Court Opinion

ID: 9634740
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-22 13:22:09.757085+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:09:09.224589
License: Public Domain

KNOPF, Judge,
concurring.
I fully agree with the majority that KRS 403.750(2) does not require proof of additional acts of domestic violence during the prior period before a domestic violence order (DVO) may be renewed. However, I write separately to clarify the grounds necessary to support renewal of a DVO. It is important to remember that a person subject to a DVO is placed under significant restrictions. Consequently, a DVO should not be renewed merely at the request of the petitioning party. Rather, there must be some showing of a continuing need for the DVO.
Under KRS 403.750(1), a court may issue a DVO “if it finds from a preponderance of the evidence that an act or acts of domestic violence and abuse have occurred and may again occur .... ” (Emphasis added). In making the decision to renew a DVO, “the fact that acts of domestic violence or abuse have not occurred during the pendency of the order,” KRS 403.750(2), is a relevant, but not a controlling factor in making such a determination. The critical issue is whether the court finds that future acts of domestic violence remain a reasonable probability. There may be other conduct or circumstances, not amounting to a violation of the prior DVO, which may nonetheless be relevant to considering the continuing need for the DVO. The trial court may also consider the nature, extent and severity of the original acts of domestic violence. In short, a court considering a motion to renew a DVO may consider the totality of the facts and circumstances in finding that acts of *71domestic violence and abuse may again occur if the DVO is allowed to expire.
In this case, there was no evidence of any additional acts of domestic violence while the most recent DVO was in effect. The circuit court noted that the thrust of Kingrey’s testimony “was that she continues to be afraid of [Whitlow] and that it has been reported to her by others that he has made some inquiries concerning the price which she obtained from timber cut on land which she now owns as a result of property division in their divorce action. She admits that [Whitlow] has not contacted her, has not come around her, and has not made any threats.” The court also pointed out Whitlow’s testimony stating that he has not contacted Kingrey, has not made any current threats, and does not know where she presently lives. However, the original acts of domestic violence which precipitated the entry of the prior DVO were ongoing and severe. Furthermore, Whitlow had repeatedly violated the terms of an earlier DVO. Indeed, the circuit court recognized that Kingrey’s fear of Whitlow was “sincere and perhaps well founded.”
Under the circumstances, the evidence was not so compelling that the district court was required to renew the DVO in 2001. Nonetheless, there was sufficient evidence to support the district court’s conclusions that the DVO had been effective in preventing additional acts of domestic violence, and that the need for the DVO was continuing. Therefore, I agree with the majority opinion reversing the circuit court’s order and reinstating the amended DVO issued by the Allen District Court.