Parenting Time Adjustments in Kansas Child Support
In Kansas, once the child spends 35% or more of the time with the parent not having primary residency the court may reduce that parent’s support by 10%, 20% or 30%, may allow up to 50% off for extended parenting time, and at equal time may use the shared expense or direct expense formulas.
The parenting time adjustment formula
If the child spends 35% or more of his or her time with the parent not having primary residency, the court must decide whether an adjustment in child support is appropriate. The child’s time at school or in day care is not counted. The table may be used to calculate the adjustment, which is a percentage of that parent’s proportionate share (line D.5):
| Parent’s share of the child’s time | Adjustment |
|---|---|
| 35% to 39% | 10% |
| 40% to 44% | 20% |
| 45% to 49% | 30% |
The percentage is averaged if there is more than one child and the percentages differ (guidelines IV.H.2). The adjustment is not automatic and the court may consider whether parenting time has actually been exercised.
Actual cost adjustment
Instead of the formula, the court may consider the fixed obligations of the parent with primary residency that are attributable to the child and any savings because of the time with the other parent, and the increased cost of the additional parenting time. Only one of the two methods can be used.
Extended parenting time
When the child spends 14 or more consecutive days with the parent not having primary residency, or a shared schedule in the summer, that parent’s support, calculated without a parenting time adjustment, may be reduced proportionately by up to 50% of the monthly support on line D.5. It can be added to a parenting time adjustment.
Equal parenting time
Equal parenting time must be regular and equal, not extended summer or holiday time, and the court must have decided it is in the child’s best interest. With a written, court-approved plan to share the direct expenses equally, the shared expense formula applies: subtract the lower proportionate share from the higher one and divide by two; the parent with the higher share pays the difference (VI.E). Parents who share time equally but not expenses may use the direct expense formula, which adds 7%, 10.5% or 15% of the gross obligation depending on combined income (VI.F).
Non-exercise of parenting time
The court may make an adjustment in favor of the parent with primary residency based on the historical non-exercise of parenting time under the parenting plan.
Questions to bring to an attorney
Ask how the court will count the child’s time outside school and day care, whether you qualify for the adjustment and whether equal time requires the shared expense plan.
An example
The family in the worked example:
| Situation | Monthly support |
|---|---|
| Standard, 20% of the time | $1,483 |
| 40% of the time: 20% adjustment | $1,241 |
| 20% of the time plus a 20% extended time reduction | $1,241 |
| Equal time (50%), shared expense formula | $202 |
The equal time figure leaves out the premium and child care; the calculator’s equal time mode does the same.
Frequently asked questions
What percentage of time earns a Kansas parenting time adjustment?
35% or more of the child's time with the parent not having primary residency, at which point the court decides whether an adjustment is appropriate.
How much is the Kansas parenting time adjustment?
10% of that parent's share for 35% to 39%, 20% for 40% to 44% and 30% for 45% to 49%.
What is extended parenting time in Kansas?
14 or more consecutive days with the parent not having primary residency, or a shared summer schedule, which can reduce that parent's support by up to 50%.
What is the Kansas shared expense formula?
For equal parenting time with a court-approved plan to share direct expenses, the parent with the higher proportionate share pays half the difference between the two shares.
Is the Kansas parenting time adjustment automatic?
No. The court decides whether to allow it and may consider whether parenting time has actually been exercised.
Official sources
- Kansas Child Support Guidelines (effective July 1, 2025)
- Kansas Child Support Worksheet
- Kansas Judicial Branch: Child Support Guidelines
- Federal Register: 2026 HHS poverty guidelines
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Kansas statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Kansas attorney.