Kentucky · Alimony · Updated Oct 2026

Alimony in Kentucky

How spousal support works in a Kentucky divorce: when a court can order it, amount and length, how it relates to dividing property and how to ask for it.

The short answer

In Kentucky, alimony is called maintenance. The court may award it only if the spouse asking lacks enough property to meet reasonable needs and can't support themselves through work (or has custody of a child who needs them at home).

What Kentucky calls it
maintenance
Property division
Equitable distribution
Law
KRS 403.200.

When Kentucky courts can order alimony

The court may award it only if the spouse asking lacks enough property to meet reasonable needs and can't support themselves through work (or has custody of a child who needs them at home).

Amount, limits and length

Amount and length depend on factors like the standard of living, length of the marriage, age, health, and time needed for training; misconduct can be considered.

Law: KRS 403.200.

Alimony and property in Kentucky

Spousal support is a separate question from dividing property and debts.

System
Equitable distribution
The rule
Each spouse keeps their nonmarital property (owned before marriage, or gifts and inheritances). Marital property is divided in 'just proportions' without regard to marital misconduct, considering contributions (including as homemaker), the value of property each keeps, length of the marriage and economic circumstances.

How to ask for alimony in Kentucky

  1. Ask for it in your divorce papers

    Spousal support is decided in the divorce case: ask for it in your petition, or in your response if your spouse filed. Use the court's official divorce forms: Divorce forms (Kentucky courts)

  2. Pay the fee or ask for a waiver

    Can't afford it? File a motion to proceed in forma pauperis (Waiver of Costs and Fees); the Kentucky courts' self-help portal has a guided interview: https://www.kycourts.gov/Legal-Help/Pages/Self-Help-Portal.aspx.

  3. Agree, or let the judge decide

    If you and your spouse agree, put it in your written agreement; if not, the judge decides. Common.

  4. Get it in the final decree

    Spousal support is ordered in the decree. Get a certified copy and keep it.

Questions about alimony in Kentucky

How does alimony work in Kentucky?

Called maintenance. The court may award it only if the spouse asking lacks enough property to meet reasonable needs and can't support themselves through work (or has custody of a child who needs them at home). Amount and length depend on factors like the standard of living, length of the marriage, age, health, and time needed for training; misconduct can be considered.

How much alimony is paid in Kentucky, and for how long?

Amount and length depend on factors like the standard of living, length of the marriage, age, health, and time needed for training; misconduct can be considered.

Is Kentucky a community property state?

No. Kentucky uses equitable distribution. Each spouse keeps their nonmarital property (owned before marriage, or gifts and inheritances). Marital property is divided in 'just proportions' without regard to marital misconduct, considering contributions (including as homemaker), the value of property each keeps, length of the marriage and economic circumstances.

More about divorce in Kentucky

Alimony in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.