Kentucky calculates child support using the Income Shares Model under KRS 403.212, which determines each parent's obligation based on their proportional share of combined gross monthly income. The minimum child support amount in Kentucky is $60 per month, and the guidelines cover combined parental incomes up to $30,000 per month (effective July 1, 2025). For a family with combined monthly income of $6,000 and one child, the total guideline obligation is approximately $691, divided between parents according to their income percentages.
Key Facts: Kentucky Child Support
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Calculation Model | Income Shares Model |
| Governing Statute | KRS 403.212 |
| Minimum Monthly Support | $60 |
| Maximum Combined Income Covered | $30,000/month ($360,000/year) |
| Parenting Time Credit Threshold | 73+ overnights per year |
| Modification Threshold | 10% deviation (effective July 1, 2025) |
| Support Termination Age | 18 (or 19 if still in high school) |
| Divorce Filing Fee | $148 (most counties) |
How Kentucky Calculates Child Support Amounts
Kentucky courts calculate child support by combining both parents' gross monthly incomes, applying the statutory guidelines table, and dividing the total obligation proportionally based on each parent's income share. Under KRS 403.212, if Parent A earns $4,000 per month (66.7% of combined income) and Parent B earns $2,000 per month (33.3%), and the guidelines table shows a $1,383 total obligation for their income level and number of children, Parent A would owe $922 and Parent B would owe $461.
The Kentucky child support formula follows these steps:
- Determine each parent's gross monthly income from all sources
- Combine both incomes to find the total adjusted gross income
- Look up the base child support obligation in the statutory table based on combined income and number of children
- Calculate each parent's percentage of the combined income
- Multiply the base obligation by each parent's percentage
- Add health insurance premiums and work-related childcare costs
- Apply parenting time adjustments if the non-custodial parent has 73+ overnights
The custodial parent's share is presumed spent directly on the child through housing, food, and daily care. The non-custodial parent pays their calculated share to the custodial parent.
What Income Counts Toward Child Support in Kentucky
Kentucky defines gross income broadly under KRS 403.212(2)(b), including virtually all sources of money a parent receives. The court calculates child support based on gross income (before taxes), not take-home pay. Kentucky includes salaries, wages, commissions, bonuses, overtime, tips, dividends, pensions, Social Security benefits, workers' compensation, unemployment insurance, disability benefits, trust income, capital gains, rental income, and self-employment profits in the gross income calculation.
Income sources excluded from Kentucky child support calculations:
- Means-tested public assistance (SNAP, TANF, Medicaid)
- Child support received for other children from a different relationship
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Foster care payments
Kentucky courts may impute income to a parent who is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed under KRS 403.212(2)(d). The court evaluates the parent's employment potential based on education, work history, job skills, and prevailing wage rates in the local area. However, Kentucky law prohibits imputing income to any incarcerated individual, a change introduced by HB 404 in 2022.
Kentucky Child Support Guidelines Table: Sample Amounts
Kentucky publishes a statutory child support table under KRS 403.212 that correlates combined parental income to base support obligations. The table covers combined adjusted gross incomes from $650 to $30,000 per month (the upper limit increased from $15,000 effective July 1, 2025).
| Combined Monthly Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| $2,000 | $346 | $495 | $569 |
| $4,000 | $580 | $864 | $1,016 |
| $6,000 | $691 | $1,073 | $1,279 |
| $8,000 | $878 | $1,264 | $1,528 |
| $10,000 | $1,016 | $1,455 | $1,746 |
| $15,000 | $1,383 | $1,980 | $2,376 |
Note: These figures represent base obligations before adjustments for health insurance, childcare, and parenting time credits. Verify current amounts using the official Kentucky Child Support Calculator at kentuckychildsupport.ky.gov. As of March 2026.
For families with combined monthly income exceeding $30,000, Kentucky courts apply the guideline percentage at the $30,000 level and may exercise discretion to increase the obligation based on the child's reasonable needs and the parents' ability to pay.
