Estimate Your Connecticut Child Support in Minutes
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Connecticut Family Code in under a minute.
Connecticut Child Support Calculator
Estimate based on Connecticut guideline concepts (weekly net income + schedule-based obligations). For informational purposes only.
Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Connecticut child support is calculated using net weekly income and the official schedule/worksheet, including special rules for low-income obligors and shared physical custody.
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Frequently Asked Questions Regarding
Child Support in Connecticut
Discover what you need to know about Child Support Laws in Connecticut.
Connecticut calculates child support using the Connecticut Child Support and Arrearage Guidelines, which follow an income-shares model.
Both parents’ gross incomes
Number of Children
Parenting Time
Each parent’s proportional share of the combined income
Use the Deliberately.ai California child support calculator above for an estimate, but only a court order is legally binding.
Child support cases may be filed through Connecticut family courts or through state child support services, depending on the situation. When income, expenses, or parentage are contested, consulting an experienced Connecticut family lawyer before filing can help avoid costly mistakes.
Child support in Connecticut is influenced by each parent’s income, the number of children, and the guideline schedule. The court may also consider health insurance costs, work-related childcare expenses, extraordinary medical or educational needs, and whether a deviation from the guidelines is appropriate.
Disputes over income or expenses can make calculations more complex.
There is no single dollar amount that applies to everyone. The amount depends on income, allowable deductions, and guideline adjustments under Connecticut law. To get a reliable estimate before filing or negotiating, use the Deliberately.ai child support calculator above, keeping in mind that the court has final authority.
In most cases, child support ends when the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later, but not beyond age 19. Orders involving disabilities or other special circumstances may follow different rules.
Not always. Child support does not necessarily stop automatically when the termination event occurs. Parents may need to file a request or ensure proper notice is given to terminate or adjust an existing order.
Failure to do so can result in continued withholding.
Yes. Connecticut allows child support to be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as a change in income, employment, or financial needs of the child. Modifications generally apply prospectively, not retroactively.
Child support is intended to help cover a child’s basic living expenses, including housing, food, clothing, and transportation. Certain additional costs, such as healthcare and childcare, may be addressed separately or factored into the guideline calculation.
It can, but only if those costs are properly included in the guideline calculation or addressed in the court order. Simply paying medical expenses does not automatically reduce child support without court approval.
Connecticut generally uses net weekly income, which may include wages, bonuses, commissions, overtime, self-employment income, and certain benefits. If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the court may impute income.
Unpaid child support can result in enforcement actions such as wage withholding, tax refund interception, license suspension, liens, and other collection measures. Enforcement actions can escalate as arrears accumulate.
Back child support does not go away and generally remains enforceable until paid in full. Arrears may continue to be collected even after the child reaches adulthood, and interest may apply.
In certain cases, willful failure to pay child support may lead to criminal penalties. This depends on factors such as the amount owed, duration of nonpayment, and intent. Legal advice is strongly recommended in these situations.
Wage withholding is common in Connecticut child support cases. Other enforcement tools may also be available depending on the circumstances, including liens or bank restraints in certain cases.
Not automatically. Parenting time is considered, but income differences between parents remain a key factor. Shared custody does not eliminate child support and may still result in an obligation depending on financial circumstances.
Child support generally ends at the statutory termination age. Support may continue for a child with qualifying disabilities. College support is not automatic and depends on specific legal findings and agreements.
Parents cannot privately waive child support in a way that overrides a court order. Child support is considered the right of the child, and any modification must be approved by the court.
A lawyer is not required for basic calculations or uncontested cases. However, legal representation is strongly recommended when income is disputed, self-employment is involved, arrears exist, or a guideline deviation is requested.
You will typically need proof of income, recent tax returns, existing court orders, and documentation of expenses such as health insurance and childcare. Missing or inaccurate financial records are a common cause of delays.
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