KRS 405.020: Custody, nurture, and education of minor child -- Physically and mentally

disabled children -- De facto custodian.

(1) The father and mother shall have the joint custody, nurture, and education of their

children who are under the age of eighteen (18). If either of the parents dies, the

survivor, if suited to the trust, shall have the custody, nurture, and education of the

children who are under the age of eighteen (18). The father shall be primarily liable

for the nurture and education of his children who are under the age of eighteen (18)

and for any unmarried child over the age of eighteen (18) when the child is a full -

time high school student, but not beyond completion of the school year during

which the child reaches the age of nineteen (19) years.

(2) The father and mother shall have the joint custody, care, and support of their

children who have reached the age of eighteen (18) and who are wholly dependent

because of permanent physical or mental disability. If either of the parents dies, the

survivor, if suited to the trust, shall have the custody, care, and support of such

children.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (1) and (2) of this section, a person

claiming to be a de facto custodian, as defined in KRS 403.270, may petition a court

for legal custody of a child. The court shall grant legal custody to the person if the

court determines that the person meets the definition of de facto custodian and that

the best interests of the child will be served by awarding custody to the de fa cto

custodian.

(4) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (1) and (2) of this section, if either

parent dies and at the time of death a child is in the custody of a de facto custodian,

as defined in KRS 403.270, the court shall award custody to the de facto custodian

if the court determines that the best interests of the child will be served by that

award of custody.