Restraining Orders

In Kentucky, you can file for an order due to acts of domestic violence and abuse committed against you or your minor child by family members or members of an unmarried couple.

Family members are your:

• current or former spouse;
• parent or step-parent;
• adult sibling;
• child or step-child; or
• grandparent or grandchild.¹

However, if the victim is a child, s/he can file against any person living in the same household regardless of their relationship.²

Members of an unmarried couple are:

• a boyfriend/girlfriend you live with, or used to live with, “as a couple;” or
• a boyfriend/girlfriend you share a child with.³

Note: The definition of “member of an unmarried couple” is very limited. However, an interpersonal protective order covers other types of dating relationships.

¹ Ky. Rev. Stat. § 403.720(2), (3)
² Ky. Rev. Stat. § 403.720(3)
³ Ky. Rev. Stat. § 403.720(6)