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Child custody and support in Kentucky

For divorcing parents in Kentucky: the legal term for custody, the parenting class, the official support calculator, custody mediation and the child support agency.

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026

The short answer

Kentucky law uses the term “custody and timesharing (Kentucky presumes joint custody and equal parenting time)” for custody. Parenting class: Many Kentucky family courts require a parenting class (for example, a 'Families in Transition' program) when you have minor children; check local rules. Kentucky publishes an official child support calculator or guidelines.

Custody term
Custody and timesharing (Kentucky presumes joint custody and equal parenting time)
Parenting class
Depends on the court
Child support calculator
Official child support calculator or guidelines
Child support agency
Kentucky Department of Child Support Services (Office of the Attorney General)

Custody terms in Kentucky

Custody and timesharing (Kentucky presumes joint custody and equal parenting time)

Mediation

Many family courts order mediation in contested custody and property cases.

Parenting class in Kentucky

Many Kentucky family courts require a parenting class (for example, a 'Families in Transition' program) when you have minor children; check local rules.

Child support in Kentucky

Child support follows Kentucky's guidelines. Estimate it with the official calculator, and contact the state's child support agency for help setting up or collecting it.

Good to know

Kentucky law presumes joint custody and equal parenting time is in the child's best interest (KRS 403.270, since 2018).

Children in a Kentucky divorce: what the process includes

  1. Custody

    The court's orders use Kentucky's term for custody: custody and timesharing (Kentucky presumes joint custody and equal parenting time).

  2. Parenting class

    Take the parenting class described above if Kentucky requires it in your case.

  3. Mediation

    If the court sends you to mediation, go to every session; the rule is above.

  4. Child support

    Estimate it first: the official calculator

  5. The child support agency

    For help setting up or collecting support, contact the state's child support agency.

Questions about custody and child support in Kentucky

What is child custody called in Kentucky?

Kentucky uses the term “custody and timesharing (Kentucky presumes joint custody and equal parenting time)”.

Do parents have to take a class in a Kentucky divorce?

Many Kentucky family courts require a parenting class (for example, a 'Families in Transition' program) when you have minor children; check local rules.

Is there an official child support calculator for Kentucky?

Yes. Kentucky's official calculator or guidelines: the official calculator

Which agency handles child support in Kentucky?

Kentucky Department of Child Support Services (Office of the Attorney General).

Is mediation required for custody in Kentucky?

Many family courts order mediation in contested custody and property cases.

More about divorce in Kentucky

Custody and support in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.