Connecticut child support is calculated using the Income Shares Model under Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-215a, which determines payments based on both parents' combined net weekly income and the number of children. For one child with parents earning a combined net weekly income of $2,000, the basic child support obligation is $319 per week (approximately 16% of combined income). The guidelines cover combined net weekly incomes from $50 to $4,000, with payments ranging from roughly 11-26% of combined income depending on the number of children. Parents earning above $4,000 weekly combined ($208,000+ annually) receive case-by-case determinations, with a minimum floor of $482 weekly for one child.
Key Facts: Connecticut Child Support at a Glance
| Factor | Connecticut Requirement |
|---|---|
| Calculation Model | Income Shares (combined net weekly income) |
| Income Cap | $4,000/week combined net ($208,000/year) |
| One Child Basic Support | $229-$482/week depending on income |
| Shared Custody Threshold | 35% overnights (128+ nights/year) |
| Modification Threshold | 15% or greater deviation from current order |
| Support Duration | Until age 18 (or 19 if still in high school) |
| Filing Fee | $350 divorce filing + $50 service |
| Modification Fee | $180 post-judgment motion |
How Connecticut Calculates Child Support: The Income Shares Model
Connecticut uses the Income Shares Model to determine child support obligations, which ensures children receive the same proportion of parental income they would have received if parents lived together. Under Connecticut Regulations § 46b-215a-2c, courts calculate each parent's net weekly income by subtracting federal and state taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and mandatory retirement contributions from gross income. The two net incomes are combined, then matched to the Schedule of Basic Child Support Obligations to determine the total support amount, which is divided proportionally based on each parent's percentage of the combined income.
The formula works as follows: if Parent A earns $1,500 net weekly (75% of combined income) and Parent B earns $500 net weekly (25%), with combined income of $2,000, the Schedule indicates a basic obligation of $474 weekly for two children. Parent A would pay $355.50 (75% of $474), while Parent B would pay $118.50 (25% of $474). The custodial parent's share is presumed spent directly on the children, so only the non-custodial parent typically makes cash payments.
Approximate Child Support Percentages by Number of Children
| Number of Children | Percentage of Combined Net Income |
|---|---|
| 1 Child | 11-23% |
| 2 Children | 18-32% |
| 3 Children | 23-39% |
| 4+ Children | 27-45% |
What Counts as Income for Child Support Purposes
Connecticut courts consider virtually all sources of income when calculating child support obligations under the state guidelines. Gross income includes wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, investment returns, Social Security benefits, disability payments, unemployment compensation, workers' compensation, pensions, and trust distributions. Courts may also impute income to a parent who is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, assigning earning capacity based on education, work history, and job market conditions.
Allowable deductions that reduce gross income to net income include federal income tax, Connecticut state income tax, Social Security tax (FICA), Medicare tax, mandatory retirement contributions required as a condition of employment, union dues, and health insurance premiums for the parent only. Court-ordered alimony paid to a former spouse from a different relationship may also be deducted. However, voluntary 401(k) contributions and discretionary spending are not deductible.
How Much Is Child Support in Connecticut: Real Payment Examples
Understanding how much child support costs in Connecticut requires examining actual calculation scenarios based on the official guidelines. The basic support obligation for one child at $2,000 combined weekly income is $319, representing approximately 16% of combined parental income. At $3,000 combined weekly income, the one-child obligation rises to $404 weekly. These amounts represent the base support before adding health insurance premiums and childcare costs.
Sample Child Support Calculations
| Combined Net Weekly Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | $178 | $277 | $336 |
| $1,500 | $239 | $370 | $449 |
| $2,000 | $319 | $474 | $575 |
| $2,500 | $362 | $538 | $653 |
| $3,000 | $404 | $601 | $730 |
| $3,500 | $443 | $659 | $800 |
| $4,000 | $482 | $717 | $871 |
For high-income families earning more than $4,000 combined net weekly income, Connecticut courts determine child support on a case-by-case basis, but the minimum support for one child is $482 weekly (the amount at the $4,000 threshold). This prevents wealthy parents from paying disproportionately low support simply because the guidelines schedule ends at $4,000.
