In Kentucky, the default assumption is that both parents will share joint custody of the child. In the legal context, "joint custody" doesn't automatically imply a 50-50 split of time with the child. Rather, this means that if no formal custody order exists, the law assumes that parents have agreed to a situation for their children that they think is best.
It’s also important to keep in mind that the state does not favor either mothers or fathers in custody issues. So until a formal court order states otherwise, both parents are considered to have equal authority and access to the children.
When the courts do step in to decide on custody arrangements, they use the standard of "best interest of the child“ and they are required to examine each parent's willingness to ensure that the other parent has open access to their children. So if you unilaterally decide to limit the other parent's access to the child, you need to be prepared for potential consequences.
Of course, there could be factors that justify limiting the other parent's access. For instance, if one parent develops a substance abuse problem, the court is likely to take this into account. However, taking such a significant step on your own is risky.
It's always advisable to consult a family law attorney when considering making changes to your custody arrangements – whether they’ve been formalized by the court or not. This way, you can make decisions about your child’s well being confidently, without damaging your case later on.