Kentucky Divorce with Children
Everything you need to know about divorce with children in Kentucky — custody types, child support guidelines, parenting plans, and protecting your children through the process. Updated for 2026.
Types of Custody in Kentucky
Legal Custody
The right to make major decisions about your child's education, healthcare, religion, and welfare.
Physical Custody
Determines where the child lives on a day-to-day basis and the parenting time schedule.
"Best Interests of the Child" Factors
Kentucky courts consider multiple factors when determining custody arrangements:
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Divorce.ai helps you build a comprehensive parenting plan that meets Kentucky court requirements.
Child Support in Kentucky
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.
Official Kentucky child support calculator →Factors Considered
Additional Forms Required (Children)
| Form | Name |
|---|---|
| AOC-252 | Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (With Children Under 18) |
| CS-71 | Child Support Worksheet |
| AOC-275.4 | Findings of Fact and Decree of Dissolution of Marriage (With Children) |
Mandatory Parenting Course
Kentucky requires both parents to complete a parenting education course when filing for divorce with minor children.
Kentucky courts may order parents to attend a divorce education course when minor children are involved. Many Kentucky circuits have standing orders requiring completion of a parent education program. The course covers the impact of divorce on children and strategies for effective co-parenting. Courses are typically 4 hours and may be completed online or in person.
Typical cost: $50
Protect your children through the process
Divorce.ai helps you create a child-focused parenting plan and prepares all custody-related Kentucky forms.
What Goes in a Parenting Plan?
A comprehensive parenting plan should cover:
Regular Parenting Schedule
Week-by-week schedule of where the child lives and when transitions occur.
Holiday & Vacation Schedule
How holidays, school breaks, and vacation time are divided between parents.
Decision-Making Authority
Who makes decisions about education, healthcare, extracurriculars, and religious upbringing.
Communication Rules
How the child communicates with the non-custodial parent (phone, video calls, etc.).
Transportation & Exchange
Who handles pickups/dropoffs and where exchanges occur.
Dispute Resolution
How disagreements about the parenting plan will be resolved (mediation first, then court).
Relocation Rules
Notice requirements and procedure if either parent wants to move.
Tips for Protecting Your Children During Divorce
Never speak negatively about the other parent in front of your children. It puts them in the middle and can harm your custody case.
Maintain routines. Keep school, activities, and daily routines as consistent as possible during the transition.
Communicate openly with your children in age-appropriate ways. Let them know the divorce is not their fault.
Consider counseling. A child therapist can help children process their emotions during this time.