Best Child Support Lawyers in Connecticut

About Child Support Law in Connecticut, United States

Child support in Connecticut is a legal obligation that ensures both parents contribute financially to the upbringing of their children after separation or divorce. The Connecticut child support system aims to provide for a child’s essential needs, such as food, shelter, clothing, education, and health care. The courts typically calculate support payments based on a formula that takes into account the income of both parents, the number of children involved, and other relevant factors. Child support orders are enforceable by law, and failure to comply can result in serious consequences.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Many people seek legal guidance with child support cases for a range of reasons. A lawyer can help if you are involved in a divorce or custody dispute and want to ensure the support arrangement is fair. Legal help is valuable when:

• You need to establish, modify, or enforce a child support order
• The other parent is not paying court-ordered support
• Your financial circumstances change significantly
• There are disputes about paternity or parentage
• You have questions about your rights and obligations
• Calculating payments is complicated due to self-employment or variable income
• Interstate or international issues affect your child support case
• You need help understanding Connecticut’s specific child support guidelines

Local Laws Overview

Connecticut child support is governed by Connecticut General Statutes (primarily Sections 46b-84 and 46b-215) and the Connecticut Child Support Guidelines. Key aspects include:

• Child support is usually determined using the Connecticut Child Support and Arrearage Guidelines, which aim for fairness and consistency statewide
• Support is generally owed until a child turns eighteen, but may continue to age nineteen if the child is still in high school full-time
• Both parents’ incomes are considered in determining the support amount
• The court may order one parent to contribute to unreimbursed medical expenses, child care expenses, and college education costs
• Modifications to child support can be requested if there is a substantial change in circumstances for either parent or the child
• Failure to pay support can result in wage garnishment, suspension of licenses, property liens, and other enforcement actions
• The Connecticut Department of Social Services Child Support Program provides services for establishing, enforcing, and modifying support orders

Frequently Asked Questions

What factors determine child support payments in Connecticut?

The court uses the Connecticut Child Support Guidelines, factoring in each parent’s income, number of children, health care and child care costs, and parenting arrangements.

How long does child support last?

Child support usually ends when the child turns eighteen, but it can continue until age nineteen if the child is still in high school full-time and not yet graduated.

Can child support be modified in Connecticut?

Yes. A parent can request a modification if there is a substantial change in financial circumstances or in the needs of the child.

What if the other parent is not paying child support?

Connecticut has enforcement tools such as wage garnishment, property liens, and suspension of driver’s or professional licenses. The Department of Social Services can help collect owed support.

Are college expenses covered by child support?

The court may order parents to contribute to postsecondary education, but only under certain circumstances after a specific hearing.

Is child support tax-deductible?

No. Child support payments are not tax-deductible for the paying parent, nor are they considered taxable income for the receiving parent.

Does shared custody affect child support?

Yes. If both parents share custody, the amount of child support may be adjusted based on the time spent with the child and the parents’ respective incomes.

What is the process for establishing paternity?

Paternity can be established voluntarily by both parents signing an acknowledgment, or through court action if needed. Establishing paternity is required before child support can be ordered for unmarried parents.

Do I need a lawyer for child support matters?

While it is not required, having a lawyer is helpful in complex cases, when large sums are involved, or for guidance through court procedures.

Can child support orders from another state be enforced in Connecticut?

Yes. Connecticut can enforce child support orders from other states through the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA).

Additional Resources

• Connecticut Judicial Branch - Family Services Division
• Connecticut Department of Social Services Child Support Program
• Connecticut Legal Services (for low-income residents)
• Connecticut Network for Legal Aid
• Connecticut Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
• National Child Support Enforcement Association

Next Steps

If you need assistance with a child support issue in Connecticut, collect all relevant documents, such as income statements, prior court orders, and communications with the other parent. Consider contacting a family law attorney for a consultation to discuss your options. You can also reach out to the Connecticut Department of Social Services Child Support Program if you require help establishing or enforcing an order. For those who cannot afford legal representation, organizations like Connecticut Legal Services offer guidance and assistance. Acting quickly can help protect your financial interests and the wellbeing of your children.