How Is Child Support Determined in Kentucky?

kentucky child support

After a divorce, many parents struggle to understand the regulations and guidelines for paying child support. Determining the appropriate amount you or your former spouse should pay can be challenging. As a result, many parties seek assistance from an experienced Kentucky child custody attorney to help them reach a child support agreement that works for the family. 

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Calculating Child Support in Kentucky

Although you cannot determine the exact amount of child support you will receive until you get an actual child support order, there are ways to determine how much a parent may be eligible for. According to Kentucky’s guidelines, determining how much a non-custodial parent will need to pay for child support will depend on the following factors:

  • The gross monthly income of both parents
  • The number of children who are under the age of 18 years old and have not graduated from high school
  • The amount of child support and alimony paid by the non-custodial parent from a previous marriage
  • The amount of child support and alimony paid by the custodial parent of a prior marriage
  • Daycare costs
  • Family health insurance costs

It should be noted that child support does not cover every expense. Examples of costs not usually covered include uninsured medical expenses, extracurricular activity expenses, and private school tuition. 

Evidence Used To Verify Income

The court uses various types of evidence to verify a parent’s income, including tax returns, statements from the employer, pay stubs, and receipts and expenses if a parent is self-employed. In addition, if a parent is not working, their payment will be calculated by assessing their qualifications, earnings, work history, and opportunities within the community. 

Can The Amount of Child Support Be Changed in the Future?

If circumstances change, such as one or both parties’ incomes changing or an older child being emancipated, leading to a change of at least 15% in the amount of child support, then the amount may be modified accordingly.

What Happens if the Non-Custodial Parent is Not Paying Their Child Support Obligation? 

If the non-custodial parent is not paying their child support obligations, there are remedies that may be used to enforce the child support order. These remedies include:

  • Income withholding
  • Court action
  • Suspension or denial of a driver’s license or professional license
  • Intercept of lottery-winnings
  • Intercept of taxes
  • Denial of passport

However, to better understand these options, consider reviewing your specific situation with an experienced Kentucky child custody attorney. These legal professionals can review your options and help you pursue the necessary remedies. 

Contact Hoffman Walker & Knauf Today To Learn More About Child Support in Kentucky

Child custody disputes in Kentucky are often the most challenging issues to handle in family law. Custody battles are frequently contested and difficult to resolve by mutual agreement. That is why it is crucial that when you work with a child custody attorney, these legal professionals have the necessary skills, empathy, and understanding to navigate this delicate and sensitive area. 

At Hoffman Walker & Knauf, our skilled family law lawyers are well-versed in divorce law, child custody disputes, and child support. If you have any questions about child support or want to review what this process entails, contact us today to learn more.