The Shared Parenting Time Credit in Kentucky
Kentucky gives the parent with fewer days a shared parenting time credit from 88 days a year, from 15% up to 50% of the table amount, subtracted from that parent’s obligation; at equal time the higher earner is the obligor.
Who qualifies
A parent must maintain care, custody and control of the child for at least 88 days a year, whatever the child’s age, and the time must be court-ordered or exercised by consent of the parties. A “day” is more than twelve consecutive hours in a twenty-four-hour period under the care, control or direct supervision of one parent, and time starts at the exchange of the child (KRS 403.2122(1) and (2)). The credit applies on motion of the parent seeking it.
The chart
The credit is a percentage of the total support obligation, the table amount, which is based on the days with the obligated parent:
| Days a year | Adjustment |
|---|---|
| 88 to 115 | 15% |
| 116 to 129 | 20.5% |
| 130 to 142 | 25% |
| 143 to 152 | 30.5% |
| 153 to 162 | 36% |
| 163 to 172 | 42% |
| 173 to 181 | 48.5% |
| 182 to 182.5 | 50% |
The percentage is multiplied by the table amount and subtracted from the obligated parent’s monthly obligation on the worksheet. If the result is negative, the other parent pays the difference.
Equal time
If both parents exercise equal time, the parent with the higher gross monthly income is treated as the obligor. In the example below, the father earns more, so he pays even at 182 days.
An example
The family in the worked example:
| Situation | Monthly support |
|---|---|
| Standard, 60 days (no credit) | $1,102 |
| 150 days: 30.5% credit | $651 |
| Equal time (182 days): 50% credit, B is the higher earner | $362 |
The credit grows in steps, so a few extra days can move a parent into the next band.
Discretion and limits
The court may adjust each parent’s obligation after considering the obligated parent’s income and ability to maintain the home, whether the schedule is actually exercised, whether all children share the same schedule, long distances, military deployment and who provides health insurance. It has discretion to award the credit if the other parent receives KCHIP, KTAP, SNAP or Medicaid for the children.
Questions to bring to an attorney
Ask how the court will count the days, whether you must file a motion for the credit and whether any of the discretionary factors apply to you.
With the self-support reserve
The self-support reserve and the shared parenting time credit are never applied together: the obligor pays the lesser amount. See the self-support reserve and the minimum. The $60 minimum does not apply when the credit applies.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need for the Kentucky shared parenting time credit?
At least 88 days a year of care, custody and control, court-ordered or exercised by consent.
What is a day for the Kentucky parenting time credit?
More than twelve consecutive hours in a twenty-four-hour period under one parent's care, control or direct supervision.
How much is the Kentucky parenting time credit at 50/50?
50% of the table amount, subtracted from the obligated parent's obligation; the higher earner is the obligor.
Can the Kentucky court deny the shared parenting time credit?
It has discretion in several situations, including when the children receive KCHIP, KTAP, SNAP or Medicaid, and after considering the listed factors.
Can a parenting schedule change the Kentucky credit later?
Yes. A party may seek modification after a 15% change in timesharing days and must prove a material change.
Official sources
- KRS 403.212: child support guidelines and table
- KRS 403.2122: shared parenting time credit
- Kentucky Worksheet for Monthly Child Support Obligation (CS-71)
- KRS 403.213: modification of child support
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 Kentucky statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Kentucky attorney.