Kentucky Child Support Calculator

Kentucky uses the income shares model. Kentucky uses the Income Shares Model under KRS § 403.212. Both parents' gross incomes are combined and a basic child support obligation is determined from the statutory schedule table based on combined monthly income and number of children. The obligation is divided between parents in proportion to their respective incomes. Adjustments are made for health insurance premiums, work-related childcare costs, and extraordinary medical expenses. The guideline amount is presumptive; deviations require written findings that application would be unjust or inappropriate per KRS § 403.211.

Gross income from all sources is typically used, including wages, salary, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, investment income, Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, and disability benefits. Courts may also impute income if a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.

Child support in Kentucky generally continues until the child turns 18, or through high school graduation if the child is still in school. Some orders extend to age 19 or 21 depending on the state and circumstances (college support, special needs).

Yes, child support orders in Kentucky can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances. Common reasons include significant income changes (job loss, promotion), changes in custody arrangement, changes in the child's needs, or changes in healthcare costs.

Kentucky has enforcement mechanisms including wage garnishment, tax refund interception, license suspension (driver's and professional), bank account levies, contempt of court charges, and reporting to credit bureaus. Failure to pay can result in fines and jail time.