Additional Costs Beyond Basic Child Support
Connecticut child support includes more than the basic obligation amount. Health insurance premiums for children, work-related childcare expenses, and unreimbursed medical costs are added to or shared between parents based on their proportional income shares. Under Connecticut law, whichever parent can obtain health insurance coverage at a reasonable cost through employment must do so, with the premium cost allocated between parents proportionally.
Work-related childcare, including daycare, after-school programs, and summer camps needed for parental employment, is divided proportionally by income. For example, if childcare costs $200 weekly and Parent A earns 60% of combined income, Parent A pays $120 and Parent B pays $80. Unreimbursed medical expenses, including co-pays, deductibles, prescriptions, orthodontia, eyeglasses, and mental health treatment, are similarly divided based on income percentages.
Shared Custody and the 35% Overnight Threshold
Connecticut applies a shared custody adjustment when the non-custodial parent exercises 35% or more parenting time (128+ overnights annually). Under Connecticut Regulations § 46b-215a-3a, this shared physical custody arrangement can reduce child support obligations by 30-50% because both households incur direct child-rearing expenses. The calculation multiplies each parent's basic obligation by 1.5, then calculates an offset based on the parenting time split.
The shared custody threshold matters significantly for financial planning. A parent with 34% overnights (124 nights) pays full child support as the non-custodial parent. Increasing to 35% overnights (128 nights) triggers the shared custody formula, potentially reducing payments substantially. Parents negotiating custody arrangements should understand that the difference between 34% and 35% parenting time can mean thousands of dollars annually in child support obligations.
Self-Support Reserve: Protecting the Paying Parent
Connecticut child support guidelines include a self-support reserve to ensure the paying parent retains sufficient income for basic living needs. The self-support reserve is set at the federal poverty level for one person, which for 2026 is approximately $15,060 annually ($290 weekly). If the calculated child support obligation would reduce the non-custodial parent's income below this threshold, courts may deviate from the guidelines to prevent impoverishment.
Additionally, Connecticut caps the total presumptive child support award at 55% of the obligor's net income under Connecticut Regulations § 46b-215a-4b. If the guidelines calculation exceeds this percentage, courts will reduce the obligation. This protection applies most frequently in cases involving multiple children or when the custodial parent earns significantly more than the non-custodial parent.
Deviation Factors: When Courts Order Different Amounts
Connecticut courts may deviate from the guidelines calculation when specific circumstances warrant different support amounts. Under Connecticut Regulations § 46b-215a-5c, deviation criteria include: extraordinary medical or educational expenses for the child, significant disparity in parental income where the custodial parent earns substantially more, substantial assets of either parent, alimony payments affecting ability to pay, court-ordered child support obligations for other children, and extraordinary expenses for visitation or parenting time.
Deviation requests require specific findings by the court explaining why the guidelines amount would be inequitable. For example, if a child has special needs requiring $500 weekly in therapy not covered by insurance, the court may increase support above guidelines amounts. Conversely, if the non-custodial parent has severe health issues limiting earning capacity while the custodial parent is a high earner, courts might reduce the obligation below guidelines.
How to File for Child Support in Connecticut
Filing for child support in Connecticut involves several steps and costs. Parents can establish child support through divorce proceedings, a motion to establish support in family court, or through the Connecticut Department of Social Services Office of Child Support Services. The divorce filing fee is $350 as of March 2026, with an additional $50 for service of process. Post-judgment motions to establish or modify child support carry a $180 filing fee.
The required documents include Form FM-220 (Child Support Guidelines Worksheet), financial affidavits from both parents documenting income, expenses, assets, and liabilities, proof of income such as tax returns and pay stubs, documentation of childcare costs and health insurance premiums, and proof of residency. Connecticut requires 12 months of residency before finalizing any family court judgment under Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-44. Fee waivers are available for families with income below 125% of the federal poverty level through Form JD-FM-75.
