Boone County Child Custody Attorneys
Last updated on June 15, 2026
Child custody decisions can affect you as a parent and nearly every aspect of a child’s life, such as daily routine and emotional stability. During times like these, working with knowledgeable Boone County child custody attorneys can help protect your child’s best interests.
At The Law Offices of Farley & Hopper, PLLC (dba FH Law), we serve families in Boone County and throughout northern Kentucky, including Florence, Burlington, Francisville, Oakbrook and Crestview Hills. Our firm has built a strong reputation because our clients are always at the heart of everything we do.
What Are The Types Of Child Custody In Kentucky?
There are several types of custody under Kentucky law, and understanding them is essential before entering negotiations or court proceedings.
Legal custody awards a parent’s right to make significant decisions about a child’s upbringing, including education, health care and religious instruction. On the other hand, physical custody determines which parent lives with the child and is responsible for taking care of the child’s needs.
Moreover, Kentucky courts plan parenting time, granting each parent visitation rights to spend time with the child. Even when one parent has primary physical custody, the other parent is usually entitled to reasonable visitation unless it would place the child at risk.
Other types include temporary custody orders, issued while a case is pending, permanent custody orders after the case, sole custody orders to one parent or joint custody orders for both parents. Kentucky courts often encourage shared parenting when appropriate.
How Do You File For Child Custody In Boone County, Kentucky?
When filing a petition, you must provide detailed information about the child and follow the following process:
- Ensure the child has lived in Kentucky for at least six months.
- If unmarried, establish the paternity.
- Complete the necessary forms, stating the parents’ details, the child’s details and the requested arrangements.
- Submit the completed forms to the Boone County Circuit Court clerk.
- Officially serve the other parent with a copy of the petition.
- Attend the scheduled hearing to determine custody.
Our experienced Boone County child custody lawyers can guide you through each step.
Understanding Emergency And Temporary Custody Orders
Emergency or temporary custody orders may be granted as an immediate court intervention to protect a child from harm, such as:
- Domestic violence
- Allegations of physical or sexual abuse
- Drug or alcohol impairment of the custodial parent
An ex parte order allows the court to issue temporary custody without first hearing from the other parent. As a requesting parent, you must prove that you cannot wait for a standard custody order by providing evidence.
You can apply for an ex parte order at the local Circuit Court Clerk’s office in the county where the child resides.
Child Custody in Florence, Burlington, Union, & Walton
Florence, KY
Families in Florence often juggle parenting time around school and work near KY 18, Mall Road, and the I-71/75 corridors. Our Boone County child custody attorneys tailor parenting plans that account for Boone County Schools calendars, extracurriculars at local parks and facilities, and realistic exchange logistics near major routes to reduce late pickups and conflict.
We help parents create clear transportation responsibilities, holiday schedules, and communication rules that fit real life in Florence. If a job change, third-shift work, or a move within the city affects your schedule, we can seek a modification that protects your child’s routine while honoring Kentucky’s focus on shared parenting when appropriate.
Burlington, KY
Burlington is home to the Boone County Justice Center, so many custody matters are heard close to where families live, work, and attend school. We build practical parenting plans that reflect daily life in and around Burlington Pike and nearby neighborhoods, including exchange plans that minimize long drives and help children transition smoothly between homes.
Because Burlington includes both suburban streets and nearby rural roads, timing and travel can be a real issue in custody cases. Our team prepares detailed schedules with pickup windows, bad weather contingencies, and school-year versus summer routines, then advocates for enforceable orders that reduce misunderstandings and keep children at the center.
Union, KY
Union’s growth and busy corridors like US 42 and KY 536 create real-world challenges for handoffs, school drop-offs, and after-school activities. We develop parenting plans that align with local school feeder patterns and sports schedules, and we specify exchange points that are safe, consistent, and convenient for both parents.
If parents live in different parts of Boone County, distance and traffic can strain midweek time. We craft solutions that balance in-person parenting time with remote participation for homework or activities when needed, and we address relocation and schedule changes through clear modification procedures to limit future conflict.
Walton, KY
Families in Walton often coordinate custody around the Walton-Verona Independent Schools calendar and commutes that may include I-75, US 25, and nearby county lines. We structure plans with precise start and end times, transportation details, and protocols for school events so children experience stability even when parents have different work hours.
Weather and longer drives can complicate parenting time in and around Walton. Our attorneys include backup plans for delays, neutral public exchange locations when tension is high, and step-by-step dispute resolution language. If schedules or circumstances change, we file targeted modifications that keep your child’s best interests at the forefront.
Paternity In Kentucky: How To Establish Fatherhood Legally
Under Kentucky law, paternity can be established in two ways:
- Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (VAP) form: It is often signed at the hospital where the child was born. Once the mother and the father sign and it is filed with the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics, it becomes legally binding after 60 days.
- Court-ordered DNA testing: The law allows DNA testing to determine the biological fatherhood. These tests are conducted through court-approved laboratories, and once the court confirms paternity, the judge can issue orders.
Our attorneys are knowledgeable in Kentucky paternity law and can help you protect your rights while helping ensure your child’s best interests are met.
How Can You Modify A Child Custody Order In Boone County?
To modify custody or parenting time, you must follow this process:
- Establish a substantial change
- File a motion
- Serve the other parent
- Mediation/negotiation
- Court hearing
- Final orders
When filing the motion, you must clearly establish the grounds for modification, such as:
- Relocation
- Changes in a child’s medical or educational needs
- Inability to comply with the current order
If one parent violates the custody order, the court looks at the details of the violation. A warning may be issued for a one-time mistake, but if problems persist, the court can impose penalties. This may include makeup time for the other parent, loss of custody or reduced visitation, as well as fines or contempt of court.
Legal Requirements For Relocation With Children
Under Kentucky law, there are no legal issues if you and your ex-spouse agree to move. However, if you decide to move alone, you must provide a notice of move to the other parent at least 60 days in advance if you are relocating more than 100 miles.
If you cannot agree on relocation, the family court can decide on your behalf after considering factors like the mature child’s wishes.
Contact Our Boone County Child Custody Attorneys Today
Child custody matters are deeply personal. That is why FH Law is committed to protecting your parental rights while prioritizing your child’s well-being. We serve families throughout Boone, Kenton, Campbell, Gallatin, Grant and Pendleton counties in Kentucky. Call 859-440-2338 to schedule your free consultation or use the online contact form.