FCRPP 7.Custody
Last amended February 1, 2020 · Current through July 1, 2026 · Last verified September 8, 2026
Full Text of FCRPP 7
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 permanent custody or time-sharing is at issue, each party must give the others a list of witnesses — names, addresses and a short statement of what each will testify about — together with a list of exhibits, not less than 14 days before the hearing. Parents and the children themselves are excepted from the list.
Relocation is the rule's larger subject, and it runs on notice rather than permission. A joint custodian who intends to relocate files written notice with the court and serves it on the other joint custodian, giving the proposed address, the date of the move, and the effect on court-ordered time-sharing. If time-sharing is affected, the relocating custodian has 20 days from filing to file an agreed order or a motion to modify; the non-relocating custodian has 20 days from service to move to modify custody or time-sharing.
Sole custody works the same way with one difference. The sole custodian files and serves the same written notice on the non-custodial parent, and where time-sharing is affected the non-custodial parent has 20 days from service to file a motion contesting the change. The obligation to give notice sits with whoever is moving, and it comes before the move, not after.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to give notice before moving with my child in Kentucky?
Yes. Before a joint or sole custodian seeks to relocate, written notice must be filed with the court and served on the other joint custodian or the non-custodial parent.
What must the relocation notice say?
The proposed relocation address, the date of relocation, and the effect, if any, of the relocation on court-ordered time-sharing.
How long do I have to object to a relocation?
Twenty days. A non-relocating joint custodian has 20 days from service of the notice to move to modify custody or time-sharing; a non-custodial parent in a sole custody case has 20 days from service to file a motion contesting the change in time-sharing.
When are custody witness lists due?
Not less than 14 days before the day set for hearing, with names, addresses and a short statement of the subject of each witness's testimony, plus a list of exhibits.