self-help packet does not include a separately numbered petition — those cases typically use court-supervised guided forms or legal aid packets, while AOC-245 and the disclosure forms apply to all cases.
Responding to the Petition
Waiver of Service and Entry of Appearance — AOC-251.1 / AOC-252.1
This form is used when the respondent waives formal service of process and enters an appearance, consenting to the court's jurisdiction. It is common in uncontested dissolutions.
Waiver of Notice of Deposition and Final Hearing — AOC-251.2 / AOC-252.2
This form is used when the respondent waives notice of the petitioner's deposition and the final hearing, allowing the case to proceed without the respondent's attendance.
Financial & Disclosure Forms
Preliminary Verified Disclosure Statement — AOC-238 (full) / AOC-238.1 (Simplified)
This is each party's early financial disclosure of assets, debts, income, and expenses. The full version (AOC-238) is typically exchanged but not filed unless ordered; the simplified version (AOC-238.1) is used in straightforward cases. Under FCRPP 2, it must be exchanged within 45 days of service of the petition.
Final Verified Disclosure Statement — AOC-239 (full) / AOC-239.1 (Simplified)
This is an updated financial disclosure, filed no later than 5 days before trial if property matters are in dispute. It is the companion to the preliminary disclosure (AOC-238/238.1).
Acknowledgment of Preliminary / Final Verified Disclosure Statement — AOC-238.3 / AOC-239.3
This form is used for each party to acknowledge receipt of the other party's disclosure statement, and it is filed with the court as proof of exchange.
Affidavit of No Change in Circumstances — AOC-239.2
This form is filed in lieu of a Final Verified Disclosure Statement when there have been no material changes in financial circumstances since the Preliminary Disclosure was submitted.
Forms for Divorces With Children
Kentucky handles cases with minor children differently. As noted above, the official AOC self-help packet does not publish a separately numbered petition for cases with children; those cases use AOC-245 for findings and often rely on legal aid packets or attorney-drafted pleadings. The forms below relate specifically to children.
Child Support Worksheet — CS-71
This worksheet calculates the monthly child support obligation using Kentucky's Income Shares Model and the statutory guidelines table (921 KAR 1:400). It is issued by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services / Kentucky Office of the Attorney General — not an AOC court form — and is required in all cases involving minor children. An exception worksheet, CS-71.1, is used when one parent has 100% of combined income. Note that amounts are computed from the guidelines table rather than simply filled in.
Parenting Conduct Order — AOC-242
This is a court order governing the conduct of both parties regarding the children during the pendency of the divorce. It is issued under FCRPP 2(5)(b) and Appendix B.
Settlement or Separation Agreement
Separation Agreement (without children under 18) — AOC-252.4
This is the settlement agreement that resolves all property, debt, and spousal maintenance issues in uncontested divorces without minor children. It is signed by both parties before a notary.
Finalizing Your Case
Deposition of Petitioner — AOC-251.5 / AOC-252.5
This is the petitioner's sworn testimony establishing the grounds for dissolution (irretrievable breakdown), residency, and other jurisdictional facts required by KRS 403. It is used in uncontested cases.
Motion to Submit for Entry of Decree of Dissolution of Marriage, and Order — AOC-251.8 / AOC-252.8
This motion asks the court to enter the final decree once all documents are filed and the 60-day separation period has elapsed.
Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Decree of Dissolution of Marriage (without children under 18 and with separation agreement) — AOC-252.6
This is the final decree for uncontested cases without minor children where a separation agreement is in place. It combines findings of fact, legal conclusions, and the dissolution decree in one document.
Dissolution of Marriage — Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law — AOC-245
This form is used for contested or commissioner-heard cases, including cases with minor children. It is a separate findings and conclusions document; the actual decree is entered separately or in conjunction. It covers custody, child support, and property.
Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage — AOC-250
This is the clerk's certification of the dissolution, used for record-keeping and as proof of divorce.
Certificate of Divorce or Annulment — VS-300
This vital statistics form is required by KRS 213.116 for every Kentucky divorce. It is completed online through the Cabinet for Health and Family Services portal (ovs.chfs.ky.gov/VS300Divorce). It is not an AOC court form, but it is mandatory, and the clerk will not record the final decree until it is completed.
Where to Get Kentucky Divorce Forms
You have several options for obtaining Kentucky divorce papers. All official AOC forms are free.
Official State Courts Site
The Kentucky Court of Justice publishes the official, free, statewide AOC forms. You can download them from the legal forms library at kycourts.gov. Form numbers and the AOC-252 self-help packet are available directly there.
County Clerk / Circuit Court
Divorce cases in Kentucky are handled by the Circuit Court (often the Family Court division). While the forms themselves are standardized statewide, individual family court judges have discretion over certain procedural requirements, so your local Circuit Court Clerk's office is a useful resource for local filing details.
Legal Aid / Self-Help
Because the official AOC packet covers only uncontested cases without minor children, those with children sometimes use legal aid packets (such as the ARDFKY materials) or self-help resources. Legal aid organizations in Kentucky can be a helpful starting point for those who qualify.
Online Divorce Services (Divorce.com)
If sorting through form numbers and series feels overwhelming, an online service can help organize the paperwork for you. Divorce.com guides you through a simple questionnaire and helps prepare your documents so you're not left guessing which version of which form applies.
Hire an Attorney
For contested cases, cases involving children, or any situation with complex assets, working with a Kentucky family law attorney provides individualized guidance. For advice on your specific situation, consult an attorney.
