Instructions for Deposition of Petitioner

NOTE: These instructions are ONLY for couples who live in Louisville-Jefferson County. These instructions are part of the Self-Help Divorce series.

Download the Deposition of Petitioner form and instructions (Word format)

This form is to be used to finalize the divorce. It should be filed with the Court along with or after the Marital Settlement Agreement if there is one, and at the same time as the Findings of Fact and Decree of Dissolution of Marriage if there is a Marital Settlement Agreement.

If you have minor children (under 18), you and the Respondent must be separated at least 60 days after the Respondent was served with the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage or signed the Entry of Appearance and filed it with the Court.

If you have no minor children, your spouse must have had at least 20 days to respond to service before you can file this with the Court.

If you have no minor children and you are filing a Marriage Settlement Agreement, you may file this form at the same time as filing all of your other forms.

If you have any questions regarding your legal rights, have difficulty filling out this form, or have trouble following any of the instructions that are with this form, you may want to consult an attorney.

Fill in the Deposition of Petitioner as follows:

  1. Fill out the Civil Action Number listed on the Petition. This is the number given to you by the Family Court Clerk.

  2. Fill in your name.

  3. Fill in your spouse's name.

  4. Date of Separation. In order for the Court to finalize your divorce, the date of separation must be at least 60 days prior to filling out this form and filing it with the Court. The date of separation is the last date that you had marital relations with your spouse. You must put this date in the blank.

  5. If you have minor children born of the marriage (children who are under 18 and/or still in high school), you must list each child's initials and age.

  6. The wife may ask to be restored to a former name. If the wife is the Petitioner, she should fill in the name she wants restored. If she is not the Petitioner, she may file a Request for Restoration of Former Name (Word format).

  7. Once the form is complete, sign your name here. Do not sign at home because you must sign in front of a notary or the Circuit Clerk.

    **YOU MUST SIGN THIS FORM IN THE PRESENCE OF A NOTARY OR CIRCUIT CLERK**

    Remember you are making a "promise" to the Court that all of the information you have provided in this document and true and accurate to the best of your knowledge.

  8. Print your full name and address including street number, street name, city, state and zip code.

  9. Print your telephone number.

To file this document, take the original to the Office of the Clerk of Jefferson County Family Court located at 700 West Jefferson Street, Louisville, Kentucky. Present the original to the Clerk. You will be required to pay for a copy for you to keep for your records. The Clerk will give you back one of the photocopies that you should keep for your records.