Kansas child support is calculated using the Income Shares Model, which bases monthly obligations on both parents' combined gross income, the number of children, and each child's age. Under K.S.A. 20-165, the Kansas Supreme Court establishes child support guidelines that create presumptive support amounts. For example, parents with a combined monthly income of $6,000 supporting one child aged 0-5 would have a basic support obligation of approximately $891 per month, divided proportionally based on each parent's share of the combined income.
Key Facts: Kansas Child Support 2026
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Calculation Model | Income Shares Model |
| Filing Fee | $195 (varies by county) |
| Modification Filing Fee | $62 |
| Residency Requirement | 60 days in Kansas |
| Waiting Period | 60 days after filing |
| Support Termination Age | 18 (or high school graduation, whichever is later) |
| Governing Statute | K.S.A. 23-3001 through 23-3005 |
| Guidelines Version | Administrative Order 2025-RL-121 (effective July 1, 2025) |
How Kansas Calculates Child Support Amounts
Kansas determines how much is child support by using the Income Shares Model, which presumes that children should receive the same proportion of parental income they would have received if the family remained intact. Under Administrative Order 2025-RL-121 issued by the Kansas Supreme Court on October 3, 2025, courts use child support schedules based on three primary factors: combined parental gross income, number of children, and each child's age group (0-5, 6-11, or 12-18). The noncustodial parent pays their proportionate share of the total calculated obligation based on their percentage of combined income.
The Kansas child support guidelines recognize that older children cost more to support than younger children. The schedules in Appendix II of the guidelines provide different support amounts for each age bracket. A 16-year-old child typically generates a higher support obligation than a 4-year-old child at the same combined parental income level. This age-differentiated approach ensures child support amounts reflect actual child-rearing costs.
Child Support Income Calculation
Gross income for child support purposes includes wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, military pay (including housing allowances), rental income, dividends, and interest. For self-employed parents, Kansas courts allow deductions for reasonable business expenses, though these may differ from tax deductions. The guidelines exclude child support received for other children, public assistance benefits, and gifts or inheritances from the gross income calculation.
After determining each parent's gross income, Kansas allows specific adjustments under Section C of the Child Support Worksheet. Courts deduct court-ordered child support actually paid for children from other relationships. Spousal maintenance (alimony) payments reduce the paying parent's income while increasing the recipient's income. Due to federal tax law changes after 2018, maintenance awards are increased by the paying spouse's marginal tax rate for orders entered after that date.
Kansas Child Support Schedule: Sample Amounts
The following table shows approximate monthly child support amounts based on the official Kansas Child Support Guidelines for one child. These are basic support obligations before adjustments for health insurance, childcare, or parenting time.
| Combined Monthly Income | Child Age 0-5 | Child Age 6-11 | Child Age 12-18 |
|---|---|---|---|
| $3,000 | $487 | $511 | $598 |
| $4,000 | $616 | $647 | $755 |
| $5,000 | $753 | $790 | $921 |
| $6,000 | $891 | $935 | $1,087 |
| $8,000 | $1,099 | $1,154 | $1,342 |
| $10,000 | $1,265 | $1,328 | $1,543 |
| $12,500 | $1,477 | $1,551 | $1,802 |
| $15,000 | $1,691 | $1,775 | $2,063 |
For combined incomes exceeding the schedule maximum, Kansas courts exercise discretion using an extended formula provided in Appendix II. The guideline amounts are presumptive for incomes within the schedule; amounts calculated by the extended formula are discretionary.
Factors That Increase or Decrease Child Support
Kansas child support guidelines allow courts to add certain reasonable expenses to the basic support obligation. Health insurance premiums for the child (including dental and vision coverage) are added to the total obligation. Work-related childcare costs necessary for employment or job searching are also included. These additional expenses are prorated between parents based on their respective income shares.
Parenting Time Adjustment
Kansas provides graduated support reductions when the noncustodial parent has substantial parenting time with the child. The adjustment begins at 35% parenting time:
| Parenting Time Percentage | Support Reduction |
|---|---|
| 35%-39% | 10% reduction |
| 40%-44% | 20% reduction |
| 45%-49% | 30% reduction |
| 50%+ (shared residency) | Proportional calculation |
The parenting time adjustment recognizes that parents with significant custody time incur direct child-rearing expenses during their parenting periods. Courts calculate parenting time based on overnight stays with each parent.
Extraordinary Medical Expenses
Uninsured medical, dental, orthodontic, and mental health expenses exceeding $250 per child per year are considered extraordinary medical expenses under Kansas guidelines. The first $250 is presumed included in basic support. Extraordinary costs are typically divided between parents in proportion to their incomes. Parents must submit billing statements and proof of payment within 30 days of receiving medical bills to seek reimbursement.
How to Calculate Your Kansas Child Support Amount
Calculating child support amount in Kansas requires completing the official Child Support Worksheet available from Kansas Courts. The Kansas Supreme Court maintains fillable forms and current guidelines at kscourts.gov. Each parent must gather income documentation including recent pay stubs covering at least one month, federal tax returns for the prior two years, and documentation of other income sources.
