August was an interesting month for the Supreme Court of Kentucky. One big case in family law. And a collection of cases for our criminal defense friends. (Spoiler alert: Most of the criminal cases are not good.) David Lemaster v. Kendra Stiltner; Christopher Clay Stiltner; and...
Low numbers, high in quality. Just a couple of cases this week, but both are absolutely worth reading. The unreported case is the real gem -- and may be a candidate for Unreported Case of the Year honors. M.D. v. M.S.; A.D.-S., a child; and Commonwealth...
August starts with nearly every trial court's decision being affirmed. The crackerjack staff at the Round Up doesn't know whether the dog days of summer have resulted in judicial exhaustion -- or whether Kentucky judges were just granted a brief reprieve. At any rate, nearly...
Some weeks can be exciting, while others are not. Fourth of July week at the Kentucky Court of Appeals was more of a dud than a firework show this year. With that being said, we are still doing our patriotic duty by bringing you the...
By Melina Hettiaratchi, Senior Associate, Helmers + Associates The 2025 passage of Senate Bill 26 marks a groundbreaking moment for disability justice in Kentucky’s child welfare and adoption systems. The new law, which had bipartisan support and was signed into law by Governor Beshear on March...
This newly rendered case from Kentucky's highest court leads to a surprising shift in Kentucky adoption law. Read on for the latest in family court drama. G.G. and T.S. v. CHFS, 2024-SC-0143-DGE In a 6–1 decision authored by newly elected Justice Goodwine, the Supreme Court reversed the...
We are proud to announce a meaningful win for our client, Jonah Bevin, who is now empowered to seek the support he was long denied. In a detailed and decisive order entered on May 16, 2025, Judge Angela Johnson of Jefferson County Circuit Court ruled...
Just one case in family law from the Kentucky Supreme Court this go-round, but it is one worth reading. The case may sound familiar to the loyal readers of the Round Up as the parties were featured on the April 4, 2024, Round Up. In...
A phenomenal article by Senior Associate Attorney Melina Hettiaratchi was published in the March 2025 issue of the Louisville Bar Association Bar Briefs. Melina served as the Chair of the LBA Family Law Section in 2024 and currently holds the position of Vice-Chair. Although the...
Well, folks, the Kentucky Supreme Court has spoken on Commonwealth v. K.O. on the issue of whether marijuana use constitutes child abuse or neglect. The Supremes appear to have started with a conclusion and worked backward. In contrast, the Kentucky Court of Appeals had previously delivered...
