FH LawFH Law2026-07-15T22:01:05Zhttps://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[How long should a driver’s following distance actually be?]]>https://www.farleyandhopper.com/?p=465472026-07-09T14:07:53Z2026-07-09T14:07:53ZAccidental tailgating sometimes leads to car accidents. The tailgater is not trying to be aggressive or reckless. Instead, they just do not know how to maintain a proper following distance. They believe they are driving safely.
Often, a short following distance can feel safe, especially when the flow of traffic is consistent. But as soon as anyone has to hit their brakes in an emergency, it suddenly becomes clear that there is just not enough space to stop.As a general rule, drivers should seek to maintain a three-second following distance. It is better to count off the time than to look at the physical distance. By counting off seconds, the following distance naturally increases at a higher rate of speed.
Would a longer following distance ever be necessary?
Yes. Three seconds is a good place to start, but drivers also have to reconsider any factors that may mean an even longer following distance would be wise.For example, weather conditions can play a significant role. If the roadway is slick or wet, longer following distances may be important.Road construction can also be an issue. If a driver is on a stretch of road where there are frequent slowdowns due to construction zones, they may want to keep a longer following distance so that it is easier to react whenever they approach one of these areas.
Do you deserve financial compensation?
Unfortunately, some drivers will accidentally tailgate, and you could suffer serious injuries in an accident because of them. If you do, then you may deserve financial compensation for medical bills and other costs.
]]>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Farley & Hopper, PLLC (dba FH Law)<![CDATA[How do Kentucky courts decide child custody?]]>https://www.farleyandhopper.com/?p=465462026-07-15T11:47:01Z2026-06-30T23:59:59ZThe child's best interests come first
Kentucky courts decide custody based on the best interests of the child. Judges evaluate each family's unique circumstances to determine what arrangement will provide the child with the greatest stability, safety and opportunity to thrive.
Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, the court examines the evidence presented by both parents before issuing a custody order.
What factors do courts consider?
No single factor determines the outcome of a custody case. Instead, Kentucky courts consider the overall circumstances, including:
The child's relationship with each parent.
Each parent's ability to provide a safe, stable and supportive environment.
How well the child has adjusted to their home, school and community.
The mental and physical health of everyone involved.
Each parent's willingness to encourage a healthy relationship between the child and the other parent.
Whether there is a history of domestic violence, child abuse or neglect.
The child's wishes, when appropriate based on the child's age and maturity.
The court weighs these factors together to determine the custody arrangement that best serves the child's interests.
Does Kentucky favor joint custody?
Kentucky courts generally encourage custody arrangements that allow both parents to play an active role in their child's upbringing. In many cases, judges begin with the presumption that joint legal custody and equal parenting time are in the child's best interests.
Yet, that presumption can be challenged if the evidence shows that a different arrangement would better protect the child's health, safety or welfare. Every custody decision depends on the specific facts of the case.
Why experienced legal guidance matters
Child custody disputes often involve complex legal and emotional issues. Even when parents share the goal of supporting their child, disagreements about parenting schedules, decision-making authority or relocation can make negotiations difficult.
An experienced Kentucky family law attorney can help you present evidence, protect your parental rights and advocate for a custody arrangement that reflects your child's best interests. Whether you are negotiating an agreement or preparing for a court hearing, legal guidance can help you navigate the process with greater confidence.
Understanding how Kentucky courts evaluate custody cases allows you to make informed decisions and focus on what matters most: building a stable and supportive future for your child.
]]>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Farley & Hopper, PLLC (dba FH Law)<![CDATA[Spending time apart can increase the odds of divorce]]>https://www.farleyandhopper.com/?p=465452026-06-24T12:14:44Z2026-06-24T12:14:44ZFor married couples, spending time together is an important component of an ongoing relationship. This does not mean that they cannot have time apart or their own interests. But if they spend too much time apart, there is some evidence that it can increase the odds of a divorce.
