Support in Connecticut

How Connecticut Calculates Child Support

Connecticut uses an income shares model to determine child support obligations. The Connecticut Child Support and Arrearage Guidelines, established under CGS Section 46b-215a and maintained by the Commission for Child Support Guidelines, provide a formula based on the combined net weekly income of both parents.

The calculation begins by determining each parent’s net weekly income — gross income minus taxes, Social Security contributions, mandatory retirement contributions, union dues, and existing support orders for other dependents. The parents’ combined net income is then applied to the guidelines schedule, which produces a basic child support obligation based on income level and number of children.

Each parent’s proportional share of the basic obligation is determined by their percentage of the combined net income. The parent who does not have primary physical custody typically pays their share directly to the custodial parent. Additional amounts may be added for work-related child care expenses and unreimbursed medical costs, also divided proportionally.

For a broader overview of how support calculations work, see our guide on how child support is calculated. You can also estimate your potential obligation using our child support calculator.

Shared Physical Custody Adjustments

When parents share physical custody — generally defined as each parent having the child for at least 40% of overnights per year — Connecticut’s guidelines apply a shared custody adjustment. This adjustment accounts for the fact that both households incur direct child-related expenses. The calculation offsets each parent’s theoretical obligation against the other, resulting in a net payment from the higher-earning parent to the lower-earning parent.

Deviation Criteria

The guidelines amount is presumptive, but the court may deviate from it when strict application would be inequitable or inappropriate. Under the guidelines, permissible deviation criteria include:

• Other financial resources available to a parent or the child
• Extraordinary expenses for the child, such as special medical or educational needs
• Combined net income substantially exceeding the upper limit of the guidelines schedule
• Combined net income falling below the self-support reserve
• Shared physical custody arrangements that create duplicated expenses
• Existing obligations for the support of other dependents
• Extraordinary parenting time arrangements
• Any other special circumstances making the guideline amount inequitable

When a court deviates, it must make a written finding stating the guideline amount and the reasons for the deviation.

Spousal Support (Alimony) in Connecticut

Connecticut courts award alimony under CGS Section 46b-82. The court considers a broad range of factors when determining both the amount and duration of alimony:

• The length of the marriage
• The causes for the dissolution of the marriage
• The age, health, station, occupation, income, earning capacity, vocational skills, education, employability, estate, and needs of each party
• The property division award
• The desirability of the custodial parent securing employment
• Each party’s contribution to the acquisition, preservation, or appreciation of assets
• The opportunity of each party for future acquisition of capital assets and income

Connecticut recognizes several types of alimony. Temporary alimony is awarded during the pendency of the divorce proceedings. Rehabilitative alimony provides support for a defined period to allow a spouse to obtain education, training, or work experience sufficient to become self-supporting. Permanent alimony may be awarded in longer marriages, particularly when one spouse has limited earning capacity. Lump-sum alimony involves a one-time payment rather than periodic installments.

Unlike many states, Connecticut permits the court to consider marital fault when determining alimony. A spouse who committed adultery or engaged in other misconduct may receive a reduced award, or the other spouse may receive a larger one, depending on the circumstances.

Modification of Support Orders

Either parent may petition for modification of child support by showing a substantial change in circumstances under CGS Section 46b-86. Common grounds for modification include significant changes in income, job loss, changes in the child’s needs, or changes in custody arrangements.

Alimony may also be modified upon a showing of substantial change in circumstances. Alimony terminates upon the death of either party or the remarriage of the recipient. Connecticut law also provides that cohabitation by the recipient may be grounds for modification or termination, depending on the terms of the original order.

Enforcement

Connecticut employs a range of enforcement tools when a parent or spouse fails to comply with a support order:

• Income withholding (wage garnishment)
• Interception of state and federal tax refunds
• Suspension of driver’s, professional, and recreational licenses
• Contempt of court, which may result in fines or incarceration
• Liens on real and personal property
• Passport denial for arrearages exceeding $2,500
• Credit bureau reporting
• Bank account levies

The Connecticut Department of Social Services, through its Bureau of Child Support Enforcement, assists custodial parents in establishing, modifying, and enforcing child support orders.

When to Seek Legal Guidance

Connecticut’s child support guidelines and alimony factors involve detailed financial analysis and significant judicial discretion. Whether you are establishing a new support order, seeking a modification, or dealing with enforcement issues, consider scheduling a free consultation with an experienced family law attorney.

Statutes referenced: CGS Sections 46b-84 through 46b-86 (child support), CGS Section 46b-82 (alimony), CGS Section 46b-215a (child support guidelines).