A married man or a married woman, regardless of age, may sue or be sued as a single person who has reached majority.
Rule 17.02.Married persons.
Current through June 18, 2026 · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceThis rule confirms that a married man or woman, no matter his or her age, may sue or be sued as a single adult who has reached majority, removing any need for a spouse or guardian to join the action because of marital status alone.
Full Text of Rule 17.02
Amendment History
The source reproduced here (current through June 18, 2026) records no amendment to this rule since its original adoption — no History line appears for it in the compiled rules. For the underlying adopting order and any later amendments, see the West’s Rules & Procedures.
Plain-English Summary
Rule 17.02 removes marital status as a barrier to suing or being sued. A married person, regardless of age, is treated for lawsuit purposes as an adult who has reached majority and can sue or be sued as a single person. Marriage alone doesn't require a spouse, parent, or guardian to be joined in the action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a married minor sue or be sued without a parent or guardian?
Yes. Rule 17.02 says a married man or married woman, regardless of age, may sue or be sued as a single person who has reached majority.
Does my spouse need to join my lawsuit because we're married?
No. Rule 17.02 treats a married person as a single adult of majority age for purposes of suing or being sued, so marital status by itself doesn't require joining a spouse.
Source & verification. The rule text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Kentucky Rules of Civil Procedure (Ky. R. Civ. P. 17.02). Prescribed by the Supreme Court of Kentucky (Ky. Const. § 116). The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified July 9, 2026. ·
Official source
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