Child Support in Kentucky: How It's Calculated
Kentucky uses the Income Shares Model to determine child support obligations. This guide walks through how the formula works, what factors Kentucky courts consider, and how to modify or enforce an order — with links to official Kentucky resources.
Income Shares Model in Kentucky
Kentucky uses the Income Shares Model under KRS §403.212. Both parents' gross incomes are combined and applied to the Kentucky Child Support Schedule to determine a combined basic child support obligation, which is then allocated proportionally.
Kentucky provides a parenting time credit when the paying parent exercises significant parenting time. The credit is applied on a sliding scale based on the number of overnights exercised above the standard schedule. Kentucky also addresses circumstances where a child is not in the primary care of either parent (e.g., living with a grandparent), adjusting the formula accordingly.
Key Factors Kentucky Courts Consider
- Both parents' gross monthly income
- Number of children
- Parenting time exercised — significant overnights reduce the obligation
- Child's health insurance premium
- Work-related childcare costs
- Extraordinary expenses the child requires
- Support obligations for other children
Official Kentucky Resources
Get an accurate number from an official source
Child support calculations are complex and fact-specific. For an accurate figure, use Kentucky's official worksheet or consult a licensed family law attorney. This guide explains the framework — it does not produce a binding calculation.
Step-by-Step: How Kentucky's Formula Works
Here is how Kentucky applies the Income Shares Model to calculate a child support obligation, step by step:
1. Determine each parent's income
Kentucky starts by calculating each parent's income — gross income (before taxes). The specific definition of income is set by Income Shares Model.
2. Combine incomes and find the basic obligation
Both parents' incomes are combined and compared to Kentucky's child support schedule. The schedule produces a basic child support obligation based on combined income and the number of children.
3. Add health insurance and childcare costs
Health insurance premiums paid for the child and work-related childcare expenses are added to the basic obligation before it is divided between parents.
4. Divide proportionally based on income share
The total obligation is allocated between the parents in proportion to each parent's share of combined income. The parent with the higher income share bears a larger portion of the obligation.
5. Apply parenting time credits
Parenting time exercised — significant overnights reduce the obligation parenting time credit when the paying parent exercises significant parenting time.
Document Everything for Your Kentucky Case
Kentucky courts rely on documented records — parenting time logs, expense receipts, and payment histories. ReplyCalmly helps you track all of it and generate organized, exportable reports.
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