Kentucky Child Support Calculator

How Kentucky's 2026 Child Support Formula Works

In Kentucky, child support is calculated by combining you and the other parent's gross incomes to determine a basic support amount from a state table. Governed by Kentucky Revised Statutes § 403.212, your share of this basic amount is then adjusted for costs like health insurance, childcare, and the number of overnights you have with your children.

Key Factors Beyond Just Your Income

Kentucky law adjusts the base child support obligation when parents share physical custody, though it does not use a separate formula for 50/50 time. Under KRS § 403.212, a parent must have the child for at least 55 overnights per year (approximately 15% of the time) to qualify for a parenting time credit, which increases for those with more than 145 overnights.

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✓ Verified for 2026 Guidelines • Reviewed October 2026 by Harmoney

Kentucky Child Support Guidelines at a Glance

Guideline Model Income Shares Model
Governing Legal Authority KRS § 403.211 & § 403.212
Shared Custody Threshold 55 Overnights (15% time)
Age Support Ends Age 18 (or 19 if in High School)
Modification Standard 15% Change in Support Amount

Kentucky Child Support FAQs


At what age does child support end in KY?

In Kentucky, child support obligations terminate when a child turns 18, or when the child turns 19 if they are still attending high school, as mandated by KRS § 403.213. The obligation ends at the conclusion of the school year in which the child turns 19. Support does not automatically continue through college unless the parents have a written agreement.

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

If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, a Kentucky court will impute potential income to them based on their work history, qualifications, and local job opportunities. This means the calculation will be based on what the parent could be earning, not their actual zero income. The court will not typically impute income if the unemployment is due to a physical or mental disability.

How do I modify a child support order in KY?

You can request to modify a child support order in Kentucky if there is a material change in circumstances that results in at least a 15% change in the guideline support amount. This 15% threshold creates a rebuttable presumption of a material change under KRS § 403.213. To begin, you must file a motion with the court that issued the original order, demonstrating the substantial and continuing change.

Does KY child support cover college expenses?

No, Kentucky courts cannot order a parent to pay for college or post-secondary educational expenses. Child support terminates at age 18 (or 19 if in high school). However, parents can voluntarily agree to contribute to college costs and make that agreement a legally binding part of their divorce decree or separation agreement.

How does KY handle health insurance and childcare costs?

Health insurance premiums and reasonable work-related childcare costs are added to the basic child support obligation and are divided between the parents in proportion to their respective shares of the combined monthly adjusted gross income. This process, outlined in KRS § 403.211, ensures that these necessary expenses are shared equitably based on each parent's ability to pay.