Connecticut uses the income shares model to calculate child support, ensuring children receive the same proportion of parental income they would have received if their parents lived together. Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-215a, the Commission for Child Support Guidelines establishes presumptive support amounts based on combined parental net income. For example, parents with a combined net weekly income of $1,000 will have a basic child support obligation of $229 per week for one child. The guidelines cover combined incomes from $50 to $4,000 weekly, with amounts ranging from $229 for one child to $1,101 for six children at the $4,000 maximum.
| Key Fact | Connecticut Requirement |
|---|---|
| Calculation Model | Income Shares |
| Filing Fee | $350 (as of March 2026) |
| Residency Requirement | 12 months before decree granted |
| Support Duration | Until age 18, or 19 if in high school |
| Guidelines Maximum | $4,000 combined net weekly income |
| Shared Custody Threshold | 35% overnights (128+ nights annually) |
| Official Worksheet | Form JD-FM-220 (CCSG-1) |
How the Connecticut Child Support Calculator Works
Connecticut determines child support by combining both parents' net weekly incomes and applying the Schedule of Basic Child Support Obligations to find the presumptive support amount. Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-215a, this income shares model allocates support responsibility proportionally based on each parent's percentage of the combined income. A parent earning 60% of the combined income pays 60% of the child support obligation.
The calculation process involves five essential steps. First, each parent calculates their gross weekly income from all sources including wages, bonuses, commissions, pensions, and trust income. Second, allowable deductions are subtracted to determine net income. Third, both parents' net incomes are combined. Fourth, the combined income is matched to the Schedule of Basic Child Support Obligations based on the number of children. Fifth, each parent's share is calculated based on their income percentage.
Income Sources Included in Calculations
Connecticut courts include virtually all income sources when calculating child support obligations. Gross income encompasses salary, wages, overtime pay, commissions, bonuses, dividends, interest, pension distributions, retirement account withdrawals, Social Security benefits, workers' compensation, unemployment benefits, disability payments, rental income, and trust distributions. The guidelines require complete financial disclosure using Form JD-FM-6 (Financial Affidavit) for parents with gross annual income and total net assets below $75,000, or Form JD-FM-6A for those above $75,000.
Allowable Deductions from Gross Income
Net income equals gross income minus specific allowable deductions. Connecticut permits deductions for federal and state income taxes, FICA (Social Security and Medicare), mandatory retirement contributions, union dues, health insurance premiums for the parent only (children's coverage is addressed separately), and court-ordered support for other children. Voluntary retirement contributions and discretionary deductions are generally not permitted.
Connecticut Child Support Schedule: Basic Obligation Amounts
The Schedule of Basic Child Support Obligations provides specific weekly support amounts based on combined net income and number of children. At $1,000 combined weekly net income, the basic support obligation is $229 for one child, representing 22.9% of combined income. At $2,000 combined weekly income, support for two children equals $474 per week. At the maximum guideline level of $4,000 combined weekly income, support ranges from $482 for one child (12.05%) to $1,101 for six children (27.5%).
| Combined Weekly Net Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| $500 | $124 | $175 | $202 |
| $1,000 | $229 | $324 | $373 |
| $1,500 | $325 | $459 | $528 |
| $2,000 | $363 | $474 | $545 |
| $3,000 | $422 | $551 | $634 |
| $4,000 | $482 | $629 | $723 |
For parents with combined net weekly income exceeding $4,000, courts determine support on a case-by-case basis under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-84. The $4,000 guideline amount serves as the minimum presumptive obligation. The maximum presumptive support is calculated by multiplying combined income by the applicable percentage at the $4,000 level.
Health Insurance and Childcare Costs in Connecticut
Connecticut requires parents to provide health insurance coverage for their children when available at reasonable cost, in addition to the basic support obligation. Under the guidelines, health insurance premiums for children are allocated between parents proportionally based on their income shares. If one parent pays $200 monthly for children's health insurance and earns 60% of combined income, the other parent reimburses $80 monthly representing their 40% share.
Unreimbursed medical expenses including co-pays, deductibles, prescriptions, dental work, orthodontia, and therapy are also divided proportionally. Many Connecticut custody agreements establish a threshold amount (commonly $250 per year) before cost-sharing begins. Work-related childcare expenses for daycare, after-school programs, and summer camps are similarly allocated based on income percentages.
What Basic Support Covers
The guideline child support amount covers only basic room and board consisting of food, clothing, and shelter. This standard amount does not include health insurance premiums, unreimbursed medical costs, or employment-related childcare. These additional expenses are calculated separately and added to the basic support obligation, creating a total child support award.
