When parents are separated due to divorce or other reasons, they each retain the legal obligation to support their children. In Connecticut, that obligation is allocated using the "Income Shares Model," a method of estimating the financial contribution both parents would have made if the family remained intact. This is meant to maintain a standard of living similar to what the child would have experienced had the parents not separated.

The Income Shares Model process begins by calculating each parent's gross income, which includes wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, and other sources like rental income or pensions. Certain incomes, such as public assistance or Supplemental Security Income, are excluded. From the gross income, allowable deductions are subtracted to determine the net income. These deductions can include income taxes, mandatory union dues, court-ordered alimony or child support for other dependents, and health insurance premiums for the parent and their legal dependents. 

Once both parents' net incomes are determined, they are combined to establish the total net income. The next step is to apply the Connecticut Child Support and Arrearage Guidelines, which assigns a percentage of the support obligation to each parent in proportion to their share of the net income. If one parent’s income is 60 percent, they would be responsible for 60 percent of the obligation.

While the guidelines provide a standard calculation, courts can deviate from them under certain circumstances, such as the following:

• Shared physical custody — If both parents have nearly equal parenting time, the court may adjust the support amount to reflect this arrangement.

• Extraordinary expenses — Costs related to a child's special needs, education, or medical care can influence the support amount.

• Parental agreement — If both parents agree on a different amount that serves the child's best interests, the court may approve it.

In Connecticut, child support typically continues until the child turns 18 of, if the child is still in high school, until graduation or the child's 19th birthday, whichever comes first. For children with special needs, support may continue longer.

Either parent can request a modification of the child support order if there is a substantial change in income, employment status, the needs of the child or other relevant circumstances. The court will review the new information and determine if an adjustment is warranted.

Several measures may be used to enforce child support orders, including wage garnishment, interception of tax refunds or legal action against non-compliant parents. The state's Child Support Enforcement Program assists in ensuring that support payments are made timely and in full.

It's advisable to consult with a family law attorney knowledgeable about child support to ensure a fair in these cases. The O’Neil Law Firm in Hartford, Connecticut serves families throughout Hartford, Middlesex and Tolland counties. Call us at 866-418-7593 or contact us online to set up a consultation.