FamilyLawFinder

How Connecticut Calculates Child Support

Connecticut uses the Income Shares model to determine child support obligations. This page explains the guidelines, formula, and key factors.

Model Type

Income Shares

Connecticut's Income Shares guidelines define shared physical custody as substantially equal time with both parents; when one parent has 35% or more of overnights (128+/year), a different formula applies that accounts for both parents' direct expenses. A revised set of guidelines takes effect for new and modified orders filed on or after August 1, 2026.

Income Basis & Definitions

Income Basis:

net

Number Of Children On Order

Selects the base-support amount from the schedule/table.

Source: Guidelines: net weekly income schedule
Parent A Income

Parent A net income used by guideline.

Source: Income definition / worksheet income line(s)
Parent B Income

Parent B net income used by guideline.

Source: Income definition / worksheet income line(s)

Parenting Time Handling

Custody Type Or Worksheet Selection

Calculator selects custody model/worksheet (sole/shared/split/joint) and applies corresponding formula.

Source: Custody/worksheet applicability and parenting-time adjustment
Parenting Time Input

Parenting time entered as overnights or time-share variable used by the worksheet.

Source: Parenting time input field(s) / adjustment

Deductions & Adjustments

Other Child Support Or Dependents Adjustment

Adjustments/credits for other dependents or court-ordered support for other children (state-specific).

Source: Other children / preexisting support adjustment
Spousal Support Adjustment

If the guideline adjusts for spousal support (paid/received), capture amount.

Source: Spousal support (alimony/maintenance) adjustment

Add-Ons & Allocation

Work Related Childcare Costs

Work-related childcare costs added and allocated between parents.

Source: Childcare add-on
Child Health Insurance And Uninsured Medical

Child’s health insurance premium share and uninsured/unreimbursed medical allocation.

Source: Medical support (insurance + uninsured medical)

Caps, Minimums & Deviations

Income Cap And Above Cap Handling

If guideline table caps at an income level, above-cap support is typically discretionary with findings.

Source: Maximum schedule income / above-cap handling
Deviation Factors And Findings

Deviation allowed for enumerated factors; requires findings (court-determined).

Source: Deviation factors / findings

Try the Calculator

Use our Connecticut child support calculator to estimate your obligation.

Official Sources

Connecticut Child Support and Arrearage Guidelines (CT Judicial Branch) (PDF)