Child support is a significant financial obligation that parents must meet to ensure that their child’s needs are met. In Kentucky, child support is determined based on the income of both parents and the number of children they have. However, when a child reaches college age and has education expenses, it can add an extra layer of complexity to the child support equation. Here, we’ll explore how a child’s college education expense affects child support in Kentucky.
Child Support in Kentucky
In Kentucky, child support is calculated based on the income of both parents and the number of children. The child support guidelines consider each parent’s income, deductions, and expenses to determine the amount of child support each parent should pay. The income of both parents is added together, and the state uses a chart to determine the basic support obligation.
The basic support obligation is paid until the child reaches age 18 or graduates from high school, whichever comes later. It can also be extended if the child has a disability or if the child is still in high school after turning 18.
College Education Expenses
When a child reaches college age, the cost of education can be significant. In Kentucky, parents have a legal obligation to support their child’s education until the child reaches age 21, but this does not necessarily mean that parents must pay for college. Instead, a court may determine that the non-custodial parent is responsible for a percentage of the child’s education expenses based on their income and other factors.
The Kentucky Law
Under Kentucky law, the court can require a parent to contribute to their child’s college expenses based on several factors. These factors include the financial resources of both parents, the child’s financial resources, the child’s ability to earn income, and the child’s academic performance.
If the court determines that a parent should contribute to their child’s college expenses, this amount would be in addition to the basic child support obligation. The amount of the contribution would be based on the parent’s income and other factors, and it would be meant to cover a specific percentage of the child’s college expenses.
Conclusion
In Kentucky, child support is based on the income of both parents and the number of children they have. When a child reaches college age, the cost of education can be significant, and parents may have an additional obligation to support their child’s college expenses. If a court determines that a parent should contribute to their child’s college expenses, this amount would be in addition to the basic child support obligation. If you are a parent who is facing this situation, it is important to consult with an experienced family law attorney in Kentucky to understand your rights and obligations.