FH LawFH Law2026-10-19T16:31:32Zhttps://www.farleyandhopper.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1304150/2025/05/cropped-FH-favicon-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of The Law Offices of Farley & Hopper, PLLC (dba FH Law)<![CDATA[Who might be liable in a wrongful death lawsuit?]]>https://www.farleyandhopper.com/?p=466332026-10-19T16:31:32Z2026-10-19T16:31:32ZIndividuals may be at fault
Many wrongful death lawsuits name one person as the defendant. Under state statutes, people may be liable or causing a death when their negligence or wrongful acts are to blame for the tragedy. Negligence could entail doing something unsafe or failing to do what was necessary to keep everyone nearby reasonably safe. Wrongful acts involve violations of the law, ranging from drunk driving to robberies.
Businesses can be liable too
In some wrongful death scenarios, a business might be directly at fault for negligent operations, such as releasing unsafe products that endanger consumers. They could also be liable for breaching a contract in a manner that put a person's life at risk. Other times, businesses are liable in wrongful death cases due to the conduct of their workers while on the clock. Vicarious liability rules make it possible to take action against an employer when an individual worker is the party that causes a tragedy through misconduct or negligence.
Those hoping to pursue justice after a tragedy may need insight into the law and support as they develop a legal case, and that’s okay. Speaking with a wrongful death attorney can help those affected by a recent passing evaluate who may be liable and develop a viable legal strategy accordingly.]]>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Farley & Hopper, PLLC (dba FH Law)<![CDATA[Who gets the family pet in a Kentucky divorce?]]>https://www.farleyandhopper.com/?p=466312026-10-13T17:24:38Z2026-10-13T17:24:38ZHow Kentucky law classifies pets
Kentucky courts apply equitable distribution to marital property. Pets are currently classified as personal property under Kentucky law, which means a court approaches them using the same legal framework as furniture or bank accounts. That framework distinguishes between two types of property:
Separate property: if one spouse owned the pet before the marriage, received it as a personal gift, or inherited it, the court will generally award the animal to that spouse
Marital property: if the pet was adopted or purchased during the marriage using shared funds, it is treated as marital property subject to division
Because a pet cannot be divided, a judge must award sole ownership to one spouse while balancing the overall division of assets.
What courts look at when deciding
Although pets are treated as property under the law, many Kentucky judges recognize that the situation calls for practical consideration. Courts often weigh factors such as who primarily fed, walked, and cared for the pet, whose name appears on veterinary records and licensing, which spouse's new living situation better suits the animal's needs, and whether children are involved and whether keeping the pet with them would serve their stability.
Each of these factors can influence how a judge resolves the question when spouses cannot agree.
Can you create a shared care agreement?
Kentucky courts rarely issue formal pet custody orders on their own, but spouses are free to negotiate a private agreement through the Kentucky Court of Justice family court resources or mediation. A voluntary settlement can include a shared schedule for time with the pet, guidelines for splitting veterinary and care costs, and right-of-first-refusal terms if one spouse needs pet care while traveling.
Working out an arrangement privately often reduces stress and gives both spouses more control over the outcome than leaving the decision entirely to a judge.
Talking through your options
If you are facing property division questions, including what happens to your family pet, a Kentucky divorce attorney can help you understand your options and work toward a resolution that fits your situation. We can help with that, and we are happy to walk you through it.]]>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Farley & Hopper, PLLC (dba FH Law)<![CDATA[What happens to a business in a Kentucky divorce?]]>https://www.farleyandhopper.com/?p=466292026-10-08T14:48:46Z2026-10-08T14:48:46ZThe business may count as marital property
When you or your spouse starts or acquires a business during the marriage, the ownership interest generally falls within the property that Kentucky considers when dividing marital assets. Putting the business in only one spouse's name does not automatically keep it outside the marital estate.
A business that predates the marriage may receive different treatment, although changes in its value during the marriage can still matter.
