Johnson County Attorney, KY child support

CHILD SUPPORT

HOW THE JOHNSON COUNTY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE IS INVOLVED

One of the responsibilities of the Johnson County Attorney’s office is to assist and to enforce collection of child support obligations.

The Johnson County Attorney’s office is referred matters for child support collection primarily through the office of public assistance. For example, a new mom applies for and receives public assistance benefits or medical insurance, the new mom is required to cooperate with the Johnson County Attorney’s Office to assist in identifying the biological father to submit to DNA testing (if requested) and execute certain documents in order to maintain her benefits.

The Johnson County Attorney’s Office also collects child support for existing and ongoing legal cases at the request of the custodial parent.

HOW IS CHILD SUPPORT AMOUNT DETERMINED

The amount of child support to be set is based upon a calculation of the custodial parent and non-custodial parent’s monthly income.

KRS 403.212 has established child support guidelines based upon income of the parents, the number of children, the cost of health insurance provided (if available) and costs of day care services.

WHO CAN ASK FOR A REVIEW OF THE CHILD SUPPORT CALCULATIONS

Either the custodial parent or the non-custodial parent can ask for a modification in child support. However, once the request has been made a modification will be made to increase or decrease if a 15 percent change has occurred. Once a request is made to the Johnson County Attorney’s office, this office is required to initiate the modifications even if you change your mind.

WHAT IF I HAVE NO INCOME?

If you’re unemployed the law assumes you are able to work to support your children. The law requires that the NCP be inputted minimum wages -whether employed or not. Child support will be set at minimum wage guidelines.

If you are receiving SSI you will still be required to pay some child support under most circumstances depending on the facts of each case.

Any monies the child receives shall be figured into the calculation to determine if child support is due and owing if any.

Failure to pay child support pursuant to a lawful court order can result in serious consequences. The NCP can be held up to 6 months in jail for civil contempt for failure to pay child support.

If the NCP becomes over $1000.00 behind in child support a felony indictment can be issued with a penalty of 5 years in jail plus a fine, plus payment of arrearages.

Failure to pay child support can also cause the NCP to loose their driver’s license, to forfeit their tax refund checks or even civil judgments and attaches to real estate and garnishment of bank accounts.