Connecticut Child Support Calculator

How Connecticut Calculates Child Support

Connecticut's approach is like figuring out a family budget. The court first estimates how much you and the other parent would spend on your children if you were still together, based on your combined income. Your portion of that total amount is then determined by your percentage share of the combined income.

Understanding Connecticut's Shared Custody Rules

When the children spend a significant amount of time with both parents (at least 40% of overnights, or about 146 nights per year), Connecticut uses a specific shared parenting formula. This calculation adjusts the standard support amount to recognize the costs associated with maintaining two separate households for the children.

Connecticut Child Support FAQs

At what age does child support end in CT?

In Connecticut, child support typically ends when a child turns 18. However, if the child is still enrolled full-time in high school, the support obligation continues until they graduate or turn 19, whichever occurs first.

How is child support calculated if one parent is unemployed in CT?

If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the court can impute income. This means the judge will calculate child support based on that parent's earning capacity, considering their work history, skills, education, and available job opportunities, rather than their actual low or zero income.

How do I modify a child support order in CT?

You can request to modify a child support order in Connecticut if there has been a 'substantial change in circumstances.' This is legally presumed if the new calculation shows a difference of 15% or more from the existing support order, though other major life changes may also qualify.

Does CT child support cover college expenses?

Standard child support does not cover college. However, Connecticut is one of the few states where a court can issue a separate order for post-secondary educational support, requiring parents to contribute to college expenses for a child up to age 23, provided certain conditions are met.

How does CT handle health insurance and childcare costs?

In Connecticut, the costs for the child's health insurance premiums and necessary work-related childcare are added to the basic child support obligation. These additional expenses are then divided between the parents in proportion to their respective incomes.