1. What is child support in Kansas?

Child support in Kansas is a court-ordered financial contribution made by the non-custodial parent to assist with the upbringing of their child. It covers essential needs like housing, food, education, healthcare, and other living expenses.

2. How is child support calculated in Kansas?

Kansas uses the Income Shares Model, which estimates the amount both parents would have spent on the child if they were living together. The total support obligation is divided between parents based on their incomes.

Kansas uses an official Child Support Worksheet and calculator. You can use the online tool here:
🔗 Kansas Child Support Calculator (Official)

3. What income is considered for child support calculation?

The court considers gross income, including:

• Salary, wages, bonuses
• Commissions and overtime
• Rental income
• Business income
• Unemployment and disability benefits
• Social Security benefits
  It does not include public assistance or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

4. How do parenting time and custody affect child support?

Kansas adjusts child support based on the number of overnight stays a child has with each parent. Shared residency (equal or close-to-equal time) may reduce the obligation of the non-primary parent.

5. Can parents agree on a different child support amount than the guideline?

Yes, but the court must approve it. Any deviation must be justified (e.g., special needs, travel expenses, agreed parenting plans) and must be in the best interest of the child.

6. When does child support end in Kansas?

Typically, it ends when the child turns 18, but it may extend until 19 if the child is still in high school full-time. It can also be extended if the child has a disability.

7. Can child support be modified in Kansas?

Yes. Either parent can request a modification every 3 years or sooner if there’s a significant change in circumstances (e.g., income, custody arrangements, job loss, new child).

8. What qualifies as a “significant change” for modification?

Examples include:

• Job loss or promotion
• Increased/decreased parenting time
• Medical emergencies
• Change in childcare or insurance costs

9. What is retroactive child support in Kansas?

Retroactive child support refers to payments ordered for the period before a court order was entered—usually back to the date the child was born or when the parents separated.

10. What if a parent refuses to pay child support?

The Kansas Child Support Services (CSS) can enforce payments through:

• Wage garnishment
• Tax refund intercepts
• License suspensions (driver’s, professional, hunting)
• Contempt of court (which could result in jail time)

11. Can I reduce my child support if I have another child?

Possibly. Kansas allows a child credit for other biological or adopted children a parent is legally supporting, which may reduce the amount owed.

12. Do health insurance costs affect child support?

Yes. If either parent provides health insurance, their costs are factored into the support calculation. Both parents may share medical costs not covered by insurance.

13. Are childcare expenses included in the child support order?

Yes. Work-related childcare expenses are included and allocated proportionally between parents based on income.

14. Can a child support order be terminated early?

Yes, if the child is emancipated (e.g., married, joins the military, or becomes self-supporting) before age 18, the paying parent can petition for termination.

15. What if the other parent lives in another state?

Thanks to the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA), Kansas can enforce and modify child support orders across state lines.

16. Can both parents claim the child for tax purposes?

Generally, only one parent can claim the child as a tax dependent. This is usually the custodial parent, but it can be negotiated in the parenting plan or ordered by the court.

17. What if paternity is not established?

A father must establish legal paternity before child support can be ordered. This can be done through:

• Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity
• Court-ordered DNA testing

18. Can I request back payments for missed support?

Yes. If the other parent did not pay as ordered, you can enforce the judgment and collect arrears (missed payments). Kansas law allows you to collect for up to 3 years prior, depending on the circumstances.

19. Do I need an attorney to handle child support issues?

While it’s not required, an attorney is helpful, especially in complex cases involving custody, modification, or enforcement. You can also seek help from Kansas Child Support Services (CSS).

20. What resources are available to help me?

• Kansas Child Support Services: https://css.dcf.ks.gov
• Kansas Legal Services: https://www.kansaslegalservices.org
• Kansas Child Support Calculator: Official Worksheet & Tools

💡 Final Tip:

Always use the official calculator and consult with a qualified family law attorney if your case involves multiple complexities such as joint custody, special needs, or enforcement disputes.

Top 5 Child Support Attorneys in Kansas (2025)

Here are five highly regarded child support attorneys in Kansas, recognized for their expertise in family law and commitment to their clients:

1. Melissa Schroeder – The Kelly Law Firm, L.L.C.

Location: Lenexa, KS
Contact: thekellyfirm.com
Melissa Schroeder brings nearly three decades of experience in family law, including child support cases. Her firm is known for providing personalized legal strategies and has been recognized by Super Lawyers for excellence in practice. LawInfo.com+2SuperLawyers.com+2SuperLawyers.com+2

2. Eric A. Morrison – Morrison Law, LLC

Location: Prairie Village, KS
Contact: morrisonlawkc.com
Eric A. Morrison has over 30 years of experience handling child support and family law matters. His firm offers comprehensive legal services and has been acknowledged by Super Lawyers for its commitment to clients. Avvo+3SuperLawyers.com+3SuperLawyers.com+3LawInfo.comSuperLawyers.com+1SuperLawyers.com+1

3. MaKenzi D. Higgins – Juris Law & Mediation, LLC

Location: Olathe, KS
Contact: jurislawmediation.com
MaKenzi D. Higgins specializes in child support and family law, offering both litigation and mediation services. Her approach focuses on resolving disputes amicably while protecting her clients’ interests. SuperLawyers.com+1SuperLawyers.com+1

4. Katherine Clevenger – ParksClevenger LLC

Location: Overland Park, KS
Contact: parksclevenger.com
Katherine Clevenger is an experienced child support attorney practicing in the Kansas City area. She is known for her dedication to family law and has been recognized by Super Lawyers for her work. Home+5SuperLawyers.com+5The Bright Family Law Center, LLC+5

5. Natasha N. Veenis – Evans & Dixon, L.L.C.

Location: Overland Park, KS
Contact: evans-dixon.com
Natasha N. Veenis offers experienced child support representation in the Kansas City, KS area. Her practice is focused on family law, and she is committed to providing effective legal solutions for her clients. SuperLawyers.com+1SuperLawyers.com+1

When selecting a child support attorney in Kansas, consider factors such as experience, specialization in family law, client reviews, and your comfort level with the attorney. It’s advisable to schedule consultations to discuss your specific situation and determine the best fit for your legal needs.