KRS 625.042: Conduct of hearings.

(1) Within three (3) days after a petition for the voluntary termination of parental rights

is filed, the Circuit Court shall set a date for a hearing which shall not be more than

thirty (30) calendar days after the petition is filed. In any case in which the child's

permanent custody is proposed to be transferred to an individual not excepted by

KRS 199.470(4), a final order of termination shall be entered only if the proposed

custodian has received the written approval of the secretary or the secretary's

designee for the child's placement as required by KRS 199.473. The secretary or the

secretary's designee shall provide written approval or disapproval, if required by this

subsection, within thirty (30) days after the request is made.

(2) The Circuit Court sha ll require notice to be served upon the local representative of

the cabinet in any case in which a statement from the cabinet of willingness to

accept custody of the child has not been filed with the petition, or custody of the

child is to be placed with a n individual unless the placement has been approved by

the cabinet. It shall not be necessary to serve notice upon the cabinet if custody of

the child is to be placed with the cabinet or with a child-placing agency.

(3) Proceedings under this chapter shall be completed as soon as practicable but shall

not exceed six (6) months. All hearings shall be held before the Circuit Court

privately for the purpose of determining the facts.

(4) An official stenographic or mechanical record shall be made of the proceed ings and

retained for a period of five (5) years.

(5) The best interests of the child shall be considered paramount, including but not

limited to matters relating to child support.

(6) At the time of the hearing, the Circuit Court, after full and complete inquiry, shall

determine whether each petitioner is fully aware of the purpose of the proceedings

and the consequences of the provisions of this chapter.