A Kentucky child support order is a legal document that tells one parent how much money they must pay to help support their child. This court order protects children's rights to receive financial help from both parents, even when the parents don't live together. Understanding how these orders work helps parents know their rights and responsibilities.
What Is a Kentucky Child Support Order
A Kentucky child support order is an official court document that requires one parent to pay money to the other parent for their child's needs. The court creates this order to make sure children get the financial support they need from both parents.
The order includes important details like how much money must be paid, when payments are due, and how long payments must continue. It also explains what happens if payments are not made on time.
Every child support case in Kentucky gets a unique number that helps track payments and information. Parents use this number when making payments or calling about their case.
Who Can Get a Child Support Order
Any parent or guardian who takes care of a child can ask for a Kentucky child support order. This includes:
- Parents who are getting divorced
- Parents who were never married but have children together
- Grandparents who are raising their grandchildren
- Other relatives or guardians who care for children
The person asking for child support does not have to prove the other parent did anything wrong. Kentucky law says both parents must help pay for their children's needs, no matter what their relationship situation is.
How to Get a Kentucky Child Support Order
There are two main ways to get a Kentucky child support order. You can apply through the state's child support enforcement program or file a case in court.
Through Child Support Enforcement
The Kentucky Department of Child Support Services helps parents get support orders. This is often the easiest way because the state handles most of the work for you.
You can apply online at the Kentucky Child Support website or visit your local child support office. The state will help establish paternity if needed, calculate the support amount, and get a court order.
Parents who receive public assistance like KTAP automatically get help from child support enforcement. The state applies for them to make sure they get the support they need.
Through Family Court
You can also ask for child support as part of a divorce or custody case. When parents go to court for other family matters, the judge will also decide about child support at the same time.
If you file in court yourself, you will need to complete forms and follow court procedures. Many parents hire lawyers to help them with this process.
What Information Is in a Child Support Order
A Kentucky child support order contains specific information that both parents need to understand:
The order states exactly how much money must be paid each month. This amount is calculated using Kentucky's child support guidelines, which consider both parents' incomes and other factors.
The order explains when payments are due, usually on specific dates each month. It also says how payments should be made, such as through payroll deduction or direct payments to the state.
The order includes information about health insurance for the children. Usually, one parent must provide health insurance coverage or help pay for medical expenses.
The order may include extra costs like child care expenses if needed for a parent to work or go to school. It might also cover special medical needs or educational expenses.
How Child Support Amounts Are Decided
Kentucky uses specific guidelines to determine how much child support should be paid. These guidelines help make sure all children receive fair and consistent support.
The calculation starts with both parents' gross income from all sources. This includes wages, tips, bonuses, self-employment income, unemployment benefits, and other regular payments.
The guidelines consider how many children need support and factor in costs like health insurance and child care. If parents share custody time, this may reduce the support amount.
Kentucky has minimum and maximum amounts for child support. The minimum is usually $60 per month per child, but courts can order different amounts if the guidelines would be unfair.
Enforcing a Kentucky Child Support Order
Once you have a Kentucky child support order, child support enforcement helps make sure payments are made. The state has many tools to collect unpaid support.
Automatic Payment Collection
Most child support is collected through income withholding. This means money is automatically taken from the paying parent's paycheck and sent to the state disbursement unit.
The state then sends the money to the parent who is supposed to receive it. This system helps ensure payments are made consistently and on time.
When Parents Don't Pay
If a parent doesn't pay child support as ordered, child support enforcement can take several actions:
Collection Methods:
- Take money from bank accounts
- Take tax refunds (federal and state)
- Put liens on property like houses or cars
- Take money from unemployment benefits or worker's compensation
License Actions:
- Suspend driver's licenses
- Suspend professional licenses
- Suspend hunting or fishing licenses
- Stop passport applications or renewals
The state can also report unpaid child support to credit bureaus, which hurts the non-paying parent's credit score. In serious cases, the court can order jail time for parents who refuse to pay.
Changing a Kentucky Child Support Order
Child support orders are not permanent and can be changed when circumstances change significantly. This process is called modification.
When You Can Request Changes
You can ask to change your Kentucky child support order when:
- Either parent's income changes a lot
- Custody arrangements change
- The child's needs change significantly
- Health insurance costs change
- Child care costs change substantially
Generally, the new calculated amount must be at least 15% different from the current order for a change to be approved.
How to Request a Modification
Parents can request a review through the Kentucky Department of Child Support Services. The state will look at current information and determine if a change is needed.
If the state manages your payments, they may automatically review your case every three years. They will send notices when it's time for a review.
You can also file a motion in court to change the order. This is necessary if you pay support directly to the other parent rather than through the state system.
Making Child Support Payments
Kentucky child support orders explain exactly how payments should be made. Following these instructions helps ensure you get credit for all payments.
Payment Options
Most parents pay through income withholding, where money is taken directly from their paycheck. This is usually the most reliable method because it happens automatically.
