Emergency Family-Law Resources in Kentucky
Official starting points for immediate safety, interim custody orders, protective orders, and Kentucky DCBS child protection.
Temporary orders involving children
Kentucky does not promise same-day rulings on any private interim filing. Emergency hearings are limited. Use the Circuit Court interim procedure and forms, and confirm the receiving court's local intake and deadlines.
A parent can request interim custody / parenting time through the Circuit Court procedure. For an immediate threat, an Emergency Protective Order (EPO) petition is a separate, faster route.
Protective orders (KRS 403 / KRS 456)
Kentucky issues two main types: EPO (Emergency Protective Order, KRS 403.725 — ex parte, up to 14 days, free, available 24/7) and DVO (Domestic Violence Order, KRS 403.750 — after a hearing, up to 3 years, renewable). TIPO/IPO (KRS 456) cover dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault. Violating an order is contempt and a crime. Obey every term; only the court can change it.
Kentucky child protective (DCBS)
Reports of suspected abuse or neglect go to the Kentucky DCBS / CHFS at 1-877-597-2331 (24/7) or 911 for immediate. Kentucky imposes a duty to report (KRS 620.030). An unsubstantiated report does not prove it was knowingly false and does not by itself end custody or parenting time.
Always confirm current local forms, fees, and filing procedure with the clerk of the Kentucky Circuit Court handling your case.