For example, some reports looked at data from the U.S. Census Bureau, and they determined that those in the military had a higher divorce rate than those who chose other careers. Being a member of the Armed Forces inherently makes divorce more likely than it is for a civilian couple.Part of the reason is that the military lifestyle requires time apart. A spouse may be at home raising their children alone while the member of the military is at training exercises, has been transferred to a different base or location, or has been deployed overseas.
A long commute
Another example is that some reports equate long commutes with higher divorce rates. Specifically, some studies claim that the odds of divorce go up by 40% when a commute exceeds 45 minutes.It is not that spending time in traffic negatively affects the marriage, but just that the couple has less time together. Someone who has a long commute, especially if they also have a demanding job and work long hours, spends less time with their spouse than someone who works from home or has a short, local commute.Over time, as relationships break down and couples drift apart, divorce becomes a distinct possibility. It is important for these couples to understand all of their legal rights.
]]>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Farley & Hopper, PLLC (dba FH Law)<![CDATA[Why you should not ignore aches after a minor collision]]>https://www.farleyandhopper.com/?p=465382026-06-16T15:56:35Z2026-06-16T15:56:35ZSymptoms may develop days after the accident
Shock, stress and adrenaline could reduce your awareness of pain while you are still at the scene. Once you are home and those immediate reactions fade, the pain may become harder to ignore.
For example, a stiff neck that felt only mildly uncomfortable before bed might be more limiting the next morning. A slightly sore shoulder could become painful when you carry groceries or reach for something on a shelf. Additionally, headaches or dizziness may develop days after the accident rather than immediately afterward.
Basic movements may start getting more difficult and painful. In the next few days, consider taking note of any changes to your health. Discomfort that gradually increases could suggest a serious health condition such as a head injury, spinal cord injury or internal organ damage. If your symptoms escalate, worsen quickly or come with dizziness, confusion, or vomiting, you might need medical help as soon as possible.
Delayed symptoms deserve your attention
Under Kentucky's no-fault laws, your own auto insurance typically covers your initial medical bills up to $10,000. However, you may step outside the no-fault system and file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver for pain and suffering if your crash-related medical expenses exceed $1,000, or if you suffer a permanent injury, bone fracture, or permanent disfigurement. Paying attention to your condition could provide you with a clear medical record that you can use as evidence if you file a personal injury claim.]]>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Farley & Hopper, PLLC (dba FH Law)<![CDATA[Why sooner is better when filing a wrongful death lawsuit]]>https://www.farleyandhopper.com/?p=465312026-06-07T23:20:17Z2026-06-07T23:20:17ZThe state doesn't offer much time to sue
Statutes of limitations are essentially laws limiting how long people can take legal action after certain issues occur. In many wrongful death scenarios, surviving family members only have, at most, two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
However, many families are subject to a one-year statute of limitations. If the courts appoint a personal representative promptly after a tragedy, litigation may need to begin within a year of the person's passing, or the family may completely lose the right to pursue justice. In cases where there are substantial delays in the appointment of a personal representative, families may potentially have up to two years to file.
Consulting with an attorney long before the statute of limitations expires provides surviving family members with plenty of time to gather evidence, calculate losses and respond to any unexpected setbacks that could delay a filing. Those who want to hold responsible parties accountable often need to act quickly to ensure they can take action after a tragedy. There is only a limited window of time in which filing a wrongful death lawsuit is an option.]]>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Farley & Hopper, PLLC (dba FH Law)<![CDATA[Communication can significantly impact a divorce]]>https://www.farleyandhopper.com/?p=465292026-06-01T17:13:59Z2026-06-01T17:13:59ZThe decision to end a marriage is one that often comes with considerable tension between spouses. If you’re in this position, you may realize that the tension makes communication difficult or impossible. Even though it won’t be easy, being able to communicate during the divorce can be beneficial for both sides. As you go through the divorce process, focus only on what has to be decided to end the marriage. Speaking about the conflicts that led to the divorce will almost certainly delay the divorce and make the communication more difficult.
