Every parent wants to give their child the best life possible, but when families divide, the question of financial support becomes deeply personal and often overwhelming.
Not every child support case requires litigation, but certain situations benefit greatly from professional legal help.
At The Bright Family Law Center, LLC in Overland Park, we understand that child support is more than a number. It is about creating stability, meeting a child’s needs, and ensuring that both parents are held to a fair standard. Whether you are seeking child support, modifying an existing order, or dealing with non-payment, our attorneys are here to guide and protect your rights. Our Overland Park legal team handles both routine and high-conflict child support cases with the goal of creating stability and protecting your child’s well-being. Learn more about Kansas custody laws.
We listen closely to your concerns, explain how Kansas law applies to your specific situation, and fight for an outcome that prioritizes your child’s future and your financial well-being.
Understanding Child Support Laws in Kansas
Child support in Kansas is governed by the Kansas Child Support Guidelines, issued by the Kansas Supreme Court. These guidelines create a formula to help courts determine a fair and consistent payment amount, but judges can still exercise discretion depending on your family’s circumstances.
Statutory Reference: K.S.A. § 20-165 empowers the Supreme Court to adopt uniform child support guidelines.
Typically, the parent with the majority of parenting time (custodial parent) receives support payments from the non-custodial parent. The goal is to ensure that children experience consistent financial care regardless of which parent they live with.
Kansas uses the income shares model. The court estimates the cost of raising a child and divides that obligation between both parents based on their income.
Factors Considered in Calculations:
- Parenting time schedule and overnights
- Number of children being supported
- Work-related childcare costs
- Health insurance premiums and uncovered medical expenses
- Educational and extracurricular expenses
- Long-distance parenting travel costs
- Support obligations for other children
These figures are entered into a Child Support Worksheet. Judges can deviate from the guideline amount if there is a compelling reason in the child’s best interest.
Life changes. When it does, your child support order should reflect that. You may request a modification if there has been a material change in circumstances or three years have passed since the last order.
Valid Reasons to Modify:
- Job loss or promotion
- Change in parenting time or custody
- New expenses (health conditions, education, etc.)
- Child turns 18 or graduates
Parents must file a motion in court and provide updated financial documents. Johnson County courts may also require a new parenting plan.
When a parent does not pay court-ordered support, enforcement actions are available. Our attorneys act quickly to protect your child’s financial well-being.
Enforcement Tools:
- Income withholding orders (automatic payroll deductions)
- Interception of tax refunds and lottery winnings
- Suspension of driver’s and professional licenses
- Property liens and bank account garnishment
- Contempt proceedings, including jail time for chronic non-payers
The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) also offers enforcement services. Our firm often works in tandem with or independently from the DCF to escalate enforcement.
We have deep experience handling child support cases that involve complex financial, emotional, or legal issues. These may include:
- Parents with self-employment or irregular income
- Business owners and high-net-worth individuals
- Undisclosed or hidden income
- Special needs children requiring extended support
- Disputes involving relocation or multi-state orders
- Temporary or permanent non-parental custody (e.g., grandparents)
Statute Reference: K.S.A. § 23-3001 et seq. governs Kansas child support enforcement and modification.
What you can expect:
- Clear and honest advice tailored to your situation
- Representation that balances assertiveness with empathy
- Transparent billing and communication
- A deep commitment to protecting your child’s financial future
Located in Overland Park, we proudly serve Johnson County and surrounding areas.
Speak With a Kansas Child Support Lawyer Today
If you are seeking child support, defending against an unfair obligation, or need help collecting what you are owed, we are ready to help.
Child support matters can be emotionally and financially exhausting. Having an experienced attorney on your side gives you peace of mind, strategic clarity, and a firm advocate for your child’s well-being. We don’t just process paperwork. We help you navigate complex legal systems with confidence and compassion. Whether you’re initiating support for the first time or modifying an outdated order, you deserve personalized attention and results-driven legal support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can parents agree on child support without going to court?
Yes, parents can negotiate and agree on child support terms outside of court. However, to ensure the agreement is enforceable and protects the child’s interests, it must be reviewed and approved by a Kansas judge. We help families formalize private agreements into legally binding orders.
How much does a child support lawyer cost in Kansas?
Fees vary based on the complexity of your case and the experience of your attorney. Some child support lawyers in Kansas charge hourly rates ranging from $100 to $500. At The Bright Family Law Center, we offer transparent pricing, so you know what to expect before committing.
How long does child support last in Kansas?
Support typically continues until the child turns 18 and has graduated from high school. In special needs cases, it may extend beyond 18 by court order.
What types of custody affect child support payments?
The parenting time schedule particularly the number of overnights directly impacts child support. Kansas recognizes joint legal custody (shared decision-making) and sole legal custody (one parent has authority). However, even with joint legal custody, one parent often still pays support based on time spent with the child and income differences.
Can payments be changed automatically with income changes?
No. Changes must be requested formally through a motion to modify.
Can child support be ordered without a divorce?
Yes. Child support can be established through paternity cases, custody petitions, or administrative actions.
Do courts consider a new spouse’s income?
Usually not. Kansas focuses on the legal parents’ income, although household contributions may influence deviations.
What if the paying parent moves out of state?
Kansas can enforce and modify orders across state lines under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA).