FCRPP 30.Venue and petition
Last amended February 1, 2020 · Current through July 1, 2026 · Last verified September 8, 2026
Full Text of FCRPP 30
Amendment History
Kentucky publishes each rule’s amendment record as a “HISTORY” note beneath the rule, citing the Supreme Court order that adopted or amended it and that order’s effective date. It is reproduced verbatim below.
HISTORY: Adopted by Order 2020-1, eff. 2-1-20
Plain-English Summary
Venue follows the family's history. Where a termination proceeding is filed in the same county in which a dependency proceeding has been held, it is assigned to the same family court division that heard that action; otherwise venue proceeds under the statute. The judge who already knows the case keeps it.
The petition rules mirror the dependency section. A separate petition is filed for each child with individual case numbers, and siblings are heard by the same judge — each child's record is their own, while the family stays before one court.
The last requirement is a connective one. Every petition in an adoption or termination action must include the case number of any underlying juvenile case — specifically any dependency, neglect or abuse or termination case — and the name of any guardian ad litem or counsel for the child previously appointed. It ensures the court deciding a permanent question can find what came before, and can consider reappointing the lawyer who already knows the child.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which judge hears a Kentucky termination case?
Where it is filed in the same county in which a KRS Chapter 620 proceeding has been held, it is assigned to the same family court division that heard that action. Otherwise venue proceeds according to KRS 625.050(4).
Are separate petitions needed for siblings?
Yes. A separate petition is filed for each child with individual case numbers, and in the case of siblings they are heard by the same judge.
What must an adoption or termination petition include?
The case number of any underlying juvenile case — dependency, neglect or abuse, or termination — and the name of any guardian ad litem or counsel for the child previously appointed.