Informal negotiation and alternative dispute resolution processes may be ways that Kentucky parents who are getting a divorce can work out child support without going to court. The parents may make an agreement on their own, or they may work with their respective attorneys to reach an accord. This agreement should then be put into writing and submitted to a judge.
A similar written agreement may be the result of mediation or collaborative law. Using these processes, couples can work to resolve conflict and come to a compromise that satisfies them both. Arbitration is more like a court hearing in that both people present their sides, and the arbitrator comes to a decision. However, this is not often used in family law situations.
A judge will review the written agreement to ensure its compliance with state child support guidelines and that the negotiations have been fair. There might also be a hearing in which the judge briefly reviews the facts of the agreement with the parents. With the judge’s approval, the agreement becomes a court order. This enables the parent receiving child support to go through the child support enforcement system if the other parent is in arrears.
While parents may be concerned about the well-being of their children during a divorce, taking steps like these to resolve conflict may be beneficial. These processes might help to resolve disputes in other co-parenting areas. The parents may be able to work together more effectively to create a parenting agreement. This is a document that attempts to establish consistency in how children are raised and creates guidelines, such as how vacations will be planned.