by A judge has denied former Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin and his ex-wife Glenna Bevin’s request to keep their divorce settlement private. The ruling favors their adopted son, 18-year-old Jonah Bevin, who had asked for the details to be made public.
Judge Angela Johnson highlighted that the Bevins’ high-profile divorce, combined with Jonah’s serious allegations of abuse and neglect, has already drawn widespread media attention. She also noted that, although Matt Bevin is no longer governor, he remains a public figure.
“He once held the highest office in this state,” the judge wrote in her order. “By running for that office, he chose to become a public figure for life.” The judge added that hiding the division of assets could fuel speculation about political corruption or unethical behavior.
The Courier Journal had also pushed for the settlement to be public, citing Bevin’s status as a public figure and his vocal support for adoption.
Matt Bevin, a businessman with a multimillion-dollar net worth before running for governor in 2015, and Glenna have owned several homes valued at over $1 million each. Bevin campaigned on improving foster care and adoption in Kentucky, often using his own family as an example.
The judge’s order mentioned that the Bevins claimed to have made provisions for all their children in the divorce settlement.
In a detailed 22-page ruling released Friday, Judge Johnson also approved Jonah’s request to intervene in the divorce case, a move the Bevins had opposed. She acknowledged this was an unusual step but said the case itself is far from ordinary.
“This court would be remiss if it did not recognize this case is profoundly unique, unlike any other divorce case proceeding heard in this Commonwealth,” the judge wrote.
Jonah has obtained protective orders against his parents, accusing them of abandoning him at 17 in an abusive facility in Jamaica, which was shut down last year by child welfare authorities.
The judge also rejected Glenna Bevin’s request to ease the terms of a restraining order against her, stating the conditions were settled upon by all parties and must be upheld.
Overall, the ruling sided with Jonah on every issue he raised in the family court case. Jonah has shared in court that he is now living independently and spent his 18th birthday in a homeless shelter in Utah after returning from Jamaica with no support from his parents.
The Bevins have not responded to requests for comment.
Jonah’s attorney and child advocate Dawn J. Post praised the ruling as “an important step forward” in his pursuit of justice and stability. She added it also gives voice to other children abandoned by failed adoptions, often left in abusive situations.
“This decision not only gives Jonah the opportunity to be heard but to stand fully in his truth after years of abandonment,” Post said.
Jonah is also represented by Louisville lawyers John H. Helmers and Melina Hettiarachi.
A major point in the case concerns Jonah’s education and whether he truly holds a valid high school diploma, as Matt Bevin has claimed. This could impact any ongoing financial obligations the Bevins might have toward him.
Jonah’s lawyers argue he spent much of his youth in various out-of-state residential facilities without receiving proper education. They call the diploma he received last year from an online Christian school in Florida a “sham.”
The judge’s order points out that state law requires parents to provide adequate care, supervision, food, clothing, shelter, and education.
Matt Bevin maintains that the Florida-based Veritas Mission Academy is an accredited school. But the judge found no credible evidence to support this claim.
“As far as the court is aware, there is no reputable entity vouching for the educational standards at Veritas Mission Academy,” the order stated.
Jonah has told the Kentucky Lantern earlier this year that he struggles with learning disabilities affecting his reading and writing skills.
The judge observed Jonah’s court appearances and questioned the level of education he received. “Jonah appeared to struggle with the vocabulary and communication skills necessary to express his thoughts, feelings, and experiences,” she wrote.
“This leads the court to believe his high school education has not adequately prepared him to live independently,” the order said.
The judge also addressed confusion about Jonah’s age. While his lawyers found adoption records suggesting he might be 17, the judge ruled he is 18 based on the majority of records and called the discrepancy a likely clerical error.
Regardless, the judge said Jonah’s age does not weaken his claims, including potential child support.
“If the court decides Jonah is entitled to some form of child support, it has the authority to craft an appropriate solution,” the order said.