Shared Physical Custody and the 35% Overnight Threshold
Connecticut provides a deviation adjustment when one parent has 35% or more overnights annually (128+ nights). Reaching this threshold can reduce support obligations by 30-50% because both parents incur substantial direct expenses for the child. The guidelines reject a bright-line percentage formula to discourage disputes over time-sharing solely to affect support amounts.
A finding of shared physical custody requires each parent to exercise physical care substantially in excess of standard visitation (alternate weekends, alternate holidays, and vacation time). Equal time-sharing is not required, but significantly more than minimum visitation is necessary. Under the guidelines, when shared physical custody exists, the presumptive support order equals the higher-income parent's share, payable to the lower-income parent.
Deviation Criteria for Shared Custody
When completing Form JD-FM-220, parents with substantial parenting time should check the shared physical custody deviation criteria box. The court will then consider each parent's direct expenditures for the child, the number of overnights with each parent, and the income disparity between parents when determining appropriate support.
Deviation Factors: When Courts Order Different Amounts
Connecticut courts may deviate from guideline amounts when specific criteria are met under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-215b. Any deviation requires stating the presumptive guideline amount first, then citing specific deviation criteria. The seven recognized deviation factors allow courts to order support above or below guidelines when circumstances warrant.
Other financial resources permits deviation when a parent has assets not included in net income that could support the child. Extraordinary child expenses covers essential costs for special education, unreimbursed medical care, or special needs that exceed typical amounts. Extraordinary parental expenses addresses unusual medical, disability, or employment-related costs. Coordination of total family support applies only in divorce proceedings to balance support with property division and alimony. Best interests of the child allows deviation when specific, documented child needs justify departure from guidelines. Total tax planning addresses tax allocation beyond dependency exemptions. Special circumstances serves as a catch-all for equity situations not covered by other criteria.
Modifying Child Support Orders in Connecticut
Connecticut permits modification of existing child support orders when either parent demonstrates a substantial change in circumstances since the original order. Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-86, the 15% guideline establishes that if applying current guidelines to current incomes would change support by 15% or more, modification is generally warranted. Courts view this 15% threshold in either direction as a substantial deviation.
Qualifying changes include significant income increases or decreases, job loss, disability, changes in parenting time arrangements, children aging out of childcare, or changes in health insurance costs. Remarriage alone does not constitute grounds for modification under Connecticut Supreme Court precedent. Neither parent can reduce support simply because they have new family obligations or because their former spouse remarried.
Filing for Modification
To modify child support, file a Motion for Modification (Form JD-FM-174) in the Superior Court that issued the original order. Include updated financial affidavits, documentation of changed circumstances, and a new completed child support worksheet. The court may grant temporary modifications during emergencies like job loss or medical crises while the formal modification is pending.
Duration of Child Support in Connecticut
Connecticut child support continues until the child reaches age 18, or until age 19 if the child remains unmarried, attends high school full-time, needs support, and lives with a parent. Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-84(b), this extended support applies only to orders from divorces, legal separations, or annulments decided on or after July 1, 1994.
For children with intellectual, mental, or physical disabilities who live with and depend on a parent, courts may order continuing support beyond age 18. If the original order was issued before October 1, 2023, support continues until age 21. For orders after October 1, 2023, support may continue until age 26 under amended guidelines.
Educational Support Orders for College
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-56c, courts may issue educational support orders requiring parents to contribute to college expenses. This order covers up to four full academic years at an institution of higher education or private career school. The court must find it more likely than not that parents would have provided educational support if the family remained intact. Either parent may request this order during divorce or, if the divorce decree permits, afterward.
Using Form JD-FM-220: The Connecticut Child Support Worksheet
Form JD-FM-220 (CCSG-1) is the mandatory Worksheet for Connecticut Child Support and Arrearage Guidelines. Every divorce involving minor children requires this completed form, even if parents agree to waive child support. The worksheet guides parents through the income shares calculation and documents any applicable deviation criteria.
Completing the Worksheet Step-by-Step
Begin by entering party names, case number, and each child's name and date of birth. Section A calculates each parent's gross weekly income from all sources. Section B lists allowable deductions to determine net weekly income. Section C combines parents' net incomes and applies the Schedule of Basic Child Support Obligations. Section D calculates each parent's percentage share. Section E addresses adjustments for health insurance, childcare, and other specified expenses. Section F documents any applicable deviation criteria. Section G states the presumptive child support order amount.
Where to Find the Official Form
The current version of Form JD-FM-220 is available at the Connecticut Judicial Branch website. The complete Child Support Guidelines document including the Schedule of Basic Child Support Obligations is published at jud.ct.gov/publications/childsupport/csguidelines.pdf.
