Connecticut Child Support Attorney
What Does Child Support Cover in CT?
When parents are not married, whether they have been divorced or were never married in the first place, one of them normally is legally responsible to make payments of financial support to the other. Child support is paid by the non-custodial parent for purposes of making a financial contribution to the child's needs. This way, the parent who has child custody is not forced to shoulder the full burden of raising the child.
As an experienced family law firm, we can help you work through it by doing the following:
- Calculating child support. Since Connecticut has mandatory support guidelines, we can provide an estimate of the amount that you would need to pay or receive.
- Legally enforcing payment. If your spouse is not paying the court-ordered support, we can help you file a motion that would allow you to obtain payment through wage garnishment.
- Modifying the terms. If you lose your job or have another major life change, we can help you modify the terms of your child support order.
To get assistance with your child support matter, please contact Happy Even After Family Law for a consultation. We have an award-winning legal team that has been named among the best in Connecticut by the Connecticut Law Tribune, the National Association of Family Lawyers, & Super Lawyers®.
Need assistance with child support issues? Contact our dedicated legal team online or call (888) 410-3562 today. Our Connecticut child support lawyers are here to help.
How is Child Support Determined Connecticut?
Child Support Determination: Financial Responsibilities and Guidelines
The state has adopted the Child Support Guidelines to determine the appropriate level of support and each parent's financial responsibility for medical and child care expenses. Based on a number of different economic factors, the guidelines produce a determination of how much the non-custodial parent should be ordered to pay. Either the father or the mother may be ordered to pay child support.
Connecticut family courts use guidelines created by the state to determine how much child support you will receive or pay. First, the court will look at the combined net weekly income of both parents. It then uses this amount to decide what percentage of that total income should be used to help support your children, known as the basic child support obligation.
After determining the combined total net income of both parents, the court will look at how much the parent who will pay child support contributes to that number and the basic child support obligation to determine how much they are expected to contribute.
Modifying Child Support Orders
Life circumstances can change, and as a result, child support orders may need to be modified to reflect these changes. Whether you are seeking an increase or decrease in child support payments, our experienced Connecticut child support attorneys can help you navigate the legal process.
Reasons for modifying child support orders may include:
- Change in income for either parent
- Change in custody arrangements
- Healthcare or educational expenses
- Child's changing needs
It is important to work with a knowledgeable attorney to ensure that any modifications to child support orders are handled properly and in accordance with Connecticut laws. Contact our team at Happy Even After, Family Law to discuss your specific situation and explore your options for modifying child support orders.
Ending Child Support Obligations in CT
Terminating Child Support: Legal Process and Considerations
You must continue paying or reducing child support in Connecticut. You can, however, apply for a Post Judgment modification. You can request that a Connecticut court change the order. You will have to go to the court hearing.
It is important to note that child support orders are not automatically terminated when a child reaches the age of majority. To terminate child support, you must file a motion with the court and ask the court to complete the order. The court will consider all relevant factors, including the child's needs, the parents' incomes, and the parent's ability to support the child.
Suppose you are considering ending your child support order. In that case, speaking with our attorney to discuss your options is essential. Our attorney can help you understand the law and protect your rights.
When Does Child Support End in CT?
In Connecticut, the age for child support to end is 18. Child support payments may continue until a child turns 19 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs first.
Parents are responsible for child support. However, until a child turns nineteen or graduates from high school, whichever event occurs first, the court may also order child support for a disabled child until the child attains the age of twenty-one if the child resides with one parent and depends on that parent for financial support.
Additionally, you will most likely be required to continue paying child support even if you do not visit or see the child and the child’s other parent gets remarried or lives with someone else.
Child Support Agreements: Deviating from Standard Guidelines
Parental Agreements on Child Support: Understanding Your Options
Yes. The court allows parties to deviate from the child support guidelines for various reasons such as shared parenting time, extraordinary income, or extraordinary child expenses. It is important to consult with an experienced divorce attorney to determine whether a deviation is appropriate.
Tax Considerations for Child Support in Connecticut
Tax Implications of Child Support: What You Need to Know
For tax purposes, child support is neither deductible by the person paying it, nor taxable income to the person receiving it. Therefore, it is important to take this into account when negotiating the terms of child support during a divorce.
Frequently Asked Questions on Child Support in CT
- What is child support under Connecticut family law?
- How is child support determined in Connecticut?
- When does the responsibility to pay child support terminate?
- Can parents agree to a pay or receive a different child support amount?
- Are there any tax implications on child support in Connecticut?
Contact Our Connecticut Child Support Attorneys Today
Contact our Connecticut child support lawyer online or call (888) 410-3562 for help with your child support matters.
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