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Covington Family Law Lawyers

Covington Family Law Attorney

Family law matters can affect every part of your life — from your financial security to your relationship with your children. Whether you are preparing for a divorce in Northern Kentucky, negotiating a parenting plan, or working through the details of marital property division, having the right advocate by your side can make a significant difference in both the process and the outcome.

At the Law Offices of Shannon C. Smith, PLLC, our Covington family lawyers provide guidance and representation tailored to your unique situation.

We understand that no two family law cases are the same. You may be facing an uncontested divorce where you and your spouse can agree on the terms, or you might be navigating high-conflict issues such as child custody arrangements, spousal maintenance, or disputes over parental rights.

Our law firm helps clients address these sensitive matters with a focus on protecting the best interests of you and your family. Call us today at 859-667-1204 to learn more about your legal options moving forward with a Covington family law attorney.

What Are the Legal Grounds for Divorce in Kentucky?

Legal grounds for divorce vary by state. Kentucky is considered a no-fault divorce state, which means that you don’t need any specific reason, such as adultery or abuse, to be granted a divorce. Instead, you just need to state that the marriage is “irretrievably broken,” which just means that you don’t believe there is any reasonable possibility of you and your spouse reconciling.

In this situation, the judge must make the determination on whether to grant the divorce. In some cases, the judge may order marriage counseling to determine if there is any chance of reconciliation.

How Is Child Support Calculated in Kentucky?

Child support in Kentucky is calculated using a formula that takes into consideration both parents’ gross incomes and how many children they are financially supporting. This is referred to as the income share model. Both parents’ incomes are added together to determine the family income.

This is applied to a chart that shows how much it should cost to raise a child with that family income. Higher incomes assume higher child-related expenses. This number is then divided between the parents according to their percentage of the joint income. Here’s an example of how this works:

Parent A has a gross income of $40,000. Parent B has a gross income of $60,000. This is a combined income of $100,000. This corresponds to $1,008 for one child. Parent A would be responsible for 40% of this, which would be $403.20. Parent B is responsible for the remaining 60%, or $604.80. This means that Parent B will pay $201.60 to Parent A per month.

There can be situations that warrant a deviation from the basic child support calculation, so it’s important to discuss any of these that may apply with your Covington family law attorney.

Will I Have to Pay Spousal Maintenance?

Kentucky law allows for temporary spousal maintenance or post-divorce maintenance in some situations. Temporary spousal maintenance happens while the divorce is still in process. This is designed to ensure that both parties’ financial statuses stay the same as they were during the marriage until the divorce can be settled.

This can also help one party avoid financial struggle if there is a large income or earning potential disparity.

Post-divorce spousal maintenance is awarded as part of the final divorce settlement and is not related to or dependent on whether temporary spousal maintenance was ordered. How much spousal maintenance payments may be and how long they are ordered depends on the specific circumstances.

What Are the Property Division Guidelines in Kentucky?

Kentucky’s property division guidelines for divorce mandate that the marital property should be divided in “just proportions” and that “marital misconduct” is not considered. This means that one spouse cheating doesn’t impact how much the other one will get in the divorce settlement.

It’s important to note that just proportions doesn’t necessarily refer to an exactly equal division. Instead, the courts look at many factors, most commonly:

  • How much each spouse contributed to the obtaining of the marital property
  •  How much property is set apart for either party
  •  How long the marriage lasted
  •  The projected financial situations of both parties after the divorce

Discussing your situation with an experienced family law attorney can help you have a better understanding of how the property division guidelines in Kentucky may apply to your case so you can have a better idea of what to expect.

What Happens If We Don’t Agree?

The best-case scenario with divorce and family law issues is that the parties are able to agree on how they want the case handled. This is especially true when it comes to property division and child custody.

Coming to a mutual agreement means that you retain more control over what happens to your property and in your family and can save you time and money because you don’t need to go through the full trial process.

However, divorce often happens because the parties have difficulty communicating or have different values, so this isn’t always possible.

If both parties aren’t able to agree on the terms of the or other family law matters, the case will go for a hearing before the judge. In some cases, the judge may order that the parties take part in mediation. If that’s unsuccessful, the case usually proceeds to trial, and the judge will end up making a final decision on any terms the parties couldn’t agree on.

Family law issues can be emotionally overwhelming, often involving complex matters that require careful attention and understanding. Whether you’re facing divorce, child custody disputes, or other family-related legal challenges, having a knowledgeable attorney can significantly ease the burden.

With the right advocate on your side, you can navigate these tough situations more efficiently and ensure your rights and interests are fully protected.

Covington Family Law Services in Northern Kentucky

At the Law Offices of Shannon C. Smith, PLLC, we offer a wide range of family law services, including but not limited to:

Covington Family Lawyer Guiding You Through the Legal Process

If you are considering divorce or need advice on your options for an ongoing family law matter, don’t hesitate to contact the Law Offices of Shannon C. Smith, PLLC. Our team has extensive experience guiding families through a difficult time, whether that involves litigation in the courtroom or resolving disputes through mediation.

We understand that each person and each child impacted by these matters deserves a tailored approach that protects the clients’ interests while setting the stage for a new life and a more secure future.

Navigating family law can be complicated and emotionally challenging. Our dedicated attorneys are committed to serving the Covington community by providing compassionate assistance and knowledgeable guidance. We recognize that every family issue is unique, and we strive to address your legal needs with personalized solutions that consider both immediate concerns and long-term outcomes.

Our practice covers a broad range of family law services, including handling matters related to spousal support, property division of marital assets and debts, child custody and visitation, as well as postnuptial agreements. We are here to protect your rights and help you move forward with confidence, offering support through every step of the legal process.

Contact Our Family Law Lawyers in Northern Kentucky Today

When you work with our firm, you gain an advocate who understands the stakes involved and will protect your interests every step of the way. Our professional approach allows you to move forward with confidence, knowing you have a trusted partner to help navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Call us at to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled attorneys and take the first step toward resolving your family law concerns. We’re here to provide guidance and support every step of the way.