Skip to content

Kentucky Child Support Calculator (2026)

In Kentucky, child support is based on both parents' combined income and the number of children. The total is split between you based on how much each parent earns, and parenting time can change the amount. Use the free calculator below for an instant estimate.

How it's calculated
Both parents' income combined
Income used
Before-tax (gross)
Last updated
2025
Verified
2026-05-31

Source: Kentucky Child Support Guidelines (KRS 403.212)

Calculate Your Kentucky Child Support

Free estimate — official Kentucky guidelines

Include wages, salary, bonuses, and other income

How Much Is Child Support in Kentucky?

If you make $60,000 a year in Kentucky, child support for 1 child is estimated at $623 per month ($7,476 per year). This assumes the other parent earns approximately $36,000/year. Actual amounts depend on both parents' incomes, custody time, and add-on expenses (child care, health insurance).

$1,000/week ($52,000/year): approximately $567/month for 1 child.

Kentucky Child Support Estimates by Income (2026)

Annual Income 1 Child 2 Children 3 Children
$40,000/yr $492/mo $720/mo $869/mo
$50,000/yr $551/mo $790/mo $946/mo
$60,000/yr $623/mo $891/mo $1,065/mo
$70,000/yr $666/mo $938/mo $1,121/mo
$80,000/yr $715/mo $997/mo $1,194/mo
$100,000/yr $837/mo $1,157/mo $1,389/mo
$120,000/yr $924/mo $1,268/mo $1,524/mo

Estimates assume the other parent earns 60% of your income. Actual amounts vary. Compare all states →

How Child Support Is Calculated in Kentucky

Factors That Affect Child Support in Kentucky

Both parents' adjusted gross monthly incomes
Number of children
Timesharing schedule (days per year)
Health insurance costs for the children
Work-related child care costs
Extraordinary medical or dental expenses
Prior child support obligations
Maintenance or alimony payments
Technical details and legal basis

Kentucky uses the Income Shares model (Kentucky Child Support Guidelines (KRS 403.212)) to calculate child support. This model combines both parents' incomes to determine the total obligation, then divides it proportionally based on each parent's share.

Important Notes for Kentucky

  • Kentucky uses the Income Shares model, combining both parents' adjusted gross incomes to determine the total child support obligation.
  • Adjusted gross income includes all income minus maintenance paid, prior child support obligations, and other allowable deductions.
  • Kentucky allows a timesharing credit when the non-custodial parent exercises parenting time for more than 73 days per year (approximately 20% of the time, reduced from 101 days/28% by HB 244, effective July 1, 2025).
  • The court may deviate from guidelines when the child has extraordinary medical, dental, or educational needs, or when application of the guidelines would be unjust or inappropriate.

Example Calculation

Scenario: Parent A earns $5,000/month, Parent B earns $3,000/month, 2 children.

Step 1: Combined income: $8,000

Step 2: Parent A's share: $5,000 / $8,000 = 62.5%

Step 3: Look up basic obligation for $8,000 combined and 2 children.

Step 4: Multiply by Parent A's share (62.5%).

Adjustments for health insurance, child care, and parenting time may apply.

Key Facts: Child Support in Kentucky

  • Kentucky uses the Income Shares model, meaning child support is based on both parents' combined adjusted gross income.
  • The basic child support obligation for 1 child ranges from $85/month at $1,000 combined income to $2,003/month at $30,000 combined monthly income (HB 244, effective July 1, 2025).
  • Each parent pays their proportional share of the total obligation based on their percentage of the combined income.
  • Kentucky provides a timesharing credit when the non-custodial parent has the children for more than 73 days per year (20%, changed from 101 days/28% by HB 244 effective July 1, 2025).
  • Health insurance premiums, work-related child care costs, and extraordinary medical expenses are added to the basic obligation and shared proportionally.

Kentucky Child Support FAQ

How is child support calculated in Kentucky?
Kentucky uses the Income Shares model. Both parents' adjusted gross incomes are combined, and a basic child support obligation is determined from the state guidelines table under KRS 403.212. Each parent pays their proportional share based on their percentage of the combined income. The calculation includes adjustments for health insurance, child care costs, and extraordinary medical expenses.
What is the timesharing credit in Kentucky?
Kentucky provides a timesharing credit when the non-custodial parent has the children for more than 73 days per year (approximately 20% of the time, reduced from 101 days/28% by HB 244, effective July 1, 2025). This credit reduces the child support obligation to account for the direct expenses the non-custodial parent incurs during those days. The credit increases as the number of overnight stays increases.
What income is used for Kentucky child support?
Kentucky uses adjusted gross income from all sources, including wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, workers' compensation, unemployment, disability benefits, Social Security, pensions, rental income, and investment income. Adjustments include subtracting maintenance paid and prior child support obligations.
Can Kentucky child support be modified?
Yes, child support in Kentucky can be modified when there is a material change in circumstances that is substantial and continuing. This includes significant changes in either parent's income, changes in the timesharing arrangement, changes in the child's needs, or changes in health insurance or child care costs. Either parent may petition the court for a modification.
How long does child support last in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, child support generally continues until the child turns 18. If the child is still in high school at age 18, support continues until age 19 or graduation from high school, whichever occurs first. Support may be extended for a child with a disability who is unable to be self-supporting.

About This Calculator

Uses the official Kentucky Child Support Guidelines (KRS 403.212) (2025 guidelines). Last verified: 2026-05-31.

Disclaimer: Estimates only, not legal advice. Actual amounts are set by Kentucky courts. Full disclaimer.

Methodology: Income Shares model per Kentucky Child Support Guidelines (KRS 403.212).

Other State Calculators

All 50 state calculators →