Serving divorce papers is an essential step in the divorce process. Kentucky law requires specific procedures to make sure your spouse receives proper notification. Here’s what you need to know to complete the process correctly.
What does serving divorce papers mean?
Serving divorce papers means formally notifying your spouse that you’ve filed for divorce. The papers include a divorce petition and a summons. The summons acts as a legal notice, informing your spouse about the case. You must serve the papers properly to ensure the court can proceed with your divorce.
Who can serve the divorce papers in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, someone who is at least 18 years old and not involved in the case can serve the papers. You can ask a friend, family member, or hire a professional process server to deliver the documents. You also have the option of using the sheriff’s office to serve the papers, though this method often comes with extra fees.
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How do you serve divorce papers?
Kentucky offers several ways to serve divorce papers. The most common method is personal service, where you or someone you trust delivers the papers directly to your spouse. This guarantees that your spouse receives the necessary notice. If you can’t serve the papers in person, you may send them by certified mail, which requires a receipt to confirm delivery. The court must approve this method. If you can’t locate your spouse, you may request permission to serve the papers by publishing a notice in a local newspaper. Courts typically only allow this option as a last resort.
What happens after serving the papers?
Once you serve the papers, your spouse has a set amount of time, typically 20 days, to respond. If they don’t respond within this period, you can proceed with the divorce as uncontested. If your spouse does respond, you will continue the process, working out issues like property division, child custody, and alimony.
Serving divorce papers correctly keeps your case moving forward. If you have questions or concerns, you should reach out to a legal professional who understands Kentucky’s divorce laws.