You can also make payments online through the Kentucky Child Support website, by phone, or by mail. There may be small fees for online and phone payments.
Some parents are allowed to pay directly to the other parent, but this is only permitted in certain situations and must be approved by the court.
Keeping Payment Records
Always keep records of child support payments, even when money is taken from your paycheck automatically. Save pay stubs that show deductions and keep receipts for any direct payments.
If you have problems with payments not being processed correctly, contact the Kentucky Department of Child Support Services right away to fix the issue.
How to Understand Your Child Support Case
Every Kentucky child support case has important information that parents should understand and keep track of.
Case Information | Why It's Important | How to Find It |
Case Number (IV-D Number) | Used for all payments and communications | On your child support order or call (800) 248-1163 |
Current Balance | Shows how much is owed | Online account or monthly statements |
Payment History | Proves what has been paid | Online account or request from state office |
Contact Information | Reach your caseworker | Listed in case documents or online account |
Common Child Support Order Situations
Situation | What Happens | What You Should Do |
Income Changes | Order may need modification | Request review within 30 days |
Job Loss | Still responsible for payments | Contact child support office immediately |
Move to Another State | Order still valid | Update address with Kentucky and new state |
Child Turns 18 | Support may end | Confirm termination date with court or state |
Custody Changes | Payment amount may change | File for modification as soon as possible |
Special Situations with Child Support Orders
Some families have special circumstances that affect how child support orders work.
Multiple Children from Different Relationships
If a parent has children with more than one person, they may have multiple child support orders. Each order is separate, but they all must be paid.
The state considers existing child support obligations when calculating new orders. This helps prevent one parent from having to pay more than they can reasonably afford.
Children with Special Needs
Children with disabilities or special medical needs may require additional support beyond the standard guidelines. Courts can order extra payments for special medical care, therapy, or educational services.
These additional costs are usually shared between parents based on their ability to pay. The court considers the child's specific needs when making these decisions.
Military Parents
Military parents have the same child support obligations as civilian parents. The military can help enforce child support orders through payroll deduction and other methods.
When military parents are deployed, they still must make child support payments. They should contact the child support office if deployment affects their ability to pay.
Parents in Prison
Parents who are in jail or prison are still responsible for child support, but the court may modify the order based on their limited income.
When parents are released from prison, they become fully responsible for child support payments again. The order usually goes back to the original amount or may be recalculated based on current circumstances.
Resources for Help with Child Support Orders
Parents who need help with Kentucky child support orders have several resources available.
State Resources
The Kentucky Department of Child Support Services provides many services to help parents. They can help establish orders, collect payments, and answer questions about cases.
You can call their hotline at (800) 248-1163 or visit their website for information and services. Local child support offices are located throughout Kentucky to help parents in person.
Legal Help
Parents with complicated situations may benefit from talking to a lawyer who understands family law. Many attorneys offer consultations to explain your options and rights.
Legal aid organizations provide free legal help to low-income parents. These organizations can help with child support issues and other family law matters.
Online Services
The Kentucky Child Support Interactive website lets parents manage their cases online. You can check payment history, update contact information, make payments, and communicate with caseworkers.
The website also has calculators to estimate child support amounts and forms for various requests and applications.
Rights and Responsibilities
Both parents have important rights and responsibilities when it comes to Kentucky child support orders.
Rights of Parents Who Pay Support
Parents who pay child support have the right to know how their money is being spent on their children. They can request information about expenses and how support payments are used.
They also have the right to request modifications when their circumstances change significantly. The court must consider these requests fairly based on current guidelines.
Rights of Parents Who Receive Support
Parents who receive child support have the right to consistent, on-time payments as ordered by the court. They can request help from child support enforcement when payments are late or missing.
They also have the right to know when payments are made and to receive accurate records of all transactions.
Responsibilities of Both Parents
Both parents must provide accurate information about their income and circumstances when child support is calculated or reviewed. Hiding income or providing false information can result in legal penalties.
Parents must also notify the child support office when they move, change jobs, or have other significant changes in their lives.
Planning for the Future
Kentucky child support orders typically continue until children reach age 18 or graduate from high school, whichever happens later. In some cases, support may continue longer for disabled children.
Parents should plan their budgets around child support obligations and understand that these payments are a legal responsibility that cannot be ignored.
When children get older, parents may want to discuss agreements about college expenses or other costs not covered by the basic child support order.
Moving Forward with Your Child Support Order
Understanding your Kentucky child support order helps ensure your children get the support they need and deserve. Whether you pay or receive child support, knowing your rights and responsibilities protects everyone involved.
Keep good records, communicate with the child support office when needed, and remember that child support is about helping children thrive. The system exists to make sure both parents contribute to their children's wellbeing, regardless of their relationship with each other.
If you have questions about your specific situation, contact the Kentucky Department of Child Support Services or speak with a family law attorney who can provide guidance based on your circumstances.