Connecticut Child Support Calculator & Guide (2025)

Overview of Connecticut Child Support

Connecticut uses the Income Shares Model under C.G.S. §46b-215a and the Connecticut Child Support and Arrearage Guidelines. Unlike most states that use gross income, Connecticut uses net income to determine the support obligation.

Both parents' net incomes are combined to determine the total support obligation, which is then allocated based on each parent's proportional share. Connecticut also considers shared custody arrangements, educational expenses, and cost of living adjustments.

How Child Support Is Calculated in Connecticut

The Connecticut child support formula follows these steps:

1. Determine each parent's net income: Start with gross income and subtract federal/state taxes, Social Security, Medicare, mandatory retirement contributions, and health insurance premiums
2. Combine both parents' net incomes to find the total
3. Look up the basic obligation on the Connecticut income schedule based on combined net income and number of children
4. Add health insurance costs for the child and work-related childcare expenses
5. Allocate the total obligation between parents based on their proportional income shares
6. Apply adjustments for shared custody and other factors

Key Factors in Connecticut Calculations

Net Income Definition

Connecticut uses net income, which is gross income minus:

• Federal income taxes
• State income tax (3% to 6.99%)
• Social Security taxes (6.2%)
• Medicare taxes (1.45%)
• Mandatory retirement contributions
• Health insurance premiums
• Mandatory union dues

Shared Custody Deviation

Connecticut courts may deviate from the standard guidelines when parents share custody. The court considers the amount of time the child spends with each parent, the expenses each parent directly incurs for the child, and the overall financial circumstances of both parents.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Connecticut may apply a cost of living adjustment to child support orders. This ensures that support amounts keep pace with inflation and changes in the local cost of living over time.

Minimum and Maximum Amounts

Minimum: Connecticut does not have a fixed statutory minimum. The self-support reserve of $1,256/month protects low-income obligors.

Maximum: The Connecticut income schedule extends to $10,000 in combined monthly net income. For incomes above this level, the court has discretion to determine an appropriate amount.

Modification and Enforcement

Modification

Connecticut allows modification when:

• There has been a substantial change in circumstances
• A significant increase or decrease in either parent's income
• A change in custody arrangements
• A change in the child's needs

Enforcement

The Connecticut Department of Social Services - Child Support Enforcement enforces orders through:

• Income withholding from paychecks
• Tax refund interception (federal and state)
• Driver's license suspension
• Professional license suspension
• Credit bureau reporting
• Contempt of court proceedings
• Liens on property and financial accounts
• Passport denial for arrears over $2,500

Get your Connecticut estimate: Use our free child support calculator to see what you might owe or receive under Connecticut guidelines, or try the Connecticut-specific calculator.