What is the residency requirement for adoption in Kentucky?

Kentucky requires 12 months of state residency before you can file a stepparent adoption petition (KRS § 199.470). This means you (or your spouse) must have lived in Kentucky for at least 12 months before filing. If you recently moved to Kentucky, you may need to wait until you meet this requirement. The residency clock starts from when you established your home in the state — it doesn't have to be from the date you officially changed your driver's license.