Last verified: February 2026
Connecticut uses the Income Shares Model to calculate child support, ensuring children receive financial support proportional to what they would have received if both parents lived together. Both parents, whether married or not, share the legal obligation to support their children under Connecticut General Statutes Section 46b-84.
Table of Contents
Quick Summary: Connecticut Child Support
- Model Used: Income Shares Model
- Governing Law: Connecticut General Statutes Section 46b-84 and the Child Support and Arrearage Guidelines
- Support Ends: Age 18 (or 19 if still in high school full-time)
- College Support: Courts may order contributions for children ages 18-23 attending post-secondary education
- Modification Threshold: 15% difference from current order
- Statute of Limitations: None for enforcement of arrears
How is Child Support Calculated in Connecticut?
Connecticut courts use the Income Shares Model, which estimates what parents would spend on their children if the family remained together. The calculation follows these steps:
- Determine each parent’s net weekly income by subtracting allowable deductions from gross income.
- Add both parents’ net incomes to get the combined net weekly income.
- Find the basic support obligation using the Schedule of Basic Child Support Obligations in the guidelines, matching combined income to the number of children.
- Divide the obligation based on each parent’s percentage share of combined income.
- Assign payment responsibility to the noncustodial parent (the custodial parent’s share is presumed spent directly on the child).
For example, if combined net weekly income is $1,000 and there is one child, the basic support amount is $229. If the noncustodial parent earns 60% of the combined income, their weekly obligation would be $137.40.
What Counts as Income in Connecticut?
Under the Connecticut Child Support and Arrearage Guidelines, gross income includes:
- Wages, salaries, and commissions
- Self-employment income
- Bonuses and overtime pay
- Dividends and interest income
- Rental income
- Workers’ compensation and unemployment benefits
- Pension and retirement benefits
- Social Security benefits (including dependency benefits)
Excluded from income: Child support received for other children, public assistance, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Allowable Deductions
Parents may deduct the following from gross income to calculate net income:
- Federal, state, and local income taxes
- Social Security and Medicare taxes
- Mandatory retirement contributions
- Medical, hospital, or dental insurance premiums
- Court-ordered life insurance premiums for the child’s benefit
- Court-ordered alimony or child support for other dependents
- Mandatory union dues
Imputed Income
If a court finds that a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the court may impute income based on the parent’s earning capacity. Courts consider work history, education, training, and available jobs in the area when determining potential earnings.
Deviations from the Guidelines
Connecticut courts may order amounts different from the guideline calculation (called “deviations”) when circumstances warrant. Reasons for deviation include:
- Extraordinary educational, medical, or special needs expenses
- Significant assets or resources available to a parent or child
- Extraordinary visitation expenses (such as long-distance travel)
- Extreme differences between parents’ incomes
- Shared physical custody arrangements
- Unreimbursed medical or employment-related expenses
Shared Physical Custody
When parents share physical custody (each spending substantially more time than standard visitation), courts may reduce the noncustodial parent’s payment. However, reductions only apply if the arrangement actually changes how parents divide expenses. The reduction cannot leave the custodial parent without enough funds to meet the child’s basic needs.
How to Modify a Child Support Order in Connecticut
Either parent may petition the court for modification if there is a substantial and ongoing change in circumstances. Examples include:
- Significant increase or decrease in either parent’s income
- Permanent change in the parenting schedule
- Change in the child’s needs or expenses
Courts generally presume modification is appropriate if the difference between the current order and a new calculation exceeds 15%. To modify an order, gather and file:
- Motion for Modification (Form JD-FM-174)
- Appearance Form
- Financial Affidavit
- Documentation of income changes (pay stubs, tax returns)
What Happens if You Do Not Pay Child Support in Connecticut?
Connecticut takes child support enforcement seriously. The Department of Social Services (DSS) and courts have multiple tools to collect unpaid support:
- Wage garnishment: Automatic withholding from paychecks, including out-of-state employers
- Tax refund interception: Federal and state tax refunds can be seized
- License suspension: Driver’s license, professional licenses, and recreational licenses may be suspended
- Lottery winnings: Can be intercepted to pay arrears
- Bank levy: Funds in bank accounts may be seized
- Property liens: Liens can be placed on real property if $500 or more is owed
- Credit reporting: Unpaid support over $1,000 may be reported to credit bureaus
- Contempt of court: Can result in fines or incarceration
If you owe more than $5,000 in back child support, you may face federal criminal charges. There is no statute of limitations for enforcing child support arrears in Connecticut.
Interstate Enforcement
If the noncustodial parent moves out of state, Connecticut can pursue collection through the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA), which allows coordination between states to enforce support orders.
When Does Child Support End in Connecticut?
Under Connecticut law, child support typically ends when the child:
- Turns 18 and has graduated high school, OR
- Turns 19 (if still a full-time high school student), OR
- Becomes legally emancipated, OR
- Marries, joins the military, or becomes self-supporting
Post-secondary education: Courts may order parents to contribute to college or vocational training expenses for children ages 18 to 23 who attend full-time. This is not automatic and requires a court order.
Emancipation in Connecticut
A minor age 16 or 17 may petition for emancipation by demonstrating:
- Financial independence
- The ability to manage personal affairs
- That emancipation is in their best interest
Emancipation can also occur through marriage or enlistment in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does remarriage affect child support in Connecticut?
Remarriage alone does not automatically change child support. However, if a new spouse’s income substantially changes the paying parent’s financial situation (for example, reducing household expenses), the court may consider this when evaluating a modification request. A new spouse’s income is not directly included in the child support calculation.
2. Can child support arrears be forgiven in Connecticut?
Connecticut does not allow retroactive modification of child support, meaning past-due amounts cannot be reduced. Arrears can only be forgiven if the custodial parent agrees, and any agreement must be approved by the court to be enforceable. The state cannot waive arrears owed to it for public assistance reimbursement.
3. How do I apply for child support in Connecticut?
You can apply for child support services through the Connecticut Department of Social Services, Bureau of Child Support Enforcement. Services include locating absent parents, establishing paternity, obtaining support orders, and enforcement. Call 1-800-228-KIDS (5437) or visit your local DSS office.
4. What if I cannot afford to pay child support?
If your financial circumstances change significantly (job loss, disability, reduced income), petition the court for a modification immediately. Do not simply stop paying, as arrears will continue to accumulate. Contact DSS or the court to discuss your options. If you qualify, the court may appoint a public defender to assist you.
5. Can visitation be denied if child support is not paid?
No. In Connecticut, child support and visitation are separate legal issues. A custodial parent cannot deny visitation because of unpaid support, and a noncustodial parent cannot withhold support due to visitation disputes. Each issue must be addressed through proper court proceedings.
Related Connecticut Laws
- Connecticut Recording Laws
- Connecticut Car Seat Laws
- Connecticut Hit and Run Laws
- Connecticut Lemon Law
- Connecticut Sexting Laws
- Connecticut Statute of Limitations
- Connecticut Whistleblower Laws
For specific questions about your situation, consider consulting with a Connecticut family law attorney. You can get a free case consultation from a lawyer here.