The business may add value to the marital estate
The court may need to establish the business's value before determining how it fits into the overall property division. That process can involve looking at things such as:
What the business owns and owes
How much income it generates
Its overall financial worth
The resulting value does not necessarily mean you must sell the company or give your spouse an ownership stake. Instead, it gives the court a basis for accounting for the business alongside the couple's other property.
One spouse may keep the business
You may keep the business after divorce while your spouse receives other marital assets to balance the overall division. Kentucky law directs courts to consider each spouse's contributions, the property each spouse receives and each spouse's circumstances when dividing marital property. The length of the marriage also factors into that decision.
Spouses may choose to sell or divide the business
Selling the company or separating the ownership interest can provide another way to resolve the business's value. The circumstances surrounding the company, including its ownership arrangement and financial condition, can affect which option makes sense for the divorce.
Know how your business may affect your divorce
A business can affect the division of property as well as your financial future after divorce. If you or your spouse owns a company, consider reviewing its ownership records, financial information and history with an attorney before agreeing to a property settlement. That review can help you understand what your business interest could mean for the rest of your divorce.]]>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Farley & Hopper, PLLC (dba FH Law)<![CDATA[Who hosts a child’s birthday party when parents share custody?]]>https://www.farleyandhopper.com/?p=466272026-10-02T19:26:56Z2026-10-02T19:26:56ZShared custody means that parents must accept giving up time with their children. There are many practical and personal issues that parents must address when they intend to share custody because they separate or divorce.
Important days with the children can easily become a source of conflict. Parents often need to establish a schedule for the holidays. They may also need to plan in advance for birthdays. For children, their birthday parties may be one of their most exciting experiences each year.Which parent typically gets to throw the birthday party for a child when parents share custody?
Parents can coordinate in advance
Technically, there's nothing stopping both parents from hosting a party during their own parenting time. However, children may not want two separate celebrations, and party guests may choose to attend one party but not the other. Therefore, parents may need to coordinate with one another to ensure that the child feels centered on their birthday.Parents might agree to alternate years hosting so that each parent can plan a party every other year. Parents also potentially have the option of working together for a joint celebration, so long as they can both attend the party without an argument occurring. It is often best for parents to make arrangements early in the custody negotiation process to ensure that a child's birthday does not turn into a protracted family conflict.Integrating the right terms into a child custody order, such as guidelines for special days, can help families adjust to shared custody more effectively. Discussing custody concerns with a family law attorney can help parents identify common custody complications and push for reasonable custody terms.
]]>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Farley & Hopper, PLLC (dba FH Law)<![CDATA[When can you modify a custody order in Kentucky?]]>https://www.farleyandhopper.com/?p=466242026-10-01T10:27:17Z2026-10-01T10:27:17ZWhat changes can justify a modification?
A custody order can be modified in Kentucky, but the court will only consider a change if certain legal requirements are met. Here are some of the main situations that may justify a modification:
Circumstances have changed since the issuance of the existing order
The court was not aware of certain facts when it issued the original order
A parent has moved or relocated
The child’s schooling, health or daily needs have changed
Other developments affect the child’s day-to-day life
The child’s current environment may seriously endanger the child’s health
A custody order cannot be changed solely because a parent missed visitation or child support obligations.
Is there a waiting period?
In general, a parent must wait two years before asking the court to modify a custody order. However, there are exceptions. An earlier request may be permitted if affidavits demonstrate that the child's current environment poses a risk to their physical, moral, mental, or emotional well-being or if the child has been placed with a de facto custodian.
How does the court decide?
The court reviews the changed circumstances and the child’s best interests. Kentucky law considers factors such as the child’s relationship with each parent, the child’s adjustment to home and school, and the mental and physical health of the people involved.
A parent seeking modification should gather records that support the request. Helpful evidence might include school records, medical records, messages between the parents and information about a move or major change in the child’s life.
