Lexington Back Child Support Lawyer — How Can You Resolve Past-Due Payments?
If you owe back child support in Lexington, you face serious enforcement actions like wage garnishment, license suspension, and contempt of court. A back child support lawyer Lexington from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help negotiate payment plans, seek modifications, or defend against enforcement. Our firm has extensive experience handling child support arrears cases in Fayette County Family Court.
Understanding Back Child Support and Arrears in Kentucky
Back child support, also called arrears, is past-due child support that has accrued when payments are not made as ordered by the court. In Kentucky, child support orders are enforceable until the child turns 18 or graduates high school, whichever occurs later, up to age 19. Once arrears exist, they become a judgment debt by operation of law under KRS 403.213. This means the owed amount can accrue interest and is collectible through various aggressive means by the state’s Child Support Enforcement office.
Last verified: April 2026 | Fayette County Family Court | Kentucky Legislature
Legal Resources and Court Process
It is important to understand the official statutes and local court procedures governing child support. You can review the Kentucky Revised Statutes on the Kentucky Legislative Research Commission website. For local forms and filing information, visit the Kentucky Court of Justice Family Court website.
Strategies for Handling Child Support Arrears in Lexington
If you have fallen behind, taking proactive steps is critical. In Fayette County Family Court, judges often look more favorably on parents who demonstrate a good-faith effort to address their arrears rather than ignoring the problem. A common local procedural fact is that the Department of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) will typically initiate income withholding orders through your employer as a first enforcement step for arrears.
- Gather Documentation: Collect all child support orders, payment records, and evidence of any income changes or hardships.
- Consult an Attorney: Speak with a back child support lawyer Lexington to review your options, such as filing a motion to modify future support or establish an arrears payment plan.
- File the Appropriate Motion: Your attorney will prepare and file the necessary motion, whether for modification, a payment plan, or to respond to a contempt action.
- Attend the Hearing: Present your case and proposed solution to the judge, with your attorney advocating on your behalf.
- Comply with the New Order: Once the court enters a new order, ensure strict compliance with the new payment terms.
Potential Consequences for Unpaid Support
In Lexington, unpaid child support can lead to wage garnishment, interception of tax refunds, suspension of driver’s and professional licenses, liens on property, negative credit reporting, and even contempt of court charges with possible jail time.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Child Support Case
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys bring a practical understanding of family court procedures. For parents dealing with past due child support, having an advocate who understands both the legal framework and the human element is vital. We focus on finding workable solutions, whether that involves negotiating a payment plan for arrears or defending against excessive enforcement actions.
Contact a Lexington Child Support Arrears Attorney
If you need help with back child support, don’t wait for enforcement actions to escalate. A child support arrears collection lawyer Lexington from our team can assess your situation. We offer 24/7 phone consultations to discuss your case.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go to jail for back child support in Kentucky?
Yes. A judge can find you in contempt of court for willfully failing to pay child support, which may result in jail time. However, incarceration is typically a last resort and is often used to coerce payment rather than as a pure punishment.
Can back child support be forgiven in Kentucky?
It depends. Courts rarely “forgive” or waive arrears that are owed to the other parent. However, they may approve a reduced payment plan. Arrears owed to the state for public assistance reimbursement are even less likely to be forgiven.
How far back can child support be collected in Kentucky?
Child support can typically be collected for any period after the order was issued. There is no statute of limitations on enforcing a child support judgment in Kentucky. The debt persists until paid.
What is the best way to deal with child support arrears?
The best approach is to consult a past due child support lawyer Lexington proactively. An attorney can help you file for a modification if your income changed, or negotiate a formal payment plan with the state enforcement agency to avoid severe penalties like license suspension.
Can I get my driver’s license back if I owe child support?
Yes, but you must contact the Child Support Enforcement office and establish a compliant payment plan. Once you are in compliance, they will issue a release to the state transportation cabinet to reinstate your license.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Under Va. Code § 13.1-1000 et seq., state law governs this practice area.