Treat the divorce like a business transaction
It’s not productive to allow emotions to rule you when you’re going through a divorce. Keep the emotional aspects of situations out of the conversation. Think of each decision as a business transaction so you can keep your focus only on the matter at hand.
Choose the proper communication method
Written communication might be useful in these cases because it creates a record of what was said. That’s beneficial because it reduces the chance of misunderstandings throughout the process. Additionally, you will have a chance to review what your ex said and read over your reply before you send it, which may prevent you from sending out a message that could be taken the wrong way.
Take a step back when needed
Some conversations become contentious despite your best efforts. Taking a step back to evaluate the situation and calm down can be beneficial in these cases. This gives you a chance to think about what resolution will be in your best interest. Because decisions related to divorce can affect you now and into the future, it’s likely best to have someone on your side who can assist you with learning the options and deciding how to proceed.
]]>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Farley & Hopper, PLLC (dba FH Law)<![CDATA[Older couples have a rising divorce rate]]>https://www.farleyandhopper.com/?p=465232026-05-17T22:29:34Z2026-05-17T22:29:34ZWhile recent studies have found that younger couples have a declining divorce rate in the United States, the opposite trend is true for older couples. Much of the divide seems to happen at age 45. Couples under this age limit have seen their divorce rate go down in recent years, but the trend has generally been an increase in divorce cases for couples over 45.
In some ways, this is most pronounced for couples who are 65 years old and older. Looking at statistics going back to the 1990s, researchers found that this age group has seen their divorce rate triple. This is in stark contrast to the dropping divorce rates for younger Americans.
Empty-nest divorces
A similar trend is that researchers have found becoming empty nesters sometimes leads to divorce. Couples have stayed together for decades and raised children together, but when that last child moves out, the parents decide to end their marriage.There are many potential reasons why this happens. Parenting could mask troubles in their own relationship that become clear after they become empty nesters, for instance. Discussions about what their future looks like could show that both people have very different ideas of what they want. In some cases, parents intentionally wait until their children move out to file for a divorce, even if they knew they wanted to do so years earlier.Age can have an impact on divorce cases, especially when looking at dividing financial assets, real estate and retirement assets. It is very important for couples in this age bracket to know what legal options they have.
]]>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Farley & Hopper, PLLC (dba FH Law)<![CDATA[Who pays the bill in a Kentucky commercial vehicle crash?]]>https://www.farleyandhopper.com/?p=465222026-05-13T13:11:30Z2026-05-13T13:11:30ZCommercial vehicle accidents often lead to much higher medical bills than a regular car crash. If you recently got into one, you may feel lost trying to figure out who is responsible for your costs. Fortunately, you have several ways to recover the compensation you deserve and knowing what they are can help put your mind at ease.
Your first line of financial protection
Knowing where your money can come from is the first step to getting back on your feet. You have up to four potential sources available to you:
Commercial vehicle liability insurance: If your bills go beyond your PIP limits, you can seek compensation from the commercial vehicle's liability insurance policy.
At-fault parties: Commercial vehicle accidents often involve multiple responsible parties, which can open the door to higher compensation than a typical car accident.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): If the commercial truck's insurance falls short, your own UIM coverage may help pick up the rest.
Each of these works differently, but together they give you a solid safety net. As you will see in the next section, knowing who is responsible for the crash is just as important as knowing where the money comes from.
More than one party may share responsibility
Unlike a regular car accident, commercial vehicle crashes can involve several parties who share legal responsibility. This is good news for you, because more responsible parties can mean more funds to help cover your losses. Here are the parties you may be able to hold accountable:
The driver: The driver is directly liable for careless actions behind the wheel, such as fatigue, distraction or speeding.
The trucking or commercial company: An employer is usually legally responsible for what its driver does while on the job.
The cargo loading company: If the loading crew failed to secure cargo properly and it contributed to the crash, you may hold that company responsible.
The maintenance company: If poor vehicle upkeep, such as brake failure, led to the accident, you may hold the maintenance provider accountable.
