Kentucky Dissolution of Marriage Checklist — Step-by-Step (2026)

Phase 1 — Pre-Filing Preparation

• Confirm residency: either party has lived in Kentucky for 180+ days
• Identify filing county (Circuit Court in county where either spouse has lived 180+ days)
• Note date of separation — the 60-day wait starts at filing, but know your separation date
• Download AOC forms from courts.ky.gov/forms:
  • AOC-238.1 — Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
  • AOC-239.1 — Domestic Relations Financial Disclosure (both parties)
  • AOC-238.3 — Acceptance of Service / Waiver of Summons (if agreed)
  • Parenting Plan forms if minor children involved

Phase 2 — Financial Inventory

Both spouses must complete the Domestic Relations Financial Disclosure (AOC-239.1). Gather:

• Last 2–3 pay stubs (both spouses)
• Last 2–3 years federal and Kentucky state tax returns
• All bank and investment account statements
• Retirement account statements (note pre-marital balance)
• Mortgage statement and property value estimate
• Vehicle values (KBB or NADA) and loan balances
• All credit card and debt statements
• Business interest documentation if applicable

Phase 3 — Complete AOC Forms

• Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (AOC-238.1) — complete all sections
• Domestic Relations Financial Disclosure (AOC-239.1) — Petitioner's
• Draft Separation Agreement covering all marital property and debts
• If children: Parenting Plan, Child Support Worksheet (AOC-MISC.3)

Phase 4 — File at Circuit Court

• Take original + 2 copies to the Circuit Court Clerk in filing county
• Pay $113–$148 filing fee (or file IFP motion if qualifying)
• Clerk assigns case number and issues Summons

Phase 5 — Serve the Respondent

• Easiest (agreed cases): Respondent signs Acceptance of Service / Waiver of Summons (AOC-238.3)
• Certified mail: Return receipt card serves as proof of service
• Sheriff/process server: Personal service; return of service filed with court
• File proof of service with Circuit Court Clerk

Phase 6 — 60-Day Waiting Period

• Mark Day 61 on calendar — earliest date decree can be entered
• Respondent files Response or Acceptance within 20/30 days
• Finalize and execute Separation Agreement (both parties sign, notarize)
• Respondent completes their Financial Disclosure (AOC-239.1)

Phase 7 — Submit Final Documents

• File fully executed Separation Agreement with court
• File proposed Decree of Dissolution of Marriage
• File both parties' Financial Disclosures
• If children: file executed Parenting Plan and Child Support Worksheet
• Most uncontested cases: no hearing required — judge reviews paperwork

Phase 8 — Post-Decree

• Obtain certified copies of Decree from Circuit Court Clerk ($5–$15 per copy)
• Real estate: execute deed, record at County Clerk's office
• QDRO: initiate for any employer retirement plans
• IRA transfers
• Update beneficiary designations
• Name restoration: Social Security Administration → Kentucky Transportation Cabinet → financial accounts

Last reviewed: March 2026 | AOC forms at courts.ky.gov | 60-day wait | Separation Agreement filed with court | No hearing required for uncontested cases in most counties

Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.