Standard Parenting Time Schedules and Court Guidelines in Kentucky
Kentucky sets no standard parenting time schedule in the statutes we read. For child support, 88 or more days a year earns a shared parenting time credit from 15% to 50%, depending on the days.
Does Kentucky have a standard parenting time schedule?
Not in the statutes we read. The court starts from a presumption of equally shared parenting time and, if it deviates, constructs a schedule that maximizes the time each parent has with the child (KRS 403.270(2)). The schedule itself is set in your agreement or the court’s order.
What is the 88-day line in Kentucky?
To receive a shared parenting time credit, a parent must maintain care, custody and control over the child for at least 88 days a year, regardless of the child’s age. A day means more than 12 consecutive hours in a 24-hour period under the care of one parent or caretaker, or as the court determines based on findings of substantially equivalent care or expense, and the credit applies to court-ordered time or time exercised by consent (KRS 403.2122(1)-(2)).
| Pattern (other parent) | Days a year | Parent with fewer | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 of 14 days | 52 | 52 | None |
| 3 of 14 days | 78 | 78 | None |
| 4 of 14 days | 104 | 104 | 15% |
| 5 of 14 days | 130 | 130 | 25% |
| 6 of 14 days | 156 | 156 | 36% |
| 7 of 14 days | 183 | 182 | 50% |
These are our counts of a repeating 14-day pattern before extra summer or holiday days.
What are the credit bands in Kentucky?
The adjustment percentage for the days the child spends with the credited 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 total support obligation on the worksheet and subtracted from that parent’s monthly obligation (403.2122(3)).
How is the credit applied in Kentucky?
On motion of the parent seeking it, the court calculates the guideline obligation on combined income, determines each parent’s days from the order or from time actually exercised, and subtracts the credit. If both exercise equal time, the parent with the higher gross monthly income is deemed the obligor. The credit and the self-support reserve are not applied together; the obligor pays the lesser amount. The Kentucky child support calculator applies the formula.
When does the court have discretion in Kentucky?
The court has discretion in awarding the credit if the obligee receives KCHIP, KTAP, SNAP or Medicaid (403.2122(6)).
When is a day not an overnight in Kentucky?
A day is more than 12 consecutive hours in a 24-hour period under one parent’s care, or as the court determines based on findings of substantially equivalent care or expense, and parenting time begins at the exchange; when the exchange is at school or a care provider, the receiving parent’s time begins at pickup (403.2122(1)).
Which calculator should I use after counting days in Kentucky?
Take the count to the Kentucky child support calculator and the state’s own worksheet (Kentucky worksheet), and keep your parenting plan consistent with the count.
Does the 14-day pattern calculator help in Kentucky?
Yes. The Kentucky parenting time calculator scales a 14-day pattern to a year and then finds the band, so you can test different schedules before you write the plan.
What should a written schedule cover in Kentucky?
- The regular pattern, with exchange days, times and a place.
- Holidays, school breaks and summer, and how they replace the regular pattern.
- The day count, so child support uses the right band.
- Transportation, communication and decision-making.
- How changes are agreed and put in writing.
What if the parents cannot agree in Kentucky?
The court decides on the child’s best interests with the presumption described above. See the uncontested versus contested divorce in Kentucky post for how agreed and disputed cases differ.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a standard parenting schedule in Kentucky?
No statutory schedule appears in the sections we read; the order sets it, starting from a presumption of equal time.
How many days is the Kentucky credit line?
At least 88 days a year.
Does a 5-in-14 schedule get the Kentucky shared parenting time credit?
Yes. It is about 130 days, in the 130 to 142 band, a 25% credit.
Does a 2-in-14 schedule get the Kentucky shared parenting time credit?
No. It is about 52 days, below the 88-day line.
Who sets the schedule if Kentucky parents cannot agree?
The court, on the child’s best interests.
Official sources
- KRS 403.270: custody; best interests; joint custody presumption
- KRS 403.2122: shared parenting time credit
- 2018 Ky. Acts ch. 198 (HB 528): joint custody and equally shared parenting time
- Kentucky Worksheet for Monthly Child Support Obligation
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.