Parenting Time Credits Reduce Child Support
Kentucky provides automatic child support reductions when the non-custodial parent exercises 73 or more days of parenting time per year under KRS 403.2122. Governor Andy Beshear signed House Bill 501 into law on April 8, 2022, with the parenting time adjustment becoming effective March 31, 2023. The credit increases as parenting time increases, reaching a maximum 50% reduction for equal parenting time.
| Annual Overnights | Support Reduction |
|---|---|
| 73-87 days | 10.5% |
| 88-115 days | 15% |
| 116-129 days | 20.5% |
| 130-142 days | 25% |
| 143-152 days | 30.5% |
| 153-162 days | 36% |
| 163-172 days | 42% |
| 173-181 days | 48.5% |
| 182-182.5 days | 50% |
The parenting time credit only applies when the parent actually exercises their court-ordered parenting time. If a parent has 100 overnights ordered but only exercises 60, the credit does not apply. The credit also does not apply if the child receives public assistance benefits.
When Child Support Ends in Kentucky
Kentucky child support terminates when the child reaches age 18 under KRS 403.213(3). If the child is still enrolled in high school at age 18, support continues through the end of the school year in which the child turns 19. If the child drops out of high school before turning 19, child support terminates on the date of withdrawal, not at the end of the school year.
Kentucky law terminates child support before the child's 18th birthday under four specific circumstances:
- Marriage of the child
- Induction into military service
- Death of the child
- Termination of parental rights
Kentucky courts may extend child support beyond age 18 or 19 for children with disabilities that prevent self-sufficiency, with no upper age limit. The disability must have existed before the child reached the age of majority, and the child must be wholly dependent on parental support for daily living needs.
Kentucky does not require parents to fund college expenses unless both parties voluntarily agree. Parents may include college support provisions in their settlement agreement, which must be submitted for court approval to become enforceable.
How to Modify Child Support in Kentucky
Kentucky allows child support modification upon showing a material change in circumstances that is substantial and continuing under KRS 403.213. Effective July 1, 2025, Kentucky lowered the modification threshold from 15% to 10%. If the recalculated child support amount differs by 10% or more from the current order, either parent can petition for modification.
Common grounds for modification include:
- Significant increase or decrease in either parent's income (job loss, promotion, disability)
- Changes in the child's needs (medical conditions, educational expenses)
- Changes in parenting time arrangements
- Changes in health insurance costs or childcare expenses
- Additional children born to either parent
To modify child support, file a Motion to Modify Child Support with the clerk of the circuit court where the original order was issued. Provide documentation including recent pay stubs, tax returns, and expense records. Self-employed parents must submit profit-and-loss statements. Both parents will attend a hearing where the court recalculates support using current income figures.
Kentucky courts may impute potential income to parents who voluntarily reduce their earnings. If the court believes a parent quit their job or took a lower-paying position to avoid support obligations, the court may calculate support based on earning capacity rather than actual income.
Kentucky Child Support Enforcement and Penalties
Kentucky enforces child support through the Child Support Enforcement (CSE) program administered by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Under Kentucky law, all child support orders must include an order for income withholding (wage garnishment) unless there is good cause otherwise. Kentucky allows wage garnishment of up to 65% of disposable income for obligors with arrearages.
Enforcement tools available in Kentucky:
- Automatic wage garnishment from paychecks
- Federal and state tax refund intercepts
- Driver's license suspension (after 6 months of non-payment)
- Professional and occupational license suspension
- Passport denial for debts exceeding $2,500
- Property liens on real estate and vehicles
- Credit bureau reporting
- Contempt of court proceedings (up to 6 months incarceration per violation)
Criminal penalties for non-payment escalate based on the severity and pattern of non-payment:
| Offense Level | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Criminal Non-Support (1st offense) | Class A Misdemeanor: up to $500 fine and 1 year jail |
| Criminal Non-Support (2nd offense) | Minimum 7 days jail |
| Criminal Non-Support (3rd+ offense) | Minimum 30 days jail |
| Flagrant Non-Support (6+ months or $1,000+ behind) | Class D Felony: 1-5 years prison, up to $10,000 fine |
Kentucky law allows the state to pursue back payments indefinitely. Courts can enforce back child support obligations for up to 15 years after the child reaches the age of majority. Child support arrearages cannot be discharged through bankruptcy under 11 U.S.C. Section 523(a)(5).
Filing for Child Support in Kentucky
To establish a child support order in Kentucky, file a Petition for Child Support in the Circuit Court of the county where either parent or the child resides. The divorce filing fee in Kentucky is $148 in most counties, though fees range from $113 to $250 depending on the county. As of March 2026, verify exact fees with your local Circuit Court Clerk before filing.
