CHILD SUPPORT ATTORNEYS IN ELIZABETHTOWN, KENTUCKY

When it comes to the care of your children, custody is only half of the battle. Once that has been decided, agreeing on a child support arrangement is next. According to a Custodial Mothers and Fathers and Their Child Support report that was released in 2020, there were 13.6 million custodial single parents living in the U.S., with billions of dollars a year owed in child support. Whether you are figuring out child support for the first time, or you already have an arrangement that you would like to modify, you want what is best for you and your children.

At Caleb Bland Law, PLLC, we are experienced family law attorneys ready to help. With a founder that has over 14 years of experience in all aspects of family law — divorce and child support — we offer a unique approach and personalized service that can help you solve whatever legal issues you are facing.

Our team is proud to serve clients in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, as well as the neighboring areas of Radcliff, Shepherdsville, Bardstown, Brandenburg, Leitchfield, Hodgenville, and Louisville. We also serve individuals and families throughout Hardin County, Meade County, Grayson County, Breckinridge County, Nelson County, LaRue County, Hart County, Bullitt County, and Jefferson County.

Child Support in Kentucky

Kentucky state law dictates that both parents have the financial responsibility to support their children. Since there is generally a custodial and a non-custodial parent, the non-custodial parent ends up paying monetary child support to the custodial parent. The law assumes that the custodial parent, by having the child, spends that support directly on the needs of the child.

Determining the amount of child support that gets paid out is typically calculated based on the income of each parent and how many children there are. Kentucky has child support guidelines that help calculate support. There is a child support calculator online to input these factors and estimate how much child support you will owe.

Calculating Child Support Payments

Generally, the court will look at each parent’s gross income to calculate support. The calculator is not the final say in support amount, however. Income can be imputed to a parent as well. Imputed income is potential income. The court decides that a parent could be making more money, but they are choosing not to. It must be clear that the parent is avoiding their full earning potential so that they don’t have to pay more for child support.

Parents can also agree to amounts that differ from the guidelines. However the numbers are chosen, the court has final approval for child support arrangements.

Modifying an Existing Agreement

A court-ordered child support agreement is not always the final say. If circumstances change for either parent, you can go to the court and request a modification of the existing child support arrangement. The material change must lead to a 15% increase or decrease in support each month. Reasons for material change can include losing a job, remarrying, having another child, or moving. The child support modification must be approved by the court.

Termination of Child Support

In Kentucky, child support payments continue until the child reaches 18 years of age. If the child is still in high school when they turn 18, then the age increases to 19. Depending on certain circumstances, you may be able to terminate child support sooner, but you’ll need to file a motion with the court.