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Connecticut Child Support Calculator (2026)

In Connecticut, child support is based on both parents' combined income and the number of children. The total is split between you based on how much each parent earns, and parenting time can change the amount. Use the free calculator below for an instant estimate.

How it's calculated
Both parents' income combined
Income used
Take-home pay (after taxes)
Last updated
2024
Verified
2026-05-30

Source: CT Gen. Stat. § 46b-215a

Calculate Your Connecticut Child Support

Free estimate — official Connecticut guidelines

Your income after taxes and required deductions

How Much Is Child Support in Connecticut?

If you make $60,000 a year in Connecticut, child support for 1 child is estimated at $525 per month ($6,300 per year). This assumes the other parent earns approximately $36,000/year. Actual amounts depend on both parents' incomes, custody time, and add-on expenses (child care, health insurance).

$1,000/week ($52,000/year): approximately $482/month for 1 child.

Connecticut Child Support Estimates by Income (2026)

Annual Income 1 Child 2 Children 3 Children
$40,000/yr $409/mo $569/mo $672/mo
$50,000/yr $471/mo $655/mo $776/mo
$60,000/yr $525/mo $733/mo $869/mo
$70,000/yr $574/mo $803/mo $951/mo
$80,000/yr $618/mo $866/mo $1,027/mo
$100,000/yr $697/mo $978/mo $1,162/mo
$120,000/yr $766/mo $1,076/mo $1,281/mo

Estimates assume the other parent earns 60% of your income. Actual amounts vary. Compare all states →

How Child Support Is Calculated in Connecticut

Factors That Affect Child Support in Connecticut

Both parents' net monthly incomes
Number of children requiring support
Health insurance premiums for the children
Work-related child care costs
Parenting time and shared custody arrangement
Extraordinary medical or dental expenses
Educational expenses
Other child support or alimony obligations
Technical details and legal basis

Connecticut uses the Income Shares model (CT Gen. Stat. § 46b-215a) to calculate child support. This model combines both parents' incomes to determine the total obligation, then divides it proportionally based on each parent's share.

Important Notes for Connecticut

  • Connecticut uses the Income Shares model, combining both parents' net weekly incomes to determine the total child support obligation.
  • Net income is calculated by deducting federal and state taxes, Social Security, Medicare, mandatory union dues, and qualified retirement contributions from gross income.
  • Connecticut applies a shared physical custody adjustment when the non-custodial parent has the children for more than 35% of the overnights.
  • The court may deviate from guidelines based on factors such as extraordinary medical expenses, educational expenses, or the child's special needs.

Example Calculation

Scenario: Parent A earns $5,000/month, Parent B earns $3,000/month, 2 children.

Step 1: Combined income: $8,000

Step 2: Parent A's share: $5,000 / $8,000 = 62.5%

Step 3: Look up basic obligation for $8,000 combined and 2 children.

Step 4: Multiply by Parent A's share (62.5%).

Adjustments for health insurance, child care, and parenting time may apply.

Key Facts: Child Support in Connecticut

  • Connecticut uses the Income Shares model, meaning child support is based on both parents' combined net income.
  • The basic child support obligation for 1 child ranges from approximately $102/month at $1,000 combined income to $1,538/month at $25,000 combined monthly income.
  • Each parent pays their proportional share of the total obligation based on their percentage of the combined net income.
  • Connecticut includes adjustments for health insurance costs, work-related child care, and shared physical custody over 35% of overnights.
  • Courts may order post-majority educational support for children attending college, potentially extending obligations beyond age 18.

Connecticut Child Support FAQ

How is child support calculated in Connecticut?
Connecticut uses the Income Shares model under CT Gen. Stat. § 46b-215a. Both parents' net incomes are combined, and the basic child support obligation is determined from the guidelines schedule. Each parent pays their proportional share based on their percentage of the combined net income. Adjustments are made for health insurance, child care, and shared custody.
What income is used for Connecticut child support?
Connecticut uses net income, which is gross income minus federal and state income taxes, Social Security, Medicare, mandatory union dues, and qualified retirement contributions. Gross income includes wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, and other regular income sources.
Does shared custody affect child support in Connecticut?
Yes, Connecticut considers shared physical custody when calculating child support. When the non-custodial parent has the children for more than 35% of overnights (approximately 128 overnights per year), the court may apply a shared custody adjustment that reduces the basic child support obligation.
How long does child support last in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, child support generally continues until the child turns 18. However, if the child is a full-time high school student at age 18, support continues until the child graduates from high school or turns 19, whichever occurs first. The court may also order post-majority support for educational purposes up to age 23.
Can Connecticut child support be modified?
Yes, either parent may file a motion to modify child support if there has been a substantial change in circumstances. Connecticut also permits a modification if the current order deviates from the guidelines by 15% or more. The state recommends reviewing orders every three years.
How much is child support in CT?
There is no single flat amount — Connecticut bases child support on both parents' combined net income and the number of children. As a guide, the basic obligation for 1 child ranges from about $102 per month at $1,000 in combined monthly net income to $1,538 per month at $25,000. Each parent then pays a share of that amount based on their percentage of the combined income, so use the calculator above to estimate your exact numbers.
How do I check my child support balance in Connecticut?
You can check your Connecticut child support balance through the state's Office of Child Support Services, part of the Department of Social Services. Support Enforcement Services, a unit of the Connecticut Judicial Branch, also keeps payment records for court-ordered cases. Contact either agency with your case number to see payments made and any past-due amount.
Are the Connecticut child support guidelines changing in 2026?
Yes. A major revision to the Connecticut child support guidelines takes effect on August 1, 2026. It raises the income cap on the schedule to $6,000 per week in net income and adds parenting time credits starting at 25% of overnights. Until that date, the current guidelines still apply, and this calculator follows the rules in effect now.
Does the Connecticut child support calculator include alimony?
No, this calculator estimates child support only. Alimony (spousal support) is a separate award in Connecticut, and judges decide it case by case rather than with a fixed formula. An existing alimony order can still matter here, because other support obligations are considered when figuring each parent's income for child support.

About This Calculator

Uses the official CT Gen. Stat. § 46b-215a (2024 guidelines). Last verified: 2026-05-30.

Disclaimer: Estimates only, not legal advice. Actual amounts are set by Connecticut courts. Full disclaimer.

Methodology: Income Shares model per CT Gen. Stat. § 46b-215a.

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