Bowman Legal, Inc.

01/09/2026

www.bowmanlegalgroup.com/ky-legal-update/kentucky-court-of-appeals-reinforces-due-process-in-domestic-violence-cases-what-allen-v-newton-means-for-family-law-litigants

Kentucky Court of Appeals clarifies that family courts must hold evidentiary hearings after issuing an EPO. Learn how Allen v. Newton impacts domestic violence cases, custody disputes, abuse and neglect proceedings, and family law appeals across Kentucky—and why experienced family law counsel matt...

11/11/2025

Happy Veterans Day

10/10/2025

📚⚖️ BIG NEWS: White v Cole is now PUBLISHED!

The Kentucky Court of Appeals granted the motion to publish the opinion and the case is official precedent. Key takeaways for Custody modification and FOC involvement. Proud to add this to Kentucky family law jurisprudence!

10/10/2025

Exciting update! The appellate case White v. Cole is now a published opinion by the Kentucky Court of Appeals. This means Kentucky attorneys can now cite and rely on this case as precedent. The opinion addresses important issues in family law including custody modifications and FOC's. Proud to have worked on establishing this precedent for future cases.

08/29/2025

Bowman Legal secures victory in Court of Appeals

In White v. Cole (Aug. 29, 2025), the Kentucky Court of Appeals reversed a trial court’s grant of sole custody without a request, citing due process violations and misuse of Friend of the Court testimony. The ruling reinstates joint custody and underscores Kentucky’s presumption in favor of join...

06/06/2025

🏛️⚖️ JUSTICE UPDATE: Kentucky Court Strengthens Parents’ Rights
The Kentucky Court of Appeals just made a decision that will protect families across our state! Here’s what you need to know about J.W. v. Cabinet:
📖 THE STORY:
A father lost his parental rights in family court, but the Court of Appeals said “not so fast” and REVERSED the decision because proper procedures weren’t followed.
❌ WHAT WENT WRONG:

No formal support order before claiming dad didn’t pay
Vague case plan requirements
Assessment reports hidden until last minute
Minimal actual help for reunification

✅ WHAT THIS MEANS:
The court said terminating parental rights is like the “civil death penalty of family law” - so the standards must be extremely high.
🛡️ NEW PROTECTIONS:

Parents get clear, written requirements
Support orders must be established first
Reports shared promptly
Real reunification efforts required

💪 This decision shows that even when parents aren’t perfect, their constitutional rights still matter. Due process isn’t just a legal concept - it’s protection for families.
🏠 Kentucky has a “default preference AGAINST termination” - meaning the state must prove its case, not the other way around.
Every parent deserves fair treatment. Every child deserves protection. Today’s decision helps ensure both. 💙

04/28/2025

🏛️ Victory for Victims’ Rights! 🏛️

The Kentucky Court of Appeals REVERSED a Jefferson Family Court ruling, finding that a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) must be granted to protect a victim and child.

The Court confirmed: history of abuse, threats, and substance issues cannot be ignored when safety is on the line.

Read the full story and learn how Kentucky law protects victims ➡️ visit:
🔗 www.bowmanlegalgroup.com/ky-legal-update/kentucky-court-of-appeals-reverses-family-court-domestic-violence-order-must-be-granted-in-jefferson-county-case

⚖️ At Bowman Legal, we fight for your protection.

04/24/2025

📍 Kentucky Takes a Stand

👩‍👧 A mother fled abuse in another state to protect her child. Kentucky stepped up — and now, the Supreme Court has affirmed the Commonwealth’s power to protect victims even when the abuser lives out of state.

⚖️ In Baum v. Aldava, the Court ruled that Kentucky family courts can issue Domestic Violence Orders (DVOs) that include custody and firearm restrictions regardless of whether they have personal jurisdiction over the abuser.

This decision strengthens protections for survivors and ensures that parents and children fleeing violence can find legal safety in Kentucky.

📌 If you or someone you love has fled domestic abuse, you are not alone. The law is on your side—and so are we.

👨‍⚖️ At Bowman Legal, we fight to protect families.
📞 Call us today or message us to schedule a confidential consultation.

03/31/2025

📜 Justice prevails! Bowman Legal has won a significant Court of Appeals case protecting the rights of relocated families. When our clients moved to Michigan, Kentucky courts attempted to remove their children and issue arrest warrants. Today, the Kentucky Court of Appeals granted our writ of prohibition, affirming that proper jurisdiction and service are essential before such drastic measures can be taken.
A reminder that your fundamental rights matter, even across state lines.

02/21/2025

Coping Strategies During Divorce Take a moment for yourself this !
If you or someone you know is navigating the emotional challenges of divorce, we’ve got resources to help you feel supported. Discover practical tips for self-care, coping strategies, and guidance on your legal path to a fresh start.

Read more here: https://www.bowmanlegalgroup.com/family-law-advice/coping-strategies-during-divorce

02/16/2024

In an unpublished opinion, the Court of Appeals vacated Judge Ogden's (Jefferson Circuit Court, Family Court Division Four) order of sole custody to father, in an interesting case involving Kentucky Courts and the Court's in Taiwan. Court vacated the sole custody award as there was no notice the Court was going to decide custody that day, and the Court specifically said it wasn't going to decide custody, but yet it ordered sole custody.
Zack McKee for the Appellant (Mom)
W. Bronson Howell for the Appellee (Dad)

Link to Opinion Below

http://opinions.kycourts.net/COA/2022-CA-001128.PDF