Adoption cases include both termination of parental rights and petitions to adopt. A separate petition must be filed for each child.

• There is a filing fee and an additional fee for service of process depending on the service method you choose.

• Please provide sufficient copies of your complaint and summons. The clerk is usually required to send two copies to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. There must also be a copy for each summons to be served, as well as a copy for any Guardian ad Litem or Warning Order Attorney (if appointed).  If you do not have the correct amount of copies, we will make the copies at a rate of .25 per page.

• You may find it helpful to review the Family Court Rules of Procedure and Practice.

Filing Fees (unless accompanied by a Motion for Leave to Proceed In Forma Pauperis):

           $198.00 + service fee(s).

For a full fee schedule click here.

All cases also require a Civil Case Cover Sheet which can be found here.

• To schedule a court date please contact the Judge’s office.
  • Judge Beck’s Office                  5th Division      (859) 292-6364
  • Judge Schoborg’s Office           2nd Division     (859) 292-6533
  • Judge Rauf’s Office                   6th Division       (85() 291-9384

CONFIDENTIALITY

• Adoption case are confidential.  Pending case files/records are not open to inspection by anyone except the parties, their attorneys and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
• Upon entry of final judgment of adoption and/or termination of parental rights, the case is sealed and no longer open to inspection by anyone except by court order.
• An adult adopted person 21 years old or older may Petition To Inspect Adoption Records and bring in person or mail to the Kenton Circuit Clerk’s Office  Attn: Family Court, 230 Madison Avenue, Covington, KY 41011.  Please attach a copy of your state issued license or ID to your Petition to Inspect Adoption Records to confirm your identity.

Other forms associated with adoption cases

• Appearance Waiver and Consent to Adoption

***Reminder – Our office is prohibited from providing legal advice. You may contact the Northern Kentucky Bar Association (Lawyer Referral Service) @ (859) 781-1525 or Legal Aid of the Bluegrass (Civil Legal Assistance) @ (859) 431-8200, or contact a private attorney for further information.