Required documents for filing:
- Completed Child Support Worksheet (Form CS-71)
- Financial disclosure statements from both parents
- Recent pay stubs (last 3 months)
- Tax returns (last 2 years)
- Documentation of health insurance costs
- Documentation of work-related childcare expenses
- Proof of any other children's support obligations
Kentucky requires a 180-day residency before filing for divorce under KRS 403.140. At least one spouse must have lived in Kentucky continuously for 180 days immediately before filing. Kentucky also imposes a 60-day waiting period between filing and final decree under KRS 403.170.
Parents with minor children must complete a court-approved parenting education class costing $25-$50 for online programs. Fee waivers are available through Form AOC-205 for households with income at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines.
Contested vs. Uncontested Child Support: Cost Comparison
| Factor | Uncontested | Contested |
|---|---|---|
| Filing Fee | $148 | $148 |
| Attorney Fees | $500-$1,500 | $3,000-$15,000+ |
| Timeline | 60-90 days | 6-18 months |
| Court Appearances | 1-2 | Multiple |
| Total Cost Range | $500-$2,000 | $5,000-$25,000+ |
Uncontested cases where both parents agree on custody, parenting time, and child support calculations can often be completed with minimal attorney involvement. Contested cases involving disputes over income calculations, imputed income, or parenting time credits typically require expert witnesses, depositions, and multiple hearings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is child support in Kentucky for one child?
Kentucky child support for one child depends on both parents' combined gross monthly income. For combined income of $6,000 per month, the base obligation is approximately $691, divided proportionally between parents. At $4,000 combined monthly income, the base obligation is $580. The minimum support is $60 per month regardless of income.
What is the average child support payment in Kentucky?
Kentucky does not publish average child support payment statistics, but payments typically range from $300 to $1,500 per month depending on income and number of children. Using the guidelines table, a non-custodial parent earning $5,000 monthly (83% of $6,000 combined income) with one child would pay approximately $574 monthly before parenting time credits.
Can child support be modified if I lose my job in Kentucky?
Yes, job loss qualifies as a material change in circumstances under KRS 403.213. File a Motion to Modify Child Support immediately after losing employment. Provide termination documentation and evidence that the job loss was involuntary. The court may reduce support based on actual income or unemployment benefits until employment is restored.
How does 50/50 custody affect child support in Kentucky?
With true 50/50 custody (182-182.5 overnights per year), Kentucky applies a 50% parenting time credit under KRS 403.2122. The higher-earning parent typically still pays support, but the amount is significantly reduced. The credit recognizes that the non-custodial parent directly covers more of the child's expenses during their parenting time.
Does Kentucky require child support through college?
No, Kentucky does not mandate child support for college expenses. Support terminates at age 18 (or 19 if enrolled in high school) under KRS 403.213. Parents can voluntarily agree to contribute to college costs in their settlement agreement, which must be court-approved to become enforceable.
How is child support enforced if the other parent doesn't pay?
Kentucky enforces child support through automatic wage garnishment (up to 65% of disposable income), tax refund intercepts, driver's license suspension, passport denial for debts over $2,500, property liens, and contempt proceedings. Flagrant non-support (6+ months behind or $1,000+ owed) is a Class D felony punishable by 1-5 years in prison.
What income is used to calculate child support in Kentucky?
Kentucky uses gross monthly income from all sources including wages, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, dividends, pensions, Social Security, unemployment, and disability benefits. The court uses gross income (before taxes), not net take-home pay. SNAP, TANF, SSI, and child support for other children are excluded.
Can I get child support reduced in Kentucky if I have more children?
Yes, having additional children can justify modification. Kentucky allows a deduction for pre-existing child support obligations. For new children, the court may consider the financial impact but must balance the needs of all children. File a Motion to Modify showing the 10% deviation threshold is met with updated income and expense calculations.
How long does a child support case take in Kentucky?
Uncontested child support cases where both parents agree typically conclude in 60-90 days after filing, including Kentucky's mandatory 60-day waiting period. Contested cases involving income disputes, imputed income arguments, or parenting time disagreements can take 6-18 months depending on court scheduling and complexity.
What happens to child support arrears when the child turns 18 in Kentucky?
Child support arrears remain enforceable for 15 years after the child reaches age of majority. The obligation to pay current support ends, but all unpaid amounts continue accruing interest and remain collectible through wage garnishment, tax intercepts, and other enforcement mechanisms. Arrears cannot be discharged through bankruptcy.