A divorce decree is a legal document signed by the judge that officially terminates the marriage. The divorce decree typically includes the judge’s ruling on all matters related to the marriage and any minor children—including division of marital or community property, payment of marital or community debts, spousal support, child custody, child visitation, child support, any obligation to provide health insurance for minor children, and the payment of extracurricular expenses for minor children.

These determinations or rulings set forth in the divorce decree become legally enforceable obligations when the judge signs the divorce decree—and may be enforced by further legal action in the court if one or both of the former spouses fail to comply with the terms of the divorce decree.

In Kentucky, a divorce decree is the final order that legally ends a marriage, issued by a judge after all matters related to the divorce have been resolved. This includes the division of marital property and debts, alimony (also known as spousal support), and if applicable, child custody, visitation rights, child support, and responsibilities for health insurance and extracurricular expenses for any minor children. The terms outlined in the divorce decree are legally binding and enforceable. If either party fails to comply with the terms set forth in the decree, the other party may take legal action to enforce the order. This could involve returning to court to seek enforcement or modification of the original decree. Kentucky state statutes and family law govern the specifics of how divorce decrees are managed and enforced, ensuring that the rights and obligations of both parties are upheld according to the law.