Child Support · Louisville Office
Child Support Lawyer in Louisville, KY
Wise & Associates handles child support cases in Jefferson Family Court and surrounding Kentucky counties: setting support, modifying it when income or parenting time changes, and enforcing unpaid back support. Kentucky calculates support from both parents' incomes under KRS 403.212. At Wise & Associates, upfront flat fees range from $1,500 to $5,000.
Kentucky Child Support: Key Facts
| Our fees | At Wise & Associates, upfront flat fees for child support cases range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on how much litigation is required. Court appearances and hearings are priced separately before each begins. See pricing |
|---|---|
| Court | Jefferson Family Court in Louisville, or the family or circuit court in Oldham, Bullitt, Shelby, Spencer, or Henry County |
| How support is set | Kentucky's income shares guidelines: both parents' incomes are combined, a guideline amount is set from the state table, and each parent pays their share |
| Added costs | The child's health insurance and work-related childcare are generally divided between the parents in proportion to their incomes |
| Modification | A change that would produce at least a 15% difference in the support amount is presumed to be a material change. A modification generally applies only to payments due after the motion is filed. |
| When support ends | Generally at age 18, or when the child finishes high school if still enrolled, but not past age 19 |
| Enforcement | Unpaid support can be enforced through income withholding, contempt of court, and other collection tools |
| Governing law | KRS Chapter 403, including KRS 403.211 (deviations), KRS 403.212 (guidelines), and KRS 403.213 (modification) |
| Handled by | Jennifer Frederick, Managing Attorney, and Christopher Wise, Founder |
Child Support Cases We Handle
Establishing support
Setting child support as part of a divorce or custody case, or in a separate case between parents who were never married.
Modifying support
Raising or lowering support after a job change, a change in parenting time, or a change in the child's needs.
Enforcing back support
Collecting unpaid support, or defending a parent facing an enforcement or contempt action.
Support with custody changes
Support is often recalculated when custody or timesharing changes. Louisville child custody
How a Child Support Case Works in Kentucky
Free phone consultation
An attorney reviews your situation and quotes your upfront fee.
Income information
Both parents provide income information, such as pay stubs and tax returns, along with health insurance and childcare costs.
Guideline calculation
Support is calculated on the Kentucky child support worksheet.
Petition or motion
A new case starts with a petition. A change to an existing order starts with a motion to modify.
Agreement or hearing
Parents can agree on support, subject to the court's approval. If they do not agree, the judge decides after a hearing.
Support order
The court enters the order, usually with income withholding through the employer.
Credentials
- Christopher Wise, founder: Super Lawyers Rising Stars, 2023–2027; Louisville Business First 20 People to Know in Law, 2023 and 2026.
- Jennifer Frederick, managing attorney: member of the Kentucky Bar since 2000; Walker Award for excellence in public advocacy, two-time recipient.
- Wise & Associates: Best Law Firm in Louisville, The Courier Journal Best of Louisville (reader-voted), Winner 2022 and 2023, Top 3 2025 and 2026. All awards
Louisville Child Support Questions
How much does a child support lawyer cost in Louisville?
At Wise & Associates, upfront flat fees for child support cases range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on how much litigation is required. The firm does not bill hourly, and the first consultation is free.
How is child support calculated in Kentucky?
Kentucky uses an income shares model. Both parents' incomes are combined, a guideline amount is taken from the state table for that income and number of children, and each parent is responsible for their percentage share. Health insurance and work-related childcare are generally added and divided the same way.
When can child support be modified in Kentucky?
When there is a material change in circumstances. A change that would produce at least a 15% difference in the support amount is presumed to be material. A modification generally applies only to payments due after the motion is filed, so it is important to file promptly.
When does child support end in Kentucky?
Generally when the child turns 18. If the child is still in high school at 18, support generally continues until graduation, but not past age 19.
What can be done about unpaid child support?
Back support can be enforced through income withholding, contempt of court, and other collection tools. Past-due support does not simply go away, and support that has already come due generally cannot be reduced after the fact.
Do I still have to pay support if I do not see my child?
Yes. Child support and timesharing are separate obligations. A parent who is being denied time with the child should ask the court to enforce timesharing, not stop paying support. Read common child support myths
Talk to a Louisville Child Support Lawyer
Consultations are free and by phone. Book a time, then call the office at your scheduled time.
Wise & Associates303 Middletown Park Pl, Suite G, Louisville, KY 40243
(502) 618-0000
Attorney advertising. This page provides general information, not legal advice. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.