Kentucky Parenting Time Calculator

Kentucky calculates parenting time by counting the number of days each parent has care, custody, and control of the child during a calendar year under KRS 403.2122. A "day" is defined as more than 12 consecutive hours in a 24-hour period, which typically involves an overnight stay. The total days are then divided by 365 to determine each parent's percentage of parenting time for child support calculations.

In Kentucky, a parent must have at least 73 days per year (20% of parenting time) to qualify for the shared parenting time credit under KRS 403.2122. This threshold triggers a 10.5% reduction in child support obligations. The credit increases in tiers up to 50% for parents with 182-182.5 days (equal parenting time). Kentucky courts prefer equal time arrangements and will maximize parenting time for each parent whenever possible.

A 2-2-3 custody schedule in Kentucky alternates the child between parents throughout the week: two days with Parent A (typically Monday-Tuesday), two days with Parent B (Wednesday-Thursday), then three days with the first parent (Friday-Sunday), switching the pattern the following week. This schedule results in 50% parenting time for each parent (182.5 days annually) and works well for parents who live close together and can manage midweek exchanges.

Under Kentucky's child support guidelines (KRS 403.2122), parenting time directly reduces child support obligations through a tiered credit system effective July 15, 2024. Parents with 73-87 days receive a 10.5% credit, increasing through nine tiers to a 50% credit for equal parenting time (182-182.5 days). The credit is subtracted from the base monthly child support amount calculated under KRS 403.212.

Yes, Kentucky allows parenting plan modifications under KRS 403.340, but you must wait at least two years after the original order unless the child faces physical, emotional, or mental danger. You must demonstrate a substantial change in circumstances and that modification serves the child's best interests. Courts will apply the joint custody and equal parenting time presumption when determining any modified arrangement.

Kentucky courts recognize that toddlers (18 months to 3 years) need frequent contact with both parents but may struggle with transitions. Recommended schedules include the 2-2-3 rotation or alternating every 2 days to ensure neither parent is away for more than 2-3 days. Local Kentucky guidelines suggest that for children 18 months to 3 years, the non-custodial parent should have both Friday and Saturday overnight stays during alternating weekend parenting time.

Kentucky typically divides holidays by alternating years between parents. Common arrangements assign Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and July 4th on an odd-year/even-year rotation. Thanksgiving often runs from Wednesday at 5:00 PM through Sunday at 7:30 PM. Christmas is frequently split between Christmas Eve (ending at 10:00 PM on December 24) and Christmas Day through December 31. Summer vacation typically provides each parent two 2-week periods with 30-60 days advance notice required.

First right of refusal is a custody provision requiring a parent who cannot care for their child during scheduled parenting time to first offer the other parent the opportunity to care for the child before arranging alternative childcare. While not mandated by Kentucky statute, courts often include this clause in parenting plans. Provisions typically specify a minimum duration (often 4+ hours) and reasonable notice requirements to prevent disputes over brief absences.