Child Support
Frequently Asked Questions
APPLYING
How do I open a child support case?
The easiest way to apply for child support services is on the CSE Website. We also have paper applications available. Helpful Tip: Check the email you signed up with/ put on the application for emails from your case worker.
Can I apply for child support services before the birth of my child?
No. Child support services cannot be requested until after the birth of the child.
How long does it take to get child support after I apply?
The length of time depends upon the unique circumstances of each case. Some cases are more complicated and require more time. Providing additional information when requested helps the child support agency in obtaining a child support order in a timely manner. Factors contributing to the complexity of the case can include difficulty in locating the noncustodial parent; paternity establishment; multiple potential fathers; or noncustodial parents living in another state/country.
Is there a fee to apply for child support?
An annual fee of $35.00 is charged on all child support cases in which the custodial parent has never received cash assistance (KTAP/AFDC/KINSHIP CARE). The fee is only assessed when the total payment amount sent to the custodial parent during the federal fiscal year (October 1 – September 30) reaches $550.00. Once this requirement is met, Child Support Enforcement will deduct the $35.00 fee from the next child support payment received after the first $550.00 has been sent to the custodial parent. In those cases where custody of the child(ren) has changed and there is past-due support owed to the inactive custodial parent and current support owed to the current custodial parent, the fee of $35.00 will be taken after the active custodial parent receives $550.00, regardless of how the money disburses on the case.
Who can apply for child support services?
Anyone who has physical custody of a child and needs help establishing the identity of the father of the child, establishing a child support order or collection of current or past-due child support is eligible to receive child support services. This includes a parent who is separated from his or her spouse even if no divorce action has been filed. A man who believes he is the biological father of a child born out of wedlock may also apply for services.
Does the child support attorney handling my case represent me?
The Child Support Enforcement attorney assigned to the case represents the state’s interest in seeing that the children are financially cared for, but not the interest of the custodial or noncustodial parent.
MODIFICATION
Who can request a review for modification of a support order and how is a review of a child support obligation requested?
In accordance with 45 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 303.8(a), Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS) 405.430(6) and 921 Kentucky Administrative Regulation (KAR) 1:400 Section 3, the following individuals or entities may request a review for possible modification: The custodial parent. The noncustodial parent. A nonparental custodial parent (i.e., grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, etc.) A foreign reciprocating country or a foreign country with which Kentucky has an arrangement may request a review of their order and the request shall be treated the same as a request by another state in accordance with SSA 454(32)(A) (42 U.S.C. 654(32)(A)).
What is the age of emancipation in Kentucky?
KRS 405.020(1) provides that…“The father shall be primarily liable for the nurture and education of his children who are under the age of eighteen (18) when the child is a full-time high school student, but not beyond completion of the school year during which the child reaches the age of nineteen (19) years.”
The noncustodial parent is not paying his/her child support obligation, what can I do?
Our office doesn't take enforcement action until they are either 3 months behind and/or $1,000 behind in in current support. Contact your child support caseworker and request that enforcement action be taken. There are many enforcement remedies that may be used by child support staff to enforce a child support order.
She/he never lets me see the kids. Why do I have to pay child support?
The legal obligation to pay child support is completely separate from the issue of visitation rights. If you are court ordered to pay child support, you must do so regardless of when or if you see the children. If there is a court order giving you visitation and the custodial parent refuses to let you see the children, your recourse is to file a motion with the court asking that he/she be held in contempt of court.
Who can request a review for modification of a support order and how is a review of a child support obligation requested?
In accordance with 45 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 303.8(a), Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS) 405.430(6) and 921 Kentucky Administrative Regulation (KAR) 1:400 Section 3, the following individuals or entities may request a review for possible modification: The custodial parent. The noncustodial parent. A nonparental custodial parent (i.e., grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, etc.) A foreign reciprocating country or a foreign country with which Kentucky has an arrangement may request a review of their order and the request shall be treated the same as a request by another state in accordance with SSA 454(32)(A) (42 U.S.C. 654(32)(A)).
What is the age of emancipation in Kentucky?
KRS 405.020(1) provides that…“The father shall be primarily liable for the nurture and education of his children who are under the age of eighteen (18) when the child is a full-time high school student, but not beyond completion of the school year during which the child reaches the age of nineteen (19) years.”
The noncustodial parent is not paying his/her child support obligation, what can I do?
Our office doesn't take enforcement action until they are either 3 months behind and/or $1,000 behind in in current support. Contact your child support caseworker and request that enforcement action be taken. There are many enforcement remedies that may be used by child support staff to enforce a child support order.
She/he never lets me see the kids. Why do I have to pay child support?
The legal obligation to pay child support is completely separate from the issue of visitation rights. If you are court ordered to pay child support, you must do so regardless of when or if you see the children. If there is a court order giving you visitation and the custodial parent refuses to let you see the children, your recourse is to file a motion with the court asking that he/she be held in contempt of court.