Immediate review of petition -- Summons to evidentiary hearing -- Ex parte emergency protective order
KRS 403.730
in effect403.730. Immediate review of petition -- Summons to evidentiary hearing -- Ex parte emergency protective order
(1) (a) The court shall review a petition for an order of protection immediately upon its filing. If the review indicates that domestic violence and abuse exists, the court shall summons the parties to an evidentiary hearing not more than fourteen (14) days in the future. If the review indicates that such a basis does not exist, the court may consider an amended petition or dismiss the petition without prejudice.
(b) Service of the summons and hearing order under this subsection shall be made upon the adverse party personally and may be made in the manner and by the persons authorized to serve subpoenas under Rule 45.03 of the Rules of Civil Procedure. A summons may be reissued if service has not been made on the adverse party by the fixed court date and time.
(2) (a) If the review under this section also indicates the presence of an immediate and present danger of domestic violence and abuse, the court shall, upon the filing of the petition, issue ex parte an emergency protective order that: 1. Authorizes relief appropriate to the situation utilizing the alternatives set out in KRS 403.740, other than awarding temporary support or counseling; 2. Sets forth which communications, if any, as requested by the petitioner, are authorized and which communications are unauthorized; 3. Allows either party to retrieve his or her personal belongings from the parties' shared residence and directs law enforcement to assist, if requested; 4. Expires upon the conclusion of the evidentiary hearing required by this section unless extended or withdrawn by subsequent order of the court; and 5. Does not order or refer the parties to mediation unless requested by the petitioner, and the court finds that: a. The petitioner's request is voluntary and not the result of coercion; and b. Mediation is a realistic and viable alternative to or adjunct to the issuance of an order sought by the petitioner. Nothing in this paragraph shall be interpreted to place any restriction or restraint on the petitioner.
(b) If an order is not issued under this subsection, the court shall note on the petition, for the record, any action taken or denied and the reason for it.
Effective: July 14, 2022
History: Amended 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 143, sec. 2, effective July 14, 2022. -- Repealed and reenacted 2015 Ky. Acts ch. 102, sec. 4, effective January 1, 2016. -- Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 172, sec. 4, effective July 14, 1992. -- Created 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 152, sec. 4, effective July 13, 1984.
Source: Kentucky Legislative Research Commission (legislature.ky.gov)URL: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=52924Fetched: 10/20/2026