Judge Denies Former Kentucky Governor's Recusal Request in Child Support Case

Matt Bevin's motion to have the judge removed from the case was rejected, as the court says it has a duty to hear both sides.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:37pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of an empty courthouse bench, with warm sunlight streaming in through tall windows and deep shadows cast across the scene, conveying a sense of solemnity and contemplation around the Bevin family's legal battle.The Bevin family's ongoing legal dispute over child support and custody issues has drawn intense media scrutiny, exposing the complexities of high-profile family law cases.Louisville Today

The judge overseeing former Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin's child support and custody case with his son has denied Bevin's request for her to recuse herself. Bevin had argued the court 'has pre-judged issues before it,' and that the judge has been motivated by media attention when ruling in the case. However, the judge disagreed, saying the matters in the case had not been pre-judged and she and her staff have not engaged with the media.

Why it matters

This is the latest development in an ongoing legal battle between Bevin and his adopted son, Jonah, who is seeking retroactive child support from his parents. The case has drawn significant public attention, with the Bevins arguing their divorce proceedings should be kept private, while the court has ruled that Jonah has a right to intervene.

The details

Bevin and his ex-wife, Glenna, both filed affidavits asking Jefferson Family Court Judge Angela Johnson to disqualify herself from the case, in which their adopted son, Jonah Bevin, has filed for retroactive child support. Bevin argued the court 'has pre-judged issues before it,' and that Johnson has been motivated by media attention when ruling in the case. However, the judge disagreed, saying the matters in the case had not been pre-judged before hearings and she and her staff has not engaged with the media.

  • In March 2025, Matt and Glenna Bevin's divorce was finalized.
  • A month later, in April 2025, Jonah Bevin filed to intervene in their divorce case, asking for retroactive child support and financial assistance.
  • In October 2025, the Court of Appeals denied the request to seal the proceedings, and ruled that Jonah Bevin had a right to intervene in the case.
  • In March 2026, the former governor was held in contempt of court for repeatedly failing to provide his personal financial information as part of the divorce and child support case.

The players

Matt Bevin

The former governor of Kentucky who is involved in a child support and custody case with his adopted son, Jonah Bevin.

Glenna Bevin

The ex-wife of former Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin, who is also involved in the child support and custody case with their adopted son, Jonah Bevin.

Jonah Bevin

The adopted son of former Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin and his ex-wife Glenna, who has filed for retroactive child support and financial assistance.

Angela J. Johnson

The Jefferson Family Court judge overseeing the child support and custody case between Matt Bevin, Glenna Bevin, and their son Jonah Bevin.

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What they’re saying

“By disqualifying herself when no grounds to do so apply, this Court would be improperly avoiding her duty to render a decision in a matter assigned to her. This Court has a duty to hear both sides and render a decision consistent with the law and the facts before it.”

— Angela J. Johnson, Jefferson Family Court Judge

What’s next

The Kentucky Supreme Court has remanded the decision for Judge Johnson's recusal back to her court, so the next step will be for her to make a final ruling on whether she will remain on the case.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complexities and sensitivities involved when high-profile public figures like former governors become embroiled in family court disputes, and the challenges courts face in balancing privacy concerns with the public's right to information.