Lawyers for Jonah Bevin, the estranged adopted son of former Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin, have asked a judge to hold his father in contempt of court for failing to comply with an order to provide personal financial information.
The motion, filed Friday, follows a family court judge’s order last week requiring Matt Bevin and his ex-wife, Glenna Bevin, to disclose detailed financial records as part of a proposed divorce settlement and an ongoing legal dispute with their 19-year-old son, who is seeking support.
According to the filing, Glenna Bevin has provided her financial information to Jonah Bevin’s attorneys, though it was not formally submitted to the court. However, Matt Bevin reportedly submitted only incomplete and redacted documents despite the court’s directive.
“Jonah submits that Matt Bevin has failed to comply ‘with the utmost good faith’ and he requests the court to sanction Mr. Bevin for his obvious disregard of the court’s clear order,” the motion states.
Jonah Bevin listens during a hearing in family court in Louisville on March 25, 2025. At left is lawyer Melina Hettiaratchi. (Photo by Michael Clevenger, Courier Journal, via press pool)
The filing requests a hearing and notes that contempt of court is a serious matter that could result in up to 180 days in jail.
Jefferson Family Court Judge Angela J. Johnson ordered the Bevins on March 10 to provide financial disclosures within 48 hours or face sanctions, stating they acted in “bad faith” by withholding financial details from both the court and Jonah Bevin.
She required the information to be submitted by March 12.
“This is the only warning the court will issue; any deficiency or failure to adhere to the letter and spirit of the court’s rulings pertaining to discovery SHALL result in sanctions against Matt and Glenna,” the order stated.
The judge noted that potential penalties for noncompliance could include a contempt finding.
Jonah Bevin claims his wealthy adoptive parents abandoned him at age 17 in an abusive youth facility in Jamaica that was shut down in 2024 by child welfare authorities, leaving him without resources or education.
He is one of four children adopted from Ethiopia in 2012 by the Bevins, who have nine children in total.
His attorneys argue he is entitled to financial support and resources to complete his education. In her March 10 order, the judge indicated she is considering child support and emphasized the need for full financial disclosure.
“It is proper for both the court and Jonah to be made aware of the parties’ assets when considering child support,” the order states.
An attorney for Matt Bevin, a business entrepreneur whose net worth was estimated in the millions during his gubernatorial run, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Jason Bowman, an attorney for Glenna Bevin, said his client has complied with the court’s order and should not face contempt charges.
“I believe my client has met her obligations under the court’s orders,” Bowman said.
Glenna Bevin filed for divorce in 2023 from her husband, a Republican who served as governor from 2015 to 2019.
Although the divorce was finalized last year, the final division of assets remains unresolved after Jonah Bevin filed a motion in March 2025 seeking support from his adoptive parents.
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