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EspañolI was granted temporary custody with my DVO. Can I take my kids out of the state?
Whether you can take your kids out of state may depend on what exactly your DVO says about custody and visitation. If leaving the state would interfere with the abuser’s right to visit with your children, then you may have to ask the judge’s permission or get the order changed before your children can leave. If you want to move or leave for an extended time, then you may have to convince the judge that there is a fair and realistic alternative to the current visitation schedule. To read more about custody laws, go to our Kentucky Custody page.
If you are unsure whether or not you can take your kids out of the state, talk to a lawyer who understands Kentucky’s domestic violence and custody laws before you leave. S/he can help you make the safest decision for you and your children. You can find contact information for legal assistance on our Kentucky Places that Help page.
I was granted temporary custody with my DVO. Will another state enforce this custody order?
If your DVO includes custody, visitation, and child support, these parts of the order can be enforced in any state. Law enforcement and courts must enforce your temporary custody order as long as it meets certain federal law standards.1
To have someone read your order and tell you if it meets these standards, contact a lawyer in your new state. To find a lawyer, go to our Finding a Lawyer page and choose the state from the drop-down menu.
1 18 U.S.C. § 2266
