23 May Child support is for the child, not the parent: Jonah Bevin Case Update
We are proud to announce a meaningful win for our client, Jonah Bevin, who is now empowered to seek the support he was long denied. In a detailed and decisive order entered on May 16, 2025, Judge Angela Johnson of Jefferson County Circuit Court ruled in Jonah’s favor on multiple critical motions, including his request to intervene in his parents’ divorce case.
Key Takeaways from Judge Johnson’s Ruling
Jonah’s Right to Intervene Upheld
The Court granted Jonah’s Motion to Intervene under CR 24.02(b), finding that his request for support shares questions of law and fact with the underlying divorce. While Kentucky law does not explicitly grant a child the right to initiate a support action, Judge Johnson found that Jonah’s situation—particularly his age and the timing of his request—justified intervention. The Court recognized that although Jonah is now 18, he was a minor when his mother, Glenna Bevin, filed for divorce and requested child support on May 25, 2023.
Court Rejects Attempt to Rewrite Restraining Order
The Court denied Glenna Bevin’s Motion to Amend the April 14, 2025, Restraining Order. Judge Johnson found that Glenna had waived her right to a hearing when she entered a negotiated agreement, and that the language of the order—particularly the enforcement via contempt—was appropriate and legally sound.
Future Child Support on the Table
The Court emphasized that Jonah may be entitled to future support, especially if he can show he did not receive an adequate high school education. Kentucky law permits support to continue until the end of the school year in which the child turns 19 if the child is still working toward a high school diploma or equivalent. Jonah worked incredibly hard to obtain a diploma despite years of educational neglect only to discover he may still need to obtain his GED. Judge Johnson noted that credible evidence regarding the school’s accreditation and academic quality will be central to a future evidentiary hearing.
Transparency Required for Marital Settlement Agreement
In a blow to efforts by Jonah’s parents to shield the terms of their Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) from public and judicial scrutiny, the Court denied their request to file the agreement under seal. Judge Johnson ruled that the MSA must be filed and shared with Jonah and his counsel. The Court cited strong public interest, especially given Matthew Bevin’s status as a former governor and the fact that Glenna and Matthew have used the MSA’s alleged support provisions to argue against Jonah’s claim.
A Unique and Courageous Case
Judge Johnson acknowledged the unprecedented nature of this case: a child intervening in his parents’ divorce to seek support that had never been provided. But the Court also reaffirmed a fundamental truth in Kentucky law: the right to child support belongs to the child. When other agencies and procedures are unavailable—due to age, circumstances, or abuse—the law must still afford protection.
We are honored to represent Jonah Bevin in this groundbreaking case. After years of mistreatment, Jonah has found his voice and taken a bold stand. Thanks to Judge Johnson’s careful and courageous ruling, he will now have the opportunity to seek the support and stability he was long denied.
John Helmers and Melina Hettiaratchi of Helmers & Associates represent Jonah Bevin in this matter. If you have questions about child support, family law litigation, or the rights of young adults, contact our office today.
Image credit: Photo by Michael Clevenger, Courier Journal, press pool, via Kentucky Lantern