High-Income Parents: Support Above the Guidelines Maximum
When combined net weekly income exceeds $4,000, Connecticut courts determine child support individually based on statutory criteria under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-84(d). The $4,000 guideline amount establishes the minimum presumptive support. Courts consider the child's station in life and accustomed standard of living, educational needs, age, health, earning capacity, and any other relevant factors.
The maximum presumptive support equals combined income multiplied by the applicable percentage at the $4,000 level. For one child, this percentage is 12.05%, meaning a couple with $8,000 combined weekly income would have a maximum presumptive support of $964 weekly (12.05% of $8,000). Courts retain discretion within the minimum and maximum range.
Filing Requirements and Court Fees
Connecticut Superior Court charges a $350 filing fee for dissolution of marriage (as of March 2026, verify with your local clerk). Additional costs include $50 for service of court papers and $125 for the mandatory parenting education class for parents with children. Fee waivers are available through Form JD-FM-75 for individuals receiving SNAP, TFA/TANF, Medicaid, or Title XIX assistance, or for those earning below 125% of the federal poverty level.
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-44, at least one spouse must be a Connecticut resident for 12 months before the court can grant a final divorce decree. You may file the complaint immediately upon establishing residence, and the court can grant temporary relief including temporary child support, but final orders require meeting the residency threshold.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is child support calculated in Connecticut?
Connecticut calculates child support using the income shares model under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-215a. Both parents' net weekly incomes are combined, then matched to the Schedule of Basic Child Support Obligations based on number of children. At $1,000 combined weekly income, support for one child is $229 per week. Each parent pays their proportional share based on their percentage of combined income.
What is the minimum child support in Connecticut?
Connecticut has no statutory minimum child support amount, but the guidelines establish presumptive amounts starting at $50 combined weekly income. At this lowest level, basic support for one child is approximately $14 per week. Courts may deviate below guidelines only when specific criteria are documented and the presumptive amount would be inappropriate or unjust.
How does shared custody affect child support in Connecticut?
Shared physical custody (35% or more overnights, which equals 128+ nights annually) qualifies as a deviation criterion that can reduce support by 30-50%. Connecticut courts recognize that parents with substantial parenting time incur direct expenses for the child. However, courts reject strict percentage formulas to discourage custody disputes motivated by support calculations.
When does child support end in Connecticut?
Child support ends when the child turns 18, or extends to age 19 if the child is unmarried, attending high school full-time, living with a parent, and needs support. For children with disabilities living with a parent, support may continue to age 21 (orders before October 2023) or age 26 (orders after October 2023). Educational support orders for college are separate.
Can child support be modified in Connecticut?
Yes, Connecticut allows modification when either parent shows substantial change in circumstances or when current guidelines would change support by 15% or more. Qualifying changes include significant income shifts, job loss, disability, or permanent changes in parenting time. File Form JD-FM-174 (Motion for Modification) with updated financial affidavits and a new child support worksheet.
Does Connecticut require parents to pay for college?
Connecticut courts may issue educational support orders under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-56c requiring parents to contribute to up to four years of higher education. The court must find parents likely would have provided college support if the family remained intact. This order is discretionary and may be requested during divorce or later if the decree permits.
How are health insurance and childcare costs handled?
Health insurance premiums for children and work-related childcare costs are allocated proportionally between parents based on income shares, in addition to basic support. If one parent earns 60% of combined income, they pay 60% of these additional costs. Unreimbursed medical expenses are similarly shared, often with a threshold amount before cost-sharing applies.
What happens if income exceeds $4,000 per week combined?
For combined net weekly income above $4,000, courts determine support case-by-case under statutory criteria in Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-84(d). The $4,000 guideline amount ($482/week for one child) is the minimum presumptive support. The maximum is calculated by applying the percentage at $4,000 (12.05% for one child) to actual combined income.
What form do I use for Connecticut child support calculations?
Form JD-FM-220 (CCSG-1) is the Worksheet for Connecticut Child Support and Arrearage Guidelines. This mandatory form is required in all divorces involving minor children. Download it from the Connecticut Judicial Branch website. You also need Form JD-FM-6 or JD-FM-6A (Financial Affidavit) depending on your income and asset levels.
Can I waive child support in Connecticut?
Parents cannot permanently waive child support because it belongs to the child, not the parents. However, courts may approve zero-support agreements when both parents have similar incomes and share custody equally, making the calculated support minimal. The child support worksheet must still be completed, and either parent may later seek modification if circumstances change.