The vehicle manufacturer: If a faulty part caused or worsened the crash, the manufacturer may bear responsibility.
Hence, finding every responsible party gives your case a better chance at full compensation.
Don’t leave your compensation on the table
Trucking companies usually carry massive insurance policies, but those policies exist to protect the company, not you. Therefore, knowing your rights and understanding who to hold responsible are the most important steps you can take after a crash. The money you need for your medical bills, lost wages and recovery may be closer than you think. You simply need to know where to look and how to ask for what is fair.]]>by The Law Offices of Farley & Hopper, PLLC (dba FH Law)<![CDATA[Step-by-step guide to car accident claims in Kentucky]]>https://www.farleyandhopper.com/?p=465212026-05-07T07:48:22Z2026-05-07T07:48:22ZUnderstanding Kentucky’s no-fault system
Kentucky uses a “choice no-fault” insurance system for car accident claims. A person’s own insurance pays for initial medical expenses and a portion of lost wages through Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which is typically at least $10,000 per person.
Understanding Kentucky’s filing deadlines and lawsuit eligibility
An individual has two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. The clock usually starts on the date of the accident or the last PIP payment, depending on the situation. Acting within this time helps protect the right to compensation. Even under the no-fault system, a person can still file a lawsuit if certain conditions apply. In Kentucky, this applies when:
Medical expenses exceed $1,000, or
The accident causes permanent disfigurement, loss of bodily function or serious fractures
Understanding these timelines and conditions helps ensure timely action and supports the ability to seek fair compensation under Kentucky law.
Steps to follow after a car accident in Kentucky
The immediate actions to take after an accident are as follows:
Seek medical attention: Do not delay a medical evaluation after the accident. A formal medical record plays a key role in making insurance claims.
Call the police: Report the accident so there is an official record of what happened.
Gather evidence: Take photos, collect witness contact information, and record details from the scene.
Notify your insurer: Report the crash quickly to start your PIP claim process.
Keep records: Save medical bills, repair costs and proof of lost wages.
Setting the foundation for a successful claim
Navigating a car accident claim in Kentucky requires understanding the no-fault system and acting within deadlines. Strong evidence helps protect the right to compensation.
Handling a claim alone can be difficult. Seeking legal help can help to evaluate the options, communicate with insurers and pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.]]>On Behalf of The Law Offices of Farley & Hopper, PLLC (dba FH Law)<![CDATA[How Kentucky’s joint custody presumption may affect move-aways]]>https://www.farleyandhopper.com/?p=465192026-05-02T12:54:42Z2026-05-02T12:54:42ZThe courts now have more to review
If parents can agree on terms for adjusting their custody order due to a relocation, they have the authority to make those decisions and pursue an uncontested custody modification. However, disputes about relocations are common, as they often reduce how much parenting time the other adult in the family has.
As such, the matter may go to court, and a judge may need to review the situation carefully. Currently, the presumption of joint custody and equal parenting time under the law can increase the hurdles a parent proposing a contested relocation must overcome.
The courts must consider how the move may affect the overall division of parenting time. They also need to determine whether there has truly been a material change in circumstances that warrants the move-away request and the adjustment of the overall allocation of parenting time.
Judges settling disputes about custody matters must consider the best interests of the children. Under current standards, they must factor in the child's school stability, travel logistics and how well each parent has previously facilitated contact with the other.
Parents often need to collect documentation about the reason for the move, such as a new job opportunity, as well as evidence of how the move could be beneficial for the children. They may need to sit down and discuss the matter with an experienced family law attorney who handles parental relocation cases before taking any major steps, such as signing a lease, listing a home for sale or accepting a job in another state.
Parents in Louisville, Lexington and across Northern Kentucky may need help when proposing a relocation to a co-parent. Preparing carefully for a relocation request can increase a parent’s chances of success and help them overcome the presumption of even parenting time that could limit their ability to rebuild their life after a divorce.]]>