Kentucky Child Support Calculator & Guide (2025)

Overview of Kentucky Child Support

Kentucky uses the Income Shares Model under Kentucky Revised Statutes §403.212. This model estimates the total amount of support that would have been spent on the child if the parents had remained together, then divides that obligation between the parents based on their proportional incomes.

The Kentucky guidelines are administered by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services - Division of Child Support. Kentucky also has special provisions for low-income parents and extended parenting time situations.

How Child Support Is Calculated in Kentucky

The Kentucky child support formula works as follows:

1. Determine each parent's adjusted monthly income from all sources including wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, overtime, and self-employment income
2. Combine both parents' incomes to get the total adjusted household income
3. Use the state schedule to find the basic support obligation based on combined income and number of children
4. Allocate each parent's share proportionally based on their percentage of the combined income
5. Add health insurance premiums and childcare costs
6. Apply adjustments for extended parenting time, the self-support reserve, and low-income provisions

Kentucky Support Schedule (Selected Income Levels)

Key Factors in Kentucky Calculations

Adjusted Income Definition

Kentucky considers income from all sources when determining child support:

• Wages, salaries, commissions, and bonuses
• Overtime pay (included based on history and consistency)
• Self-employment income
• Interest, dividends, and investment income
• Social Security benefits
• Pension and retirement income

Extended Parenting Time Adjustments

Kentucky provides adjustments for extended parenting time. When the non-custodial parent has significant overnight visitation, the court may reduce the support obligation to account for the direct expenses the parent incurs during extended parenting time.

Low-Income Guidelines

Kentucky has special provisions for obligors earning less than $1,500 per month. These low-income guidelines provide a reduced support obligation, ensuring the paying parent can still meet their own basic living needs while providing support for their children.

Minimum and Maximum Amounts

Self-support reserve: $1,050 per month (2024). The paying parent must retain at least this amount for their own basic living expenses.

Minimum support: Kentucky does not set a fixed statutory minimum, but the court ensures the amount is appropriate given the financial circumstances.

Low-income threshold: Obligors earning less than $1,500/month may qualify for reduced support under the low-income guidelines.

Income table: The Kentucky support schedule covers combined incomes up to $10,000 per month. For incomes above this level, the court has discretion.

Modification and Enforcement

Modification

Kentucky allows modification of child support orders when:

• There has been a material and continuing change in circumstances
• A significant change in either parent's income
• Changes in custody or parenting time arrangements
• Changes in the child's needs
• The child reaches the age of majority (18, or 19 if still in high school)

Enforcement

The Kentucky Division of Child Support enforces child support through:

• Income withholding from paychecks
• Tax refund interception (federal and state)
• Driver's license suspension
• Professional license suspension
• Credit bureau reporting
• Contempt of court proceedings
• Liens on property and financial accounts
• Passport denial for arrears exceeding $2,500

Get your Kentucky estimate: Use our free child support calculator or the Kentucky child support calculator to see what you might owe or receive under Kentucky guidelines.