The Kentucky Divorce Process
Every case is different, but here is a general overview of how a Kentucky dissolution typically moves forward.
1. Meet the Residency Requirement
At least one spouse must have resided in Kentucky continuously for 180 days immediately before filing, under KRS 403.140.
2. File the Petition
The case begins when the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (AOC-252 / AOC-252A for cases without minor children) is filed with the Circuit Court. There is no waiting period to file — only to finalize.
3. Serve or Waive Service
The other spouse is notified of the case. In uncontested cases, the respondent may sign a Waiver of Service and Entry of Appearance (AOC-251.1 / AOC-252.1) rather than being formally served.
4. Exchange Financial Disclosures
Each party exchanges a Preliminary Verified Disclosure Statement (AOC-238 / AOC-238.1) within 45 days of service of the petition under FCRPP 2. A Final Verified Disclosure (AOC-239 / AOC-239.1) may follow if property matters remain in dispute.
5. Observe the Waiting Period
The parties must have lived apart for at least 60 days before the court may enter a decree of dissolution. This is a waiting period to finalize, not to file.
6. Finalize With the Decree and Certified Copies
In uncontested cases without children, a Motion to Submit for Entry of Decree (AOC-251.8 / AOC-252.8) asks the court to enter the final decree, often the Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Decree of Dissolution (AOC-252.6). The Certificate of Divorce or Annulment (VS-300) must be completed online before the clerk records the decree. The Certificate of Dissolution (AOC-250) serves as proof of divorce for your records.
Kentucky-Specific Requirements You Should Know
Residency. At least one spouse must have resided in Kentucky continuously for 180 days immediately before filing (KRS 403.140).
Property division. Kentucky is an equitable distribution state. This means marital property is divided fairly, though not necessarily 50/50. Notably, fault does not affect property division under KRS 403.190.
Grounds. Kentucky is a pure no-fault state. The sole ground for divorce is irretrievable breakdown of the marriage (KRS 403.170). Kentucky does not recognize fault-based grounds such as adultery, cruelty, or abandonment. That said, marital misconduct may be considered in custody and spousal maintenance determinations. Kentucky also has no covenant marriage law.
Waiting period. The parties must have lived apart for at least 60 days before the court may enter a decree. There is no waiting period to file — only to finalize.
Vital statistics form. The VS-300 Certificate of Divorce or Annulment is mandatory for every dissolution and must be completed online through the CHFS portal before the clerk will record the final decree.
Parenting education. Courts may order parents with minor children to attend a co-parenting or divorce education class. This is at the discretion of the individual family court judge and is common in many counties, though it is not a uniform statewide statutory mandate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using the wrong form track
The AOC-252 self-help packet is built only for uncontested cases without minor children. Cases with children or contested issues follow a different path using AOC-245 and often legal aid or attorney-drafted pleadings. Assuming the self-help packet covers every situation is a frequent source of confusion.
Mixing up redacted and unredacted petitions
AOC-252 (redacted, for the public record) and AOC-252A (unredacted, retained by the parties with SSNs and DOBs) serve different purposes. They are not interchangeable.
Forgetting the VS-300
Because the VS-300 is completed through a separate online portal rather than as an AOC court form, it is easy to overlook — yet the clerk will not record the decree without it.
Missing disclosure deadlines
Preliminary disclosures must be exchanged within 45 days of service under FCRPP 2. Overlooking that timeline can stall a case.
Miscalculating child support
The CS-71 amount is computed from Kentucky's statutory guidelines table (921 KAR 1:400), not simply written in. Treating it as a blank fill-in form can lead to errors.
How Divorce.com Can Help
Kentucky's mix of AOC series numbers, redacted versus unredacted petitions, and separate vital-statistics forms can be a lot to track. Divorce.com simplifies the process by walking you through a guided questionnaire and helping prepare your documents — so you spend less time decoding form codes and more time moving forward.
A simple, guided questionnaire instead of a stack of confusing forms
Help preparing your Kentucky divorce documents based on your answers
Clear, step-by-step organization of the paperwork
An affordable alternative to sorting through everything alone
Support designed to reduce stress and save time
Starting a divorce in Kentucky can feel like staring at a stack of unfamiliar forms with court codes you've never seen before. The good news: Kentucky's divorce paperwork is standardized statewide by the Kentucky Supreme Court's Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), so the same core forms are used everywhere in the Commonwealth. This guide walks you through which Kentucky divorce papers exist, what each one does, where to download them, and how the process generally unfolds.
In Kentucky, divorce is legally called "dissolution of marriage." Many of the official AOC forms are part of a self-help packet designed for uncontested cases without minor children, while cases that are contested or involve children typically follow a more individualized path. We'll explain the difference clearly so you can see where your situation might fit.
This page is informational only. It describes what the forms are and how Kentucky's process generally works, not what you personally should file. Every situation is different, and for advice on your specific situation, consult an attorney.
The Bottom Line
Kentucky divorce papers are standardized statewide by the Administrative Office of the Courts, so the same core AOC forms apply whether you're filing in Louisville (Jefferson County), Lexington (Fayette County), Bowling Green (Warren County), or anywhere else in the Commonwealth. The official AOC-252 self-help packet covers uncontested cases without minor children, while cases involving children or disputes follow a more individualized path using AOC-245 and other resources.
You can download all official forms for free from the Kentucky Court of Justice at kycourts.gov. If you'd rather have the paperwork organized and prepared for you, Divorce.com offers a guided, affordable way to get started.
This guide is informational only and does not replace legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, consult an attorney.
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