MaritalLaws
Kentucky
Child Visitation Laws
Kentucky Child Custody Guide :: Table of Contents
Visitation General Information
What is child visitation?
In the context of a child custody case, visitation is defined as the rights for a non-custodial parent to see their child, or as temporary custody that's been granted for a period of time to an otherwise non-custodial parent or relative.In general, courts in Kentucky assume that it is beneficial for both biological parents of a child to have shared custody or visitation, unless it is shown to be against the child's best interests. A biological parent who is denied custody may be awarded visitation rights to provide for a relationship between the parent and child.
Visitation by grandparents, family members, or other third-parties is less clear cut in Kentucky, and nationwide. While there are state guidelines regarding third-party visitation in certain situations, these laws are frequently challenged.
Above all else, courts in Kentucky strive to make custody and visitation decisions that are "in the best interests of the child". The court handling each individual visitation case has significant flexibility in determining what arrangement is in the child's best interests. You can read about Kentucky's visitation guildelines on this page.
Kentucky Visitation Court Considerations Table
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Kentucky Child Visitation Summary
How can Visitation Rights be Requested?
A biological parent of a minor child may request visitation rights as part of an open divorce, parentage or custody case or may file a petition for visitation in none of these circumstances apply.
The court will decide a request for visitation based on whether granting a parent visitation would be in the "best interests of the child."
What is considered in a child's "best interests" are outlined under the custody and visitation statute which indicate the following factors are relevant to this type of decision:
(a) The wishes of the child's parent or parents, and any de facto custodian, as to his custody
(b) The wishes of the child as to his custodian
(c) The interaction and interrelationship of the child with his parent or parents, his siblings, and any other person who may significantly affect the child's best interests
(d) The child's adjustment to his home, school, and community
(e) The mental and physical health of all individuals involved
(f) Information, records, and evidence of domestic violence
A court may award grandparent visitation rights if visitation would be in the child's best interest. A court may award a grandparent the same visitation rights as a parent without custody if the grandparent's child is deceased and the grandparent has provided child support to the grandchild.
Kentucky Child Visitation For Grandparents, Relatives, and Third Parties
In the state of Kentucky, there are a number of laws regarding child visitation regarding visitation for third-parties other than the biological parents of the child. While state laws regarding third-party visitation have been frequently been challenged in courts, they are a good indication of Kentucky's positions regarding non-parental visitation rights.
Visitation Rights Of Grandparents In Kentucky:
Kentucky has special statutes regarding the child visitiation rights of grandparents under different circumstances. Under state law, the grandparents of children may obtain visitation while the parents are alive, regardless of the parent's marital status.
✓ YES
✓ YES
✗ NO
✗ NO
Regardless of state presumptions regarding grandparent's visitation rights under specific circumstances, a Kentucky court may allow or prevent visitation rights in any situation based on the best interests of the child.
Visitation Rights Of Other Parties In Kentucky:
Are step-parents granted visitation rights in the state of Kentucky?
Generally it is an uphill battle for step-parents seeking visitation rights for a step-child, especially if the biological parents of the child are alive and are opposed to the visitation.
The state of Kentucky does not have any laws that grant child visitation rights to step-parents, which may make applying for visitation significantly harder. In all cases, third-party visitation rights are more likely to be granted by the court if they are deemed to be in the best interests of the child.
Can other interested parties or relatives be granted visitation rights to a child in Kentucky?
Under state of Kentucky law, it is not generally possible for any other interested party other than those specified to be granted child visitation rights. In rare cases this may be overruled by the court.
Can parents be granted visitation rights after termination of parental rights or adoption in Kentucky?
In the state of Kentucky it is possible to be granted visitation rights after termination of parental rights or giving up a child for adoption. This is the case with both biological parents and previous guardians.