Bill > HB549

This bill amends Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) 403.044 to modify the waiting period for divorce proceedings involving minor children. Currently, there is a mandatory 60-day waiting period before testimony can be heard in such cases. The bill introduces two exceptions to this waiting period: first, for temporary motions, and second, for couples who have successfully completed either collaborative law process or family mediation. In these latter cases, if the parties have filed a notice of completion, a property and custody agreement, and a proposed divorce decree that references their collaborative or mediation process, they can proceed with testimony before the 60-day period expires. Collaborative law process, as defined in KRS 403.640 to 403.670, is a dispute resolution method where both parties and their attorneys commit to resolving issues without going to court. Family mediation is a negotiation process facilitated by a neutral third party to help divorcing couples reach agreements. The bill aims to provide more flexibility and potentially faster resolution for divorcing couples who can successfully negotiate their terms through these alternative dispute resolution methods.