Modifying Child Support: The 15% Rule
Connecticut courts will modify child support when a substantial change in circumstances occurs or when the current order deviates substantially from guidelines amounts. Under Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-86(a), a change of 15% or more between the current order and the recalculated guidelines amount is presumed substantial. A deviation of less than 15% is presumed not substantial, though courts retain discretion in borderline cases.
The 15% threshold refers to the change in the support amount, not income. A 20% increase in one parent's salary might only shift child support by 10% depending on the overall calculation. To modify support, the requesting parent must file a motion to modify with the court, pay the $180 filing fee, and demonstrate either a substantial change in circumstances (job loss, disability, remarriage, custody changes) or a 15% deviation from current guidelines. Either parent may also request a review every three years without proving substantial change.
Enforcement of Child Support Orders
Connecticut enforces child support obligations through automatic income withholding, which has been mandatory since 1988 for all child support orders. Under Connecticut law, up to 50% of disposable earnings may be garnished for child support if the paying parent currently supports a spouse or other children; up to 60% if not. An additional 5% may be withheld if the parent is more than 12 weeks in arrears, bringing the maximum to 65% of disposable income.
Non-paying parents face escalating enforcement actions through the Bureau of Child Support Enforcement. Consequences include: credit bureau reporting for arrears exceeding $1,000, suspension of driver's licenses and professional licenses for parents 90 days delinquent, interception of tax refunds and lottery winnings, bank account levies, and contempt of court proceedings. Parents with $5,000 or more in arrears may be referred for federal criminal prosecution, though jail time is rare and used only in extreme cases to pressure compliance rather than as punishment.
Wage Garnishment Limits for Child Support
| Situation | Maximum Garnishment |
|---|---|
| Supporting spouse or other children | 50% of disposable income |
| Not supporting others | 60% of disposable income |
| 12+ weeks in arrears (add 5%) | 55% or 65% |
| Already garnished for other debts | 50-65% total cap |
| Earning less than $145/week | Must retain 85% of income |
| Minimum protected weekly income | $123.25 |
Duration of Child Support Obligations
Connecticut child support continues until the child reaches age 18, or age 19 if the child is still a full-time high school student and resides with the custodial parent. Support may extend beyond age 19 for children with disabilities or special needs that prevent self-support. Courts may also order educational support for college-age children, though this is discretionary and requires consideration of the child's abilities, the parents' means, and the child's contributions.
Child support termination is not automatic. The paying parent must file a motion to terminate support when the child reaches the qualifying age or event. Support obligations also end upon the child's emancipation through marriage, military enlistment, or court order. Death of either parent terminates the obligation, though arrears owed at death remain enforceable against the deceased parent's estate.
Connecticut Child Support Calculator: Using the Official Worksheet
The official Connecticut Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (Form FM-220) provides step-by-step instructions for calculating support obligations. The worksheet is available through the Connecticut Judicial Branch website and is required for all child support proceedings. Using the calculator involves: determining each parent's gross weekly income, applying allowable deductions to calculate net weekly income, combining both parents' net incomes, looking up the basic support obligation in the Schedule of Basic Child Support Obligations based on combined income and number of children, and dividing the obligation proportionally based on each parent's percentage of combined income.
Add-ons for health insurance premiums and work-related childcare are calculated separately and added to each parent's proportional share. The worksheet also includes adjustments for shared custody arrangements and self-support reserve limitations. Parents with complex financial situations or income exceeding $4,000 weekly combined should consult with a family law attorney to ensure accurate calculations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Connecticut Child Support
How much is child support in Connecticut for one child?
Connecticut child support for one child ranges from $178 to $482+ per week depending on combined parental net income. At $2,000 combined weekly income, the basic obligation is $319 weekly (approximately $1,382 monthly). Parents earning above $4,000 combined weekly income have support determined case-by-case, with $482 weekly as the minimum floor.
