Calculate Maintenance Under Kentucky Revised Statutes KRS 403.200 | 2026 Atwood Formula
Young v. Young, 314 S.W.3d 306 (Ky. Ct. App. 2010)
Likely Range:
Established the "substantial and continuing change in circumstances" standard for modification.
Reaffirmed that a payor's retirement at normal retirement age (65+) is a substantial change, potentially reducing or terminating maintenance.
Clarified that cohabitation alone does not terminate maintenance; the payor must prove financial interdependence and reduced need.
Confirmed Kentucky is no-fault; marital misconduct (except economic fault) cannot be used to deny or reduce maintenance.
Held that vocational evaluations are strongly encouraged when determining rehabilitative maintenance duration; courts must consider realistic job market conditions.
No statutory formula. However, the Atwood Formula is widely used by attorneys and mediators in 2026: (Combined Net Income / 2) - Lower Earner's Net Income = Guideline Maintenance. This calculator applies that method with statutory adjustments.
Based on Patterson v. Patterson, 2020 Ky. App. Unpub.
For all divorces finalized after January 1, 2019 (including 2026): Spousal maintenance is NOT deductible by the payor and NOT taxable to the recipient. The pre-2019 deductibility rules no longer apply to new cases. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Duration varies: short marriages (<5 yrs) often 20-30% of marriage length; long marriages (15+ yrs) up to 50-60% or permanent if recipient cannot become self-supporting due to age/disability. Rehabilitative support usually capped at 3-5 years.
Yes, under KRS 403.250 for "substantial and continuing change in circumstances." Retirement at 65+, job loss, disability, or recipient's remarriage are common grounds. Modifications are not retroactive.
Kentucky is a no-fault divorce state. Marital misconduct (adultery, etc.) cannot be used to deny or reduce maintenance. However, economic misconduct (waste of assets, hiding income) may influence the amount or duration.
Young v. Young, 314 S.W.3d 306 (Ky. Ct. App. 2010)