The Christian County Office of the Circuit Court Clerk has announced some updated changes for after-hours emergency protective orders (EPO).
Circuit Court Clerk Paige Parker says for over 20 years, special deputized advocates have provided EPO services after hours 7 days a week including all holidays. She notes this service has proven to be beneficial and effective for domestic violence victims. While a location change for female victims to file EPOs was announced in late September, Parker says circumstances surrounding those able to provide this service after hours, on weekends and on holidays have changed.
After consultation with the Administrative Office of the Courts, according to Parker, the Christian County Circuit Court Clerk is not able to provide EPO services for petitioners outside of the local clerk office’s normal operating hours. She notes neither the clerk’s office nor the Justice Center is open 24 hours.
Therefore, effective Thursday afternoon, October 6, at 4:30, Parker indicates females wanting to file a petition for domestic violence will have to come to the Christian County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office during normal operating hours, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. She adds the Judiciary and Circuit Clerk will continue to work with other local officials in hopes of reimplementing the necessary 24/7 access in the future.
According to Parker, the Christian County Jail will continue to remain the designated EPO filing location for male petitioners after-hours.
For any questions, contact Circuit Court Clerk Paige Parker at (270) 889-6593 or via email at PaigeParker@kycourts.net.