Where to Send Child Support Payments in Lexington, Kentucky

Send payments to the Kentucky State Disbursement Unit, not directly to the other parent

In Lexington and across Kentucky, child support payments go to a single state office called the Kentucky State Disbursement Unit (SDU), located in Frankfort. You do not send money directly to the other parent, even if you have an informal agreement. The SDU receives your payment, records it against your case, and forwards the money to the parent receiving support.

The SDU handles this for every child support case in the state, whether the order came from a court, a settlement agreement, or an administrative hearing. Sending payment through the SDU creates an official record that protects you — it proves you paid on time and in full.

If you are ordered to pay child support, your payment method and where to send money should be listed in your court order or child support agreement. If you cannot find that information, the Fayette County District Court (which covers Lexington) or the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services can tell you the exact account and method to use.

Key Takeaways

• The Kentucky State Disbursement Unit in Frankfort is the only place to send child support payments; sending money directly to the other parent does not count toward your legal obligation.
• Your court order or child support agreement lists the payment method and account details you must use.
• Payments can be made by check, money order, automatic bank transfer, or payroll deduction, depending on your order.
• The SDU records every payment and forwards it to the parent receiving support, creating proof of payment for your protection.
• If you cannot locate your payment instructions, contact the Fayette County District Court or the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services for your case details.

Payment methods accepted by the Kentucky SDU

The Kentucky SDU accepts payments through several methods. The most common is payroll deduction, where your employer automatically sends a portion of your paycheck to the SDU. This is often the default method if you are employed, because it is reliable and requires no action from you after setup.

You can also pay by check or money order mailed to the SDU address. Include your case number on the check or money order so the payment is credited to the correct account. Mail should be sent to the Kentucky State Disbursement Unit, P.O. Box 3700, Frankfort, KY 40604.

Some payers use automatic bank transfer or electronic payment through the SDU's online system. You can set up a recurring transfer so the payment goes out on the same day each month. The SDU website has instructions for electronic payment, or you can call the SDU directly to ask about this option.

Credit card and debit card payments are usually not accepted by the SDU itself, but some third-party payment processors may allow them for a fee. Check your court order or contact the SDU to see if this option is available for your case.

How to find your case number and payment account

Your case number appears on your child support order, any court documents you received, and any notices from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. If you have lost these documents, you can request a copy from the Fayette County District Court, Family Services Division, located in Lexington.

You can also search for your case online through the Kentucky Court of Justice website. Go to the case search tool, enter your name and the other parent's name, and select Fayette County. The search will show your case number and the court that issued your order.

Once you have your case number, call the Kentucky State Disbursement Unit at the phone number listed in your court order, or contact the Fayette County District Court to confirm the correct mailing address and account number for your specific case. Do not assume the address or account number from another case is the same as yours.

What happens if you pay late or miss a payment

If a payment is late, the SDU records it as late. Late payments can result in penalties, interest charges, or a report to your credit record, depending on how far behind you fall and what your court order says. Some orders include a grace period of a few days; others do not.

If you cannot make a full payment on time, contact the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services or the Fayette County District Court before the due date. Explain your situation and ask whether a temporary reduction, payment plan, or modification of your order is possible. Paying late without notifying the court is worse than asking for help in advance.

If you fall significantly behind, the other parent or the state can ask the court to hold you in contempt, suspend your driver's license, intercept your tax refund, or place a lien on your property. These consequences are serious, so addressing payment problems early is important.

Modifying your payment method or amount

If your circumstances change and you cannot afford your current payment amount, you can ask the court to modify your child support order. This is a formal request that must be filed with the Fayette County District Court. You will need to show that your income has changed significantly since the order was issued.

To start a modification, contact the Fayette County District Court, Family Services Division, or the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. They can tell you whether you meet the requirements for a modification and what documents you need to submit. A modification does not happen automatically — you must request it through the court.

If you want to change your payment method (for example, from mailing checks to payroll deduction), contact the SDU or the Fayette County District Court. Some changes can be made without going back to court, but others require a court order. Ask which applies to your situation.

Keeping records of your payments

Keep copies of every check, receipt, or confirmation you send to the SDU. If you pay by mail, use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the SDU received it. If you pay by automatic transfer, save the confirmation email or bank statement showing the payment went through.

The SDU maintains a record of all payments received, and you can request a payment history at any time. Call the SDU or contact the Fayette County District Court to ask for a statement showing all payments made on your case. This document is useful if there is ever a dispute about whether you paid.

If the SDU credits a payment to the wrong case or loses a payment, having your own records makes it much easier to correct the error. The SDU can investigate and reapply the payment if you can show proof it was sent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay child support directly to the other parent instead of the SDU?

No. Payments made directly to the other parent do not count toward your legal obligation, even if the other parent accepts the money. You must send all payments to the Kentucky State Disbursement Unit. Only payments recorded by the SDU protect you legally and prove you have paid.

What if I do not know my case number?

Search for your case on the Kentucky Court of Justice website using your name and the other parent's name, or call the Fayette County District Court and give them your information. They will look up your case number and provide your payment instructions. Do not guess at a case number — using the wrong one can cause your payment to be lost.

How long does it take for the SDU to send money to the other parent after I pay?

The SDU typically processes payments within one to three business days and forwards the money shortly after. The exact timing depends on the payment method — payroll deductions are usually processed faster than mailed checks. Your court order may specify how quickly the SDU must forward the money.

What if I cannot afford my child support payment this month?

Contact the Fayette County District Court or the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services before the payment is due. Explain your situation and ask about a temporary payment plan or modification. Paying late without notifying the court can result in penalties and legal consequences, so reaching out in advance is important.

Can I pay child support online?

Some payment methods may be available online through the SDU's system or a third-party processor, but this depends on your specific court order. Check your order for payment instructions, or call the SDU to ask whether online payment is an option for your case.