Step one involves calculating each parent's domestic gross income on Line A of the worksheet. Include all wage and self-employment income. Step two requires entering adjustments on Line C, including child support paid for other children and maintenance payments. Line D combines both parents' adjusted incomes and uses the schedule tables to determine the gross child support obligation based on the children's ages.
The worksheet then calculates each parent's percentage share of combined income. If Parent A earns $4,000 monthly and Parent B earns $2,000 monthly, Parent A's share is 66.7% and Parent B's share is 33.3%. The basic support obligation is multiplied by each parent's percentage to determine their contribution. Lines E through G add adjustments for parenting time, health insurance premiums, and childcare costs.
Ability to Pay Protection
Kansas guidelines include an Ability to Pay calculation protecting low-income noncustodial parents. The federal poverty guideline amount for a single-person household is subtracted from the parent's support income. If the remaining amount is less than the calculated support obligation, the court sets support at an amount that considers both the child's needs and the parent's ability to pay. This provision prevents support orders that would leave the paying parent below poverty level.
Filing for Child Support in Kansas
The filing fee for a Kansas divorce petition, which includes child support provisions, is $195 in most counties. Some courts add county-specific surcharges bringing the total closer to $200-$210. Filing a motion to modify an existing child support order costs $62. If you cannot afford filing fees, Kansas allows you to request a fee waiver by submitting a Poverty Affidavit demonstrating financial hardship.
Kansas has a 60-day residency requirement before filing for divorce or child support. Either the petitioner or respondent must have been an actual Kansas resident for 60 days immediately preceding filing under K.S.A. 23-2703. Military personnel stationed in Kansas under orders for 60 days meet this requirement regardless of their official state of residence.
After filing, Kansas imposes a 60-day waiting period before finalizing any divorce decree. This waiting period applies even when spouses agree on all terms including child support. Judges may waive the waiting period only in limited emergency circumstances. An uncontested divorce with agreed child support typically takes 2-3 months from filing to final decree.
Modifying Kansas Child Support Orders
Under K.S.A. 23-3005, Kansas courts may modify child support orders when a material change in circumstances occurs within three years of the original order. The change must be substantial and continuing, not temporary. Examples include job loss, significant income change, or the child's increased needs. A 10% or greater change in the calculated support amount typically constitutes a material change warranting modification.
After three years from the original order or last modification, Kansas law does not require showing a material change in circumstances. Either parent may request a review and modification based solely on the passage of time. The District Court Trustee office in each county can conduct child support reviews for parents seeking modifications.
Modification requests cannot be based on voluntary unemployment or termination for misconduct. Kansas courts may impute income to parents who voluntarily reduce earnings to lower their support obligation. The court considers the circumstances surrounding employment changes when evaluating modification requests.
Retroactive Modifications
Kansas permits retroactive child support modifications to the first day of the month following the filing of the modification motion under K.S.A. 23-3005(b). Support increases ordered retroactively do not become liens on real property until the court enters the modification order. This limitation protects property rights while still allowing appropriate support adjustments.
When Does Child Support End in Kansas?
Under K.S.A. 23-3001, Kansas child support terminates when the child reaches age 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. If a child turns 18 while still enrolled in high school, support continues automatically until June 30 of that school year without requiring a court motion. Parents can agree in a court-approved written agreement to extend support beyond age 18.
For children who turn 18 before completing high school and remain bona fide high school students after June 30, courts may extend support through the school year when the child turns 19. This extension requires a court motion and evidence that parents jointly participated or knowingly acquiesced in decisions that delayed high school completion. A bona fide high school student means full enrollment pursuing a diploma or GED.
Kansas does not require parents to pay child support for college attendance. Unlike some states, Kansas law provides no statutory obligation for post-secondary education support. The only circumstances extending support beyond age 18 relate to high school completion or voluntary parental agreements filed with the court.
Multiple Children
Kansas child support orders for multiple children state support as a single total amount rather than per-child amounts. As each child emancipates under K.S.A. 23-3001, the total obligation decreases proportionately based on the remaining number of minor children. Parents do not need to seek court modification for these automatic reductions, though obtaining a formal order documenting the new amount is advisable.
Enforcing Child Support Orders in Kansas
Kansas employs multiple enforcement mechanisms for unpaid child support. Income withholding orders are mandatory for all new and modified child support orders under K.S.A. 23-3101. These orders direct employers to withhold support directly from wages and send payments to the Kansas Payment Center. Withholding orders have priority over all other legal process against the same income.
Wage garnishment limits in Kansas follow federal guidelines. Up to 50% of disposable earnings may be garnished if the paying parent currently supports another spouse or child. Up to 60% may be garnished for parents without other dependents. An additional 5% garnishment applies to parents more than 12 weeks behind in support payments. These garnishment limits exceed standard debt collection limits.
