Jefferson Family Court Judge Angela Johnson wrote that the court holds "no personal bias or prejudice against or in favor of any party or attorney involved" in the case.
Former Gov. Bevin and his ex-wife Glenna Bevin are urging the chief justice of the state Supreme Court to remove Johnson, accusing her of bias and seeking media attention.
The Kentucky Lantern reports that the matter was sent back to Johnson, to give her a chance to rule on whether she wished to recuse herself.
The question now returns to the chief justice for a final opinion.