5.01--Paternity Generally

All matters seeking to determine the paternity of a child and all motions that follow from that determination including, but not limited to, the establishment and modification of child support, the calculation of arrearages, motions seeking to reimburse the Commonwealth, and contempt motions will be set on the Court's usual paternity docket.

5.02--Mediation Available

Upon determination of paternity, parties may agree to resolve issues of custody and visitation/timesharing with a mediator. Parties may set up a time to meet with a mediator on the Court's staff or they may agree to utilize a private mediator. Any agreements reached on those issues will be reviewed by the Court, and where appropriate, made an Order of the Court if the parties so desire.

5.03--Reopening Fee

Pursuant to FCRPP 14(1), a $50.00 reopening fee shall not be paid for motions in cases brought pursuant to Title IV-D of the Social Security Act for child support modification or enforcement. However, where an action is initiated pursuant to Title IV-D but subsequent motions regarding child support, custody or visitation are brought by a private attorney or are filed by a party pro se, rather than by Title IV-D counsel, the fee shall be charged unless the motion is brought in forma pauperis.

5.04--Access to Paternity Files

Until such time as paternity cases are no longer deemed confidential proceedings under Kentucky law, the Clerk shall restrict access to paternity cases to the parties, the Commonwealth, and any attorney that a party has retained. Counsel for a party shall not be permitted access to a paternity file unless he or she files an Entry of Appearance on behalf of a named party to the proceeding. In the alternative, an attorney may access a paternity file by producing to the Clerk a notarized authorization signed by a party.

Additionally, an attorney appointed by the Court to serve as a Warning Order Attorney or as an attorney for an incarcerated or incompetent individual may have access to the file.

5.05--Custody and Timesharing

Parties may litigate custody and timesharing issues in paternity cases. Parties or their counsel shall notice the Commonwealth any time the case is docketed. Motions for custody or timesharing shall be filed to be heard on the Court's usual paternity docket. If contested, the Court may move the matter to the Court's Domestic Motion Hour.