Kentucky Child Support Calculator

How Kentucky Calculates Child Support

Kentucky believes your children should get the same portion of parental income as if you were still together. The court combines both of your incomes, looks up the total support amount on a state chart, and then divides that obligation between you based on your percentage share of the income.

Understanding KY's Shared Custody Rules

In Kentucky, child support can be adjusted if the non-primary parent has the child for at least 15% of the year (about 55 nights). The formula provides a credit that reduces the support payment to account for the direct costs of caring for the child during that time. The credit amount increases if parenting time exceeds 40% of the year.

Kentucky Child Support FAQs

At what age does child support end in KY?

In Kentucky, child support typically ends when a child turns 18. However, if the child is still enrolled full-time in high school at age 18, support continues until they graduate or turn 19, whichever occurs first.

How is child support calculated if one parent is unemployed in KY?

If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed to avoid their support obligation, a judge can 'impute' income. This means the court calculates support based on what that parent has the potential to earn, considering their work history, skills, and local job opportunities.

How do I modify a child support order in KY?

You can request a modification if there has been a 'material change in circumstances' since the last order was issued. A change that would result in at least a 15% increase or decrease in the calculated child support amount is legally presumed to be a material change.

Does KY child support cover college expenses?

Standard child support does not automatically cover college expenses. However, parents can agree to share these costs in a settlement agreement, or a court can order parents to contribute to post-secondary education expenses if requested.

How does KY handle health insurance and childcare costs?

The costs for the child's health insurance premium and work-related childcare are added on top of the basic child support obligation. These extra costs are then divided between the parents in proportion to their share of the combined monthly income.