ABVE/D in Kentucky
Recognition and practice information for American Board of Vocational Experts Diplomate in Kentucky.
Recognition and qualification in Kentucky
The ABVE Diplomate is an advanced forensic credential recognizing expertise in vocational evaluation and expert testimony for litigation. Scope covers earning capacity, employability, vocational rehabilitation, and expert witness practice.
The Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) administers public vocational rehabilitation in Kentucky. KWVRS ABVE/D-credentialed experts apply nationally recognized standards.
Kentucky courts and venues
Expert qualification in Kentucky's courts is determined case by case.
- Circuit Court - General jurisdiction; civil cases over $5,000, felonies, domestic relations
- District Court - Civil cases up to $5,000, misdemeanors, probate, small claims, juvenile
- Family Court - Division of Circuit Court; in counties that have one, primary jurisdiction in cases involving families and children, including dissolution of marriage, spousal support, child custody and support
Highest court: Kentucky Supreme Court. Federal venues: E.D. Ky., W.D. Ky.
Sources: Kentucky Court of Justice, About the Courts: the trial courts are Circuit Court, its Family Court division and District Court; the Kentucky Court of Appeals is the lower appellate court; the Supreme Court of Kentucky is the court of last resort (reviewed 2026-10-12); Kentucky Court of Justice, Circuit Court: the court of general jurisdiction, hearing civil matters involving more than $5,000, felonies and divorces; Family Court is a division of Circuit Court with primary jurisdiction in cases involving families and children in counties that have one (reviewed 2026-10-12); Kentucky Court of Justice, Family Court: a division of Circuit Court whose cases include dissolution of marriage, spousal support and child custody, support and visitation (reviewed 2026-10-12); Kentucky Court of Justice, District Court: the court of limited jurisdiction, handling civil cases of $5,000 or less, small claims of $2,500 or less, misdemeanors, juvenile matters and probate of wills (reviewed 2026-10-12)
Other credentials in Kentucky
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ABVE/D and ABVE/F?
ABVE/F is the Fellow, the board's certification for a forensic vocational expert with three years of documented experience in assessment of vocational capacity and forensic work. ABVE/D is the Diplomate, which requires at least seven years of that experience and distinguished performance such as publications, office in a professional organization or awards. Both are earned through the same examination, a peer-reviewed forensic work product and the board's code of ethics.
Does the ABVE credential substitute for state licensure?
No. ABVE is a forensic specialty credential and does not replace state licensure where required for practice.
References
- ABVE Certification OverviewOrganization
- Kentucky Court of Justice, About the Courts: the trial courts are Circuit Court, its Family Court division and District Court; the Kentucky Court of Appeals is the lower appellate court; the Supreme Court of Kentucky is the court of last resort (reviewed 2026-10-12)Government
- Kentucky Court of Justice, Circuit Court: the court of general jurisdiction, hearing civil matters involving more than $5,000, felonies and divorces; Family Court is a division of Circuit Court with primary jurisdiction in cases involving families and children in counties that have one (reviewed 2026-10-12)Government
- Kentucky Court of Justice, Family Court: a division of Circuit Court whose cases include dissolution of marriage, spousal support and child custody, support and visitation (reviewed 2026-10-12)Government
- Kentucky Court of Justice, District Court: the court of limited jurisdiction, handling civil cases of $5,000 or less, small claims of $2,500 or less, misdemeanors, juvenile matters and probate of wills (reviewed 2026-10-12)Government
Ready to Get Started on ABVE/D engagements in Kentucky?
Contact KWVRS to discuss scope, timing, and the deliverables appropriate to the matter. Plaintiff and defense.