Kentucky Child Support Calculator (2026)

Estimate your child support payments in Kentucky using our free calculator based on the official Kentucky Child Support Guidelines (KRS 403.212). Enter your income details below to get an instant estimate.

Kentucky Child Support Calculator

Based on Kentucky's 2024 Kentucky Child Support Guidelines (KRS 403.212)

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This is an estimate only. See our full disclaimer.

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 approximately $169/month at $1,000 combined income to $1,978/month at $30,000 combined monthly income.
  • 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 101 days per year, reducing the support obligation.
  • Health insurance premiums, work-related child care costs, and extraordinary medical expenses are added to the basic obligation and shared proportionally.

Source: Kentucky Child Support Guidelines (KRS 403.212) • Last verified: 2026-05-30

How Much Is Child Support in Kentucky?

If you make $60,000 a year in Kentucky, child support for 1 child is estimated at $583 per month ($6,996 per year) based on the Kentucky Child Support Guidelines (KRS 403.212). This assumes the other parent earns approximately $36,000/year. Actual amounts depend on both parents' incomes, custody arrangements, and additional expenses.

If you make $1,000 a week ($52,000/year) in Kentucky, child support for 1 child is approximately $528/month.

Kentucky Child Support Estimates by Income (2026)

Annual Income 1 Child 2 Children 3 Children
$40,000/yr $438/mo $637/mo $737/mo
$50,000/yr $514/mo $749/mo $866/mo
$60,000/yr $583/mo $849/mo $983/mo
$70,000/yr $645/mo $941/mo $1,089/mo
$80,000/yr $702/mo $1,024/mo $1,186/mo
$100,000/yr $805/mo $1,175/mo $1,362/mo
$120,000/yr $897/mo $1,309/mo $1,518/mo

Estimates assume the other parent earns 60% of your income. Actual amounts vary based on both parents' incomes, custody time, and adjustments. Compare all states →

How Child Support Is Calculated in Kentucky

Kentucky uses the Income Shares model to calculate child support obligations. This model combines both parents' incomes to determine the total child support obligation, then divides it proportionally based on each parent's share of the combined income.

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

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 101 days per year (approximately 28% of the time).
  • 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 Child Support Calculation in Kentucky

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

Step 1: Combined monthly income: $5,000 + $3,000 = $8,000

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

Step 3: Look up basic obligation from the guidelines schedule for $8,000 combined income and 2 children.

Step 4: Multiply the basic obligation by Parent A's share (62.5%) to determine their payment.

Note: Additional adjustments for health insurance, child care, and parenting time may apply.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kentucky Child Support

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 101 days per year (approximately 28% of the time). 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

This calculator uses the official Kentucky Child Support Guidelines (KRS 403.212) (2024 guidelines) to estimate child support in Kentucky. Calculations were last verified against the official source on 2026-05-30.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only and does not constitute legal advice. Actual child support amounts are determined by Kentucky courts and may differ based on factors not included here. For legal advice, consult a Kentucky family law attorney.

Our methodology: Based on the Income Shares model as defined in the Kentucky Child Support Guidelines (KRS 403.212). Updated for 2026.

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