When should a parent seek a change?
A parent may consider modification when the current order no longer fits the child’s needs or the family’s situation has changed in a meaningful way. Because Kentucky has strict rules, it helps to review the facts and the existing order before filing. A Kentucky family law attorney can review the situation and explain whether a custody modification request is likely to meet the legal requirements.]]>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Farley & Hopper, PLLC (dba FH Law)<![CDATA[Parenting time documentation: Building a solid record for court]]>https://www.farleyandhopper.com/?p=466212026-09-29T14:14:01Z2026-09-29T14:14:01ZWhy contemporaneous documentation matters
Under Kentucky law, equal parenting time is a rebuttable presumption. When legal disputes arise, overcoming or upholding that presumption requires concrete facts rather than vague claims. Records that can verify your parental involvement include:
Text messages: Log exchange times, delays and cancellation notices.
Parenting communication apps: Store tamper-proof messages and schedules.
Emails: Capture detailed decisions about schooling and care.
Calendars: Track visitations, pickups and missed parenting time.
School or activity schedules: Prove attendance at conferences and games.
Medical records: Confirm doctor visits, co-pays and treatment decisions.
Receipts: Document shared expenses like clothes and supplies.
Transportation records: Verify travel logs, rideshare receipts and mileage.
Written agreements: Document formal schedule swaps and holiday plans.
Screenshots: Save digital notices and online schedule changes.
Factual documentation provides judges with proof of actual habits and reliability over time. Objective logs eliminate emotional bias and can help present clear, convincing evidence.
Mistakes to avoid during a custody case
Meanwhile, misusing the documentation process or engaging in high-conflict behavior can undermine your custody case. Thus, it is essential to avoid these harmful actions:
Editorializing every interaction can add personal judgments instead of facts.
Sending 14 paragraphs when three sentences will do may increase conflict and confusion.
Threatening court creates friction and may weaken your legal standing.
Calling the other parent names can harm your credibility.
Manufacturing a record destroys trust and could incur penalties.
Coaching your child can cause emotional harm and alienate them.
Making your child the messenger exposes them to adult disputes.
Judges can spot biased or exaggerated records that are designed to paint the other parent in a negative light. Focusing on verifiable events keeps the case centered on the standards set by Kentucky courts.
Advocating for your rights while prioritizing your child
In child custody proceedings, every documented detail carries weight. By seeking legal advice, you may better manage the complexities of child custody and make informed decisions. In addition, having legal counsel may help you advocate for your parental rights while prioritizing your child's well-being.]]>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Farley & Hopper, PLLC (dba FH Law)<![CDATA[Social media posts can damage your car accident case]]>https://www.farleyandhopper.com/?p=466132026-09-17T17:39:09Z2026-09-17T17:39:09Zsocial media activity can trigger serious problems for those pursuing a car accident claim.
Insurance companies often review public posts, photos and comments, and even private content can be requested during litigation. A single post can weaken important evidence and reduce the value of a case.
How posts can be used against you
Social media activity can give insurers material to challenge your injuries or the facts of the collision. Here's how:
Photos that show physical activity can be used to argue that injuries are less severe than you claim.
Comments about feeling fine can conflict with medical records.
Details about the crash can be interpreted as inconsistent with official statements.
Online interactions can expose information about daily activities that insurers may use against you.
Many people believe that strict privacy settings will protect their content, but that is not necessarily accurate. Courts may allow access to private posts when they are relevant to the case, and even deleted content can sometimes be recovered. Because of this, relying on privacy settings can create a false sense of security about the strength of an accident case.