What percentage of income goes to child support in Connecticut?
Connecticut child support typically ranges from 11-26% of combined parental net income for one child, 18-32% for two children, and 23-39% for three children. The exact percentage varies based on income level, with lower-income families paying a higher percentage. A single non-custodial parent earning $1,000 weekly with one child might pay approximately 23% of their income.
How does shared custody affect Connecticut child support?
Shared custody with 35% or more overnights (128+ nights annually) triggers Connecticut's shared custody formula under Section 46b-215a-3a, potentially reducing child support by 30-50%. Parents with 34% or less overnights pay standard non-custodial parent support. The overnight threshold creates significant financial differences between 124 nights (34%) and 128 nights (35%).
Can Connecticut child support be modified?
Connecticut courts modify child support when recalculated support differs by 15% or more from the current order under Section 46b-86(a). Either parent may also request review every three years without proving substantial change. Common modification triggers include job loss, income changes exceeding 15% impact, custody modifications, and changed healthcare or childcare costs. The modification filing fee is $180.
How long does child support last in Connecticut?
Connecticut child support continues until age 18, or age 19 if the child is a full-time high school student living with the custodial parent. Support may extend indefinitely for children with disabilities preventing self-sufficiency. College support is discretionary but courts may order contributions for higher education based on parental means and child's abilities.
What happens if someone does not pay child support in Connecticut?
Connecticut enforces non-payment through income withholding (up to 65% of wages), license suspensions (driver's and professional), tax refund interception, bank levies, credit reporting for arrears over $1,000, and contempt proceedings. Parents 90 days delinquent lose licenses within 30 days if they fail to pay. Arrears exceeding $5,000 may result in federal criminal prosecution.
Does Connecticut impute income for voluntarily unemployed parents?
Connecticut courts may impute income to parents who are voluntarily unemployed or underemployed. Courts consider the parent's education, job skills, work history, and local employment conditions to determine earning capacity. A parent who quits a $75,000 job to take a $30,000 job without good reason may have support calculated on the higher earning capacity.
Are childcare and medical expenses included in Connecticut child support?
Childcare and medical expenses are calculated separately and added to basic child support in Connecticut. Work-related childcare is divided proportionally by parental income percentages. Health insurance premiums are allocated similarly. Unreimbursed medical expenses (co-pays, deductibles, prescriptions, therapy) are shared based on income ratios, typically paid as incurred.
What is the self-support reserve in Connecticut?
Connecticut's self-support reserve equals the federal poverty level for one person (approximately $290 weekly or $15,060 annually in 2026). If child support would reduce the paying parent's income below this threshold, courts may deviate from guidelines. Additionally, total child support cannot exceed 55% of the obligor's net income under Section 46b-215a-4b.
How do I file for child support in Connecticut?
File for child support through Superior Court family division or the Connecticut Office of Child Support Services. Court filing requires a $350 divorce filing fee (if applicable) plus service costs, or $180 for a standalone motion. Required documents include the FM-220 worksheet, financial affidavits, income verification, and childcare/insurance documentation. Fee waivers available for low-income filers via Form JD-FM-75.
Conclusion
Connecticut child support follows structured guidelines under Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-215a that calculate obligations based on combined parental net weekly income and the number of children. The Income Shares Model ensures children receive support proportional to what they would have received in an intact household. With basic support ranging from 11-26% of combined income for one child and additional allocations for healthcare and childcare, Connecticut provides predictable, enforceable support standards.
Parents should use the official FM-220 worksheet for accurate calculations and consult with Connecticut family law attorneys for complex situations involving high income, shared custody arrangements, or deviation requests. The 15% modification threshold provides flexibility for changed circumstances while maintaining stability for children. Understanding how much child support costs in Connecticut allows both parents to plan financially while ensuring children's needs are met.
Reviewed by: Antonio G. Jimenez, Esq. (Florida Bar No. 21022)
Note: Filing fees current as of March 2026. Verify current fees with your local clerk of court before filing.