Friendly And Caring Kentucky Child And Spousal Support Assistance
Last updated on January 27, 2026
At Gatlin Voelker, we understand the complexities that can surface regarding child and spousal support during a divorce. Our child support attorneys and spousal support attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience in family law. They are committed to building lasting relationships with clients. Our team is accessible 24/7, ensuring you have support whenever you need it. We are relatable and neighborly, and genuinely care about helping you achieve the outcome that you and your children need. Based in Covington, our law firm serves Northern Kentucky and Ohio with dedication and care.
How Child Support Works In Kentucky
Child support is a financial obligation that one parent pays to the other. It goes toward covering the costs of raising a child. In Kentucky, child support is mandatory in divorce cases to ensure that the custodial parent can meet the child’s needs. Typically, child support lasts until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school – whichever comes later. Having a child and spousal support attorney means that you have an advocate on your side to calculate child support accurately. They can help impute income and ensure that calculations reflect your financial situation and the child’s needs.
Understanding Spousal Support: What To Know
Spousal support is sometimes also called alimony. It is a form of financial assistance that one spouse pays to the other after the dissolution of marriage. It aims to keep the lower earning spouse in the standard of living that they enjoyed during the marriage. In Kentucky, the court calculates spousal support based on several factors, including:
- The duration of the marriage
- Each spouse’s income
- Each spouse’s contribution to the marriage
The duration of spousal support varies in each case. It can be temporary or long-term, depending on the circumstances. To get a better chance of receiving enough alimony or making sure you do not have to pay too much, you should have representation from a family law attorney.
What Types Of Spousal Support Are Available?
Kentucky courts may award different forms of spousal support depending on the needs of the parties and the structure of the divorce. These commonly include:
- Temporary maintenance, awarded during the divorce process to help a spouse meet basic expenses
- Rehabilitative maintenance, designed to support a spouse while they obtain education or job training
- Long-term maintenance, typically reserved for lengthy marriages where self-support is unlikely
Each type serves a different purpose and is tailored to the circumstances presented.
Who Qualifies For Spousal Support?
A spouse seeking maintenance must first demonstrate that they lack sufficient property or income to meet reasonable needs and are unable to support themselves through appropriate employment. Courts also consider whether one spouse sacrificed career opportunities or earning potential to support the household or raise children during the marriage.
How Courts Determine Spousal Support Amounts
Kentucky does not use a fixed formula to calculate spousal support. Instead, judges consider a wide range of factors, including:
- The length of the marriage
- Each spouse’s income and earning capacity
- Financial assets held by each party, including marital and nonmarital property
- Contributions to the marriage, including homemaking and childcare
- The time and cost required for the supported spouse to gain education or employment skills
- The age, physical health and emotional condition of both spouses
- The paying spouse’s ability to meet personal financial obligations while providing support
This flexible approach allows courts to craft awards that reflect real financial conditions rather than rigid guidelines.
Can Spousal Support Be Modified?
Spousal support may be modified if there is a substantial and continuing change in circumstances. Either party may request a modification, but court approval is required before changes take effect.
How Long Does Spousal Support Last?
The duration of spousal support depends on the type awarded and the circumstances of the marriage. Temporary support ends when the divorce is finalized. Rehabilitative support often ends once education or training is completed. Long-term support may terminate upon remarriage of the recipient, death of either party or further court order.
Talk To A Child And Spousal Support Lawyer For More Help
Our capable family law attorneys will stand with you through the complexities of child and spousal support with care and dedication. Contact us at 859-535-0155 or send us an email to schedule a consultation with us.