Steps to protect your claim
Limiting online activity is one of the simplest and most effective ways to avoid unnecessary complications. Try to avoid:
Posting photos or updates about your daily activities
Discussing the crash or injuries online
Allowing friends and family to talk about your case on social media
A thorough review of your content can help ensure nothing exists online that may contradict your current condition. This can help you and your counsel present a strong accident claim that accurately reflects the full extent of your injuries and losses.]]>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Farley & Hopper, PLLC (dba FH Law)<![CDATA[Can you divorce in Kentucky while still living together?]]>https://www.farleyandhopper.com/?p=466042026-09-08T08:22:14Z2026-09-08T08:22:14ZYou can meet the 60-day requirement under one roof
State law requires spouses to spend 60 days separated before a judge may finalize the divorce. You do not have to maintain different addresses during that time. The law can treat spouses as separated while they share a residence if they no longer have a sexual relationship. This waiting time can therefore continue even when separate housing is not practical. If your separation date is disputed, your living arrangements and other circumstances may become relevant.
Other divorce timelines may still apply
The 60-day separation period is not the only timing requirement you may encounter. Kentucky also has a residency requirement before you can file. Either you or your spouse generally must have resided in the state, or been stationed there as a member of the armed services, for at least 180 days.
If you have minor children together, another 60-day rule also applies. Except for temporary motions, the court generally cannot hear testimony until 60 days after the earliest of certain procedural steps, such as serving your spouse or your spouse formally appearing or responding in the case.
Sharing a home does not have to delay your divorce
Remaining in the marital home can make a divorce feel more complicated, but Kentucky law recognizes that spouses may need to continue living together during the process. Understanding when your separation began and which timing requirements apply can help you know what to expect before the court can finalize your divorce.
If you are unsure how the 60-day separation period applies to your living situation, a legal professional can help you understand the relevant deadlines and requirements. Having clarity about the process can help you prepare for the next stage of your divorce.]]>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Farley & Hopper, PLLC (dba FH Law)<![CDATA[3 types of evidence of domestic violence that can protect survivors]]>https://www.farleyandhopper.com/?p=465632026-08-29T15:23:24Z2026-08-29T15:23:24Z1. Police reports
Anytime law enforcement professionals respond to domestic violence calls, there is a paper trail produced. Calls to local authorities, arrests and criminal charges are among the most compelling evidence of domestic violence.
2. Medical records
Documentation of injuries consistent with domestic violence can help prove that one person abuse or battered another. Injuries ranging from lacerations and contusions to broken bones can prove domestic violence occurred, especially if one person routinely seeks care for traumatic injuries.
3. Personal records
People experiencing domestic violence often feel as though they can't seek medical care or call the police. In such cases, keeping a detailed written record or securely saved videos of a person during each act of domestic violence can help prove a pattern of abusive behavior. Personal records that affirm when and where incidents happen, exactly what occurred and who may have witnessed the incident or its aftermath can help validate that abuse previously occurred.
With sufficient documentation, people can work to protect themselves when leaving an abusive relationship. Working with an attorney familiar with domestic violence cases can help people pursue protection and appropriate divorce terms accordingly.]]>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Farley & Hopper, PLLC (dba FH Law)<![CDATA[What evidence is necessary for a Kentucky wrongful death lawsuit?]]>https://www.farleyandhopper.com/?p=465602026-08-15T22:09:11Z2026-08-15T22:09:11ZWhat must plaintiffs prove?
To bring a successful wrongful death lawsuit, plaintiffs must first show that the circumstances meet the requirements enshrined in state law. Wrongful death litigation requires proof that the death was the result of the defendant’s negligence or wrongful acts. They must have done something clearly unsafe, failed to do what was necessary for safety or violated the law.
Plaintiffs typically also need proof of their losses. The evidence of economic impact can range from medical bills and invoices from funeral homes to records of former wages to support a claim of lost future income.
The required evidence does not need to convince the courts beyond a reasonable doubt. Plaintiffs only need to show that a preponderance of the evidence, or more evidence than not, supports their claim.
Reviewing the circumstances of a tragedy with a lawyer can help families take appropriate action. Wrongful death litigation can potentially help families to financially overcome a tragedy and hold the right party accountable accordingly.]]>