Quick answer: Kentucky uses the income shares model of KRS 403.212. Each parent’s monthly gross income, less maintenance paid and support for prior-born children, is his or her adjusted gross income. The combined amount is looked up in the statutory guidelines table for the number of children (rows every $100, up to $30,000 of combined income), and the total obligation is divided between the parents in proportion to their income. Child care and the children’s health insurance premium are added and shared the same way, with credit to the parent who pays them. A self-support reserve protects low-income parents, the minimum support is $60 a month, and a shared parenting time credit (15% to 50% of the table amount) applies from 88 days a year.
How the Kentucky worksheet works
- Adjusted gross income. Gross income less maintenance and prior-born child support. See the self-support reserve and the minimum.
- Total obligation. The table amount for the combined income and the number of children, plus child care and health insurance.
- Shares. Each parent’s percentage of the combined income, less what he or she pays directly.
- Shared parenting time. The credit for the parent with fewer days. See the shared parenting time credit.
The full walk-through, with a worked example, is in how Kentucky calculates child support.
What this calculator checks
The table was read from the statute row by row ($0 to $30,000, one to six children) and the engine follows the Cabinet’s CS-71 worksheet lines. Split custody, the CS-71.1 exception worksheet, extraordinary expenses and deviations are not included, and the court may deviate with findings.
Child support across Kentucky
The guidelines apply in every Kentucky circuit court, from Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, Owensboro, Covington or Frankfort. Child support is modified only for installments after the motion is filed and on a material change in circumstances that is substantial and continuing; a 15% change in the guideline amount is presumed to be one.
Frequently asked questions
How is child support calculated in Kentucky?
Under KRS 403.212, the guidelines table gives a total obligation for the combined monthly adjusted parental gross income and the number of children, divided between the parents in proportion to their income, with child care and health insurance added.
How many days earn the Kentucky shared parenting time credit?
A parent must have the children at least 88 days a year. The credit then runs from 15% for 88 to 115 days up to 50% at 182 to 182.5 days of the table amount.
What is the minimum child support in Kentucky?
$60 a month, except when the shared parenting time credit applies.
What is the Kentucky self-support reserve?
A $915 monthly low-income adjustment: a parent whose adjusted income is $1,100 or less with one child, up to $1,600 with six or more, pays the lesser of the usual amount and an amount based on his or her income alone.
What is the top of the Kentucky child support table?
$30,000 of combined monthly adjusted parental gross income. Above that the court may use its discretion.