Child Support in Connecticut: How It's Calculated
Connecticut uses the Income Shares Model to determine child support obligations. This guide walks through how the formula works, what factors Connecticut courts consider, and how to modify or enforce an order — with links to official Connecticut resources.
Income Shares Model in Connecticut
Connecticut uses the Income Shares Model under its Child Support and Arrearage Guidelines, which are based on both parents' combined net weekly income. The guidelines use a schedule to determine a basic support obligation, which is allocated between parents based on their proportionate share of net income.
Connecticut calculates support on net weekly income, not monthly. Net income is generally defined as gross income minus federal and state income taxes, FICA, mandatory union dues, and health insurance premiums. Shared physical custody provisions apply when the child spends at least 35% of parenting time (roughly 128 overnights per year) with each parent.
Key Factors Connecticut Courts Consider
- Both parents' net weekly income
- Number of children
- Child health insurance costs
- Work-related childcare costs
- Shared physical custody threshold — 35% parenting time each triggers shared custody calculation
- Any extraordinary expenses for the child
- Prior support obligations for other children
Official Connecticut Resources
Get an accurate number from an official source
Child support calculations are complex and fact-specific. For an accurate figure, use Connecticut's official worksheet or consult a licensed family law attorney. This guide explains the framework — it does not produce a binding calculation.
Step-by-Step: How Connecticut's Formula Works
Here is how Connecticut applies the Income Shares Model to calculate a child support obligation, step by step:
1. Determine each parent's income
Connecticut starts by calculating each parent's income — net income (after taxes and mandatory deductions). The specific definition of income is set by Income Shares Model.
2. Combine incomes and find the basic obligation
Both parents' incomes are combined and compared to Connecticut's child support schedule. The schedule produces a basic child support obligation based on combined income and the number of children.
3. Add health insurance and childcare costs
Health insurance premiums paid for the child and work-related childcare expenses are added to the basic obligation before it is divided between parents.
4. Divide proportionally based on income share
The total obligation is allocated between the parents in proportion to each parent's share of combined income. The parent with the higher income share bears a larger portion of the obligation.
5. Apply parenting time credits
Shared physical custody threshold — 35% parenting time each triggers shared custody calculation Shared physical custody provisions apply when the child spends at least 35% of parenting time (roughly 128 overnights per year) with each parent.
Document Everything for Your Connecticut Case
Connecticut courts rely on documented records — parenting time logs, expense receipts, and payment histories. ReplyCalmly helps you track all of it and generate organized, exportable reports.
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