The procedure for obtaining a declaratory judgment pursuant to statute shall be in accordance with these rules, and the right to trial by jury may be demanded under the circumstances and in the manner provided in Rules 38 and 39. The existence of another adequate remedy does not preclude a judgment for declaratory relief in cases where it is appropriate. The court may order a speedy hearing of an action for a declaratory judgment and may advance it on the calendar.
Rule 57.Declaratory judgments.
Current through June 18, 2026 · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceCR 57 folds declaratory judgment actions into ordinary civil procedure, preserves the right to a jury trial under Rules 38 and 39, confirms that another available remedy does not bar declaratory relief, and lets the court schedule an expedited hearing.
Full Text of Rule 57
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 57 tells courts to treat a request for a declaratory judgment like any other civil action. A party who wants a court to declare rights, status, or the meaning of a document under Kentucky's declaratory judgment statute follows the same rules of procedure as any other lawsuit -- filing, discovery, motions, and trial all proceed under the Rules of Civil Procedure.
The rule confirms two things that often come up early in these cases. First, a party can still demand a jury trial on fact questions in a declaratory judgment action, under the same conditions that apply in Rules 38 and 39. Second, having some other legal remedy available does not by itself block a court from granting declaratory relief when that relief fits the case.
Because declaratory judgment actions often resolve a narrow legal question that shapes the parties' next steps, the rule lets the court set an expedited hearing and move the case ahead of others on the calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get a jury trial in a declaratory judgment case in Kentucky?
Yes. Rule 57 preserves the right to demand a jury trial in a declaratory judgment action under the same circumstances and manner set out in Rules 38 and 39.
Can I get declaratory relief if another legal remedy is available to me?
Having another adequate remedy does not by itself keep a court from granting declaratory relief in cases where that relief is appropriate.
Can a declaratory judgment case move faster than other civil cases?
Yes. The court may order a speedy hearing for a declaratory judgment action and advance it on the calendar.
Source & verification. The rule text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Kentucky Rules of Civil Procedure (Ky. R. Civ. P. 57). 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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