When by statute or by these Rules or by a notice given thereunder or by order of court an act is required or allowed to be done at or within a specified time, the court for cause shown may, at any time in its discretion, (a) with or without motion or notice order the period enlarged if request therefor is made before the expiration of the period originally prescribed or as extended by a previous order or (b) upon motion made after the expiration of the specified period permit the act to be done where the failure to act was the result of excusable neglect; but it may not extend the time for taking any action under Rules 50.02, 52.02, 59.02, 59.04, 59.05, 60.02, 72.02, 73.02 and 74 except to the extent and under the conditions stated in them.
Rule 6.02.Enlargement.
Current through June 18, 2026 · Last verified July 9, 2026
In one sentenceRule 6.02 lets a court enlarge a deadline for cause shown — freely if the request comes before the original period expires, or afterward only on a motion showing excusable neglect — except for a specific list of judgment and appeal deadlines that can be extended only as those rules themselves allow.
Full Text of Rule 6.02
Amendment History
(Amended November 21, 1977, effective January 1, 1978; amended July 5, 1985, effective January 1, 1986.)
Plain-English Summary
When a deadline is set by statute, by the civil rules, by notice, or by court order, Rule 6.02 gives the court two ways to give more time, and the timing of the request matters. Ask before the original period (or a previously granted extension) runs out, and the court can enlarge it for cause shown, with or without a motion or notice. Ask after the period has already expired, and a motion is required, and it will only be granted where the failure to act was the result of excusable neglect.
The rule carves out a list of deadlines this enlargement power does not reach: Rules 50.02, 52.02, 59.02, 59.04, 59.05, 60.02, 72.02, 73.02, and 74. Time limits under those rules can be extended only to the extent, and under the conditions, that each of those rules states on its own terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Kentucky court extend a deadline after it has already passed?
Yes, but only on motion and only where the failure to act on time was the result of excusable neglect. Before the deadline passes, the court has broader discretion to enlarge it for cause shown.
Do I need to file a motion to get more time before my deadline runs out?
Not necessarily. Before the original period expires, the court may enlarge it for cause shown with or without a motion or notice. A motion becomes necessary once the period has already expired.
Which deadlines can't be extended under Rule 6.02?
Rule 6.02 does not reach the time limits in Rules 50.02, 52.02, 59.02, 59.04, 59.05, 60.02, 72.02, 73.02, and 74. Those deadlines can be extended only as each of those specific rules provides.
Source & verification. The rule text is reproduced verbatim from the
official Kentucky Rules of Civil Procedure (Ky. R. Civ. P. 6.02). 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
Also known as: extending a court deadline in Kentuckyexcusable neglect standard CR 6.02motion for more time to filewhich deadlines cannot be extendedenlargement of time civil rules