When Family Courts Skip the Hearing: A Kentucky Court of Appeals Reminder
The Kentucky Court of Appeals made clear in Allen v. Newton what the statute already says: once a family court enters an Emergency Protective Order, an evidentiary hearing is not optional. It is mandatory.
Louisville attorney Jason Bowman wins unanimous Kentucky Court of Appeals decision vacating domestic violence order. Due process violation in Jefferson Family Court.
In White v. Cole (Ky. Ct. App. Aug. 29, 2025), the Kentucky Court of Appeals reversed a Jefferson Family Court order that stripped a father of joint custody and granted sole custody to the mother—despite the fact that she never requested it. The appellate court held this was a clear violation of due process and a misapplication of Kentucky’s custody statutes. The opinion also warned family courts to follow the law when relying on Friends of the Court (FOC), requiring timely reports and adherence to witness rules. While the Court affirmed contempt sanctions against the father for violating visitation orders, it reinstated joint custody, sending a strong reminder that Kentucky law presumes joint custody and that courts must respect due process every step of the way.
In Lemaster v. Stiltner, the Kentucky Supreme Court expanded the rights of unmarried partners to establish de facto custodianship. Learn how this groundbreaking decision impacts child custody cases and how Bowman Legal can help protect your rights.
Bowman Legal breaks down the latest Kentucky Court of Appeals decision regarding a reversal of a neglect finding. Bowman Legal represents individuals throughout Kentucky, including, Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby counties.
Kentucky Court of Appeals reversed parental rights termination due to insufficient evidence. Learn about new precedent affecting family law cases, procedural requirements, and parental rights protection. Keywords: Kentucky parental rights termination, family law precedent, KRS 625.090, clear and convincing evidence, child custody appeals, Kentucky family court
In Kentucky family law, your right to appeal hinges entirely on the trial record. Learn how Bowman Legal crafts every case with appellate review in mind—preserving objections, building strong findings, and protecting your future from day one.