Quick answer: When does child support end in Kentucky? At emancipation, usually the 18th birthday. A child who is a high school student at 18 stays covered while a student, but not beyond the end of the school year in which the child turns 19. Marriage while still a student ends it. A decree or written agreement can say otherwise.
This Kentucky child support end date calculator finds the 18th birthday under KRS 403.213(3) and shows the high school limit. Arrears that accrued while the child was an unemancipated minor stay owed, so check the balance in the Kentucky child support arrears calculator. The guidelines that set the amount are in KRS 403.212.
When does child support end in Kentucky? At a glance
| Rule | What Kentucky says |
|---|---|
| Basic rule | Unless otherwise agreed in writing or expressly provided in the decree, support is terminated by emancipation (KRS 403.213(3)) |
| High school student at 18 | Court-ordered support continues while the child is a high school student, but not beyond completion of the school year in which the child reaches 19 (403.213(3)) |
| Marriage | The extension applies to a child emancipated because of age, not marriage (403.213(3)) |
| Death of the paying parent | Does not terminate support; the amount may be modified, revoked or commuted to a lump sum (403.213(3)) |
| Arrears | Emancipation does not terminate arrears accrued while the child was an unemancipated minor (403.213(3)) |
| College and disabled adult child | No provision found in the sections we read |
How does the Kentucky end date work?
- Age 18 and the high school extension. See the Kentucky child support age limit and the high school extension.
- College and disabled adult children. See child support for college and disabled children in Kentucky.
- Emancipation and ending the order. See emancipation and whether child support ends automatically in Kentucky.
What does this end date calculator check?
You enter the child’s birth date and the calculator returns the 18th birthday and the time left from today. It adds the school-year limit for a high school student and the marriage exception. It cannot read your decree: if it or a written agreement names a different end date or event, it controls. To change the amount before it ends, see the Kentucky child support modification calculator.
Frequently asked questions
At what age does child support end in Kentucky?
At emancipation, usually 18, unless the child is a high school student, in which case court-ordered support continues while a student but not beyond the school year in which the child turns 19.
Does Kentucky child support continue through high school?
Yes, for a child who is a high school student when reaching 18 and emancipated because of age, not marriage.
Can a Kentucky court order a parent to pay for college?
We found no provision for court-ordered college support in the sections we read; parents can agree in writing.
Can Kentucky child support continue for a disabled adult child?
We found no provision for it in the sections we read; ask a licensed Kentucky attorney.
Does Kentucky child support end automatically?
The statute sets the end events, but ask the court or the Division to end income withholding and keep proof of the date.