Additional Enforcement Tools
Kansas can suspend or revoke driver's licenses for parents delinquent in child support. Professional, vocational, and recreational licenses are also subject to suspension. The state intercepts federal and state tax refunds to satisfy child support arrears. For parents owing substantial arrears, the U.S. Department of State can deny passport applications or revoke existing passports.
Contempt of court citations may be issued against parents who fail to pay court-ordered support. Parents personally served with contempt citations who fail to appear face warrant issuance. Contempt proceedings can result in fines, additional court fees, and incarceration. Unpaid child support becomes a legal judgment with the same collection remedies available for other debts.
Health Insurance and Childcare in Child Support
Kansas child support guidelines require courts to address health insurance for children. Health, dental, and vision insurance premiums paid for the children are added to the basic support obligation. The parent providing coverage receives credit against their support obligation. When multiple children share the same policy, premium costs are prorated based on the number of children covered.
Work-related childcare expenses necessary for a parent to maintain employment or seek work are included in child support calculations. Kansas courts require childcare costs to be reasonable and necessary. The monthly childcare figure on the worksheet represents the annual average, accounting for variations during school breaks. Parents must reduce childcare expenses by any available tax credits before entering amounts on the worksheet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is child support in Kansas for one child?
Kansas child support for one child depends on combined parental income and the child's age. For parents earning a combined $6,000 monthly, support for one child aged 0-5 is approximately $891 per month. A child aged 12-18 at the same income level generates approximately $1,087 monthly. The noncustodial parent pays their proportionate share based on their percentage of combined income.
What is the average child support payment in Kansas?
Kansas does not publish average child support statistics because each case is calculated individually. Using the Income Shares Model, a noncustodial parent earning 60% of a $7,000 combined monthly income would pay approximately $595 monthly for one young child (60% of the $992 basic obligation). Actual amounts vary significantly based on parenting time, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses.
Can Kansas child support be modified if I lose my job?
Yes, job loss may constitute a material change in circumstances under K.S.A. 23-3005 if the loss was involuntary. File a motion to modify immediately upon job loss. However, voluntary resignation or termination for misconduct typically does not justify modification. Courts may impute income to parents who deliberately reduce earnings. Continue paying current ordered amounts until a court grants modification.
How long does Kansas child support last?
Kansas child support continues until age 18 or high school graduation, whichever occurs later. If a child turns 18 during their senior year, support continues automatically through June 30 without court action. Support does not extend to college. Parents may voluntarily agree to extended support in a court-approved written agreement, but Kansas law imposes no post-18 obligation absent such agreement.
What happens if I don't pay child support in Kansas?
Non-payment triggers enforcement actions including wage garnishment up to 65% of disposable income, driver's license suspension, professional license revocation, tax refund interception, and passport denial. Courts may hold non-paying parents in contempt, resulting in fines or incarceration. Arrears become legal judgments collectible like other debts. Interest accrues on unpaid support.
Does Kansas child support cover college expenses?
No, Kansas law does not require parents to contribute to college expenses. K.S.A. 23-3001 terminates support obligations at age 18 or high school graduation. The only exception allowing post-18 support involves children completing delayed high school education, and only if parents contributed to the delay. Parents can voluntarily agree to college support through court-approved written agreements.
How is child support calculated with 50/50 custody in Kansas?
With equal (50/50) parenting time, Kansas uses a shared residency calculation rather than the standard formula. Both parents' incomes and direct child-rearing expenses are considered. The higher-earning parent typically pays support to the lower-earning parent, but the amount is substantially reduced compared to primary custody arrangements. The 30% parenting time adjustment applies at 45%-49% custody.
Can parents agree to no child support in Kansas?
Kansas courts must approve any child support arrangement, including agreements for no support or reduced support. Judges examine whether the agreement serves the child's best interests. Courts rarely approve zero-support agreements unless both parents earn similar incomes and share custody equally. Even then, judges may require minimum support to protect the child's welfare. Agreements cannot waive the child's right to support.
What income counts toward Kansas child support?
Kansas considers all income sources including wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, self-employment earnings, military pay (including housing allowances), rental income, dividends, interest, and Social Security benefits. Self-employed parents deduct reasonable business expenses. Excluded from calculations: child support received for other children, public assistance, gifts, and inheritances. Courts may impute income to voluntarily unemployed parents.
How do I file for child support in Kansas without a divorce?
Unmarried parents can establish child support through paternity actions filed in District Court. The filing fee is approximately $195. If paternity is disputed, genetic testing may be ordered. Once paternity is established, courts calculate support using the same Kansas Child Support Guidelines applied in divorce cases. The Kansas Department for Children and Families Child Support Services also assists with establishing support orders.
This guide provides general information about Kansas child support guidelines as of March 2026. Child support calculations involve complex factors specific to each family's circumstances. Filing fees current as of March 2026; verify with your local District Court clerk. For legal advice regarding your specific situation, consult with a Kansas family law attorney.