FCRPP 4.Procedures before the domestic relations commissioner
Last amended February 1, 2020 · Current through July 1, 2026 · Last verified September 8, 2026
Full Text of FCRPP 4
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
Where there is no family court, the circuit judge may appoint a domestic relations commissioner serving at the court's pleasure, and may refer domestic relations matters to them — but never domestic violence, contempt or injunctive relief proceedings. Local rules about commissioners need the Chief Justice's approval and must be uniform across each county of the circuit.
The qualifications are specific. A commissioner must have been licensed to practise law for at least eight years at appointment unless the Chief Justice authorises otherwise, must satisfy the annual continuing legal education requirement with domestic relations education, and must attend training at least once every two years on the dynamics and effects of domestic violence, community resources, victims' services and reporting requirements. They may not otherwise practise domestic relations law.
Proceedings are recorded by audio or video with a recording log, both filed with the clerk; transcription is never required by this rule, and indigent parties are heard without fee. Recommendations become orders through a fixed sequence: a party has 10 days after service to file written objections, and after a hearing the court may adopt, modify, reject, take further evidence or recommit. Absent a motion for a hearing on exceptions, the court signs a recommended temporary or post-decree order within 10 days after the objection period runs. Temporary recommendations that become orders are without prejudice and subject to de novo review at final hearing. Final decrees are entered within 20 days of submission if no exceptions were filed, or within 10 days of their disposition if they were.
Compensation is capped at several levels: $60 per hour billed at $15.00 per quarter hour, no more than $600 in any case absent extraordinary circumstances approved by the Chief Justice, no more than $200 in additional fees if a case is reopened, no more than $15 in an uncontested divorce, and no more than $48,000 per year in total personal compensation from fees unless the Chief Justice approves. Anything above that is remitted to the Administrative Office of the Courts, which audits the accounts. A commissioner may not hold their recommendations as security for payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a domestic relations commissioner in Kentucky?
An attorney appointed by the circuit judge in a jurisdiction with no family court, to whom domestic relations matters under KRS Chapter 403 may be referred — except domestic violence, contempt and injunctive relief proceedings.
What are the qualifications?
At least eight years licensed to practise law at the time of appointment unless the Chief Justice authorises otherwise, annual continuing legal education in domestic relations law, and domestic violence training at least once every two years.
How do I object to a commissioner's recommendation?
File written objections with the court within 10 days after being served with the recommendations. After a hearing the court may adopt them, modify them, reject them in whole or in part, receive further evidence, or recommit them.
What can a commissioner charge?
$60 per hour, assessed at $15.00 per quarter hour or part of one, with a cap of $600 per case absent extraordinary circumstances approved by the Chief Justice, and no more than $15 in an uncontested divorce.