How is child support calculated? Connecticut child support is calculated by determining both parents’ combined net weekly income and cross-referencing it with the number of children they have to determine the parents’ financial obligations and how much must be paid in child support.
Rich Rochlin Family Law can help you calculate payment amounts when you hire a Connecticut child support lawyer.
Parents Must Start by Calculating Their Net Weekly Income
When calculating child support, Connecticut uses the Income Shares Model. This model assesses both parents’ net weekly income by taking their gross weekly income and subtracting various taxes, deductions, and other financial obligations such as health insurance premiums and alimony payments. The total of these calculations shows the value of a parent’s net weekly income.
After both parents have completed their individual calculations, the values are added to determine the parents’ combined net weekly income. This number is used to determine how much child support may be required. Payments are generally made by either the noncustodial parent, since the child spends less time with them, or the parent who earns a higher income.
Rich Rochlin Family Law can walk you through how child support is calculated in Connecticut. The state has instituted several changes, including increasing the weekly income range limit from $4,000 to $6,000. The court can also apply different criteria in situations where a parent is underemployed by choice, or combined income exceeds the standard amount.
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The Number of Children Parents Have Impacts Child Support Amounts
Child support calculations also take into account the number of children that a couple has together. This affects how much a parent must provide, since child support payments must cover each child. Connecticut provides guidelines on child support calculations and minimum payment amounts in the state’s Child Support and Arrearage Guidelines.
The child support schedule within the guidelines (pages 14-28) is used to determine how much must be paid. The parents’ combined net weekly income is cross-checked with the number of children they have together to determine the minimum amount that must be paid. For example, if the parents’ combined net weekly income is $2,000 and they have three children, the minimum child support payment is $638.
Rich Rochlin Family Law can use this table to help you determine and prepare for your financial obligations when calculating child support. We can also discuss any deviations or other factors that may apply to your situation that could potentially change the amount of child support you are expected to provide. Legal counsel can help ensure you’re better positioned to provide for your child.
Other Factors to Consider When Calculating Child Support in Connecticut
While Connecticut child support calculations determine the minimum financial obligation a parent has, other factors may also be considered and affect the payment amount. For example, health care and health insurance are more nuanced. If one parent covers the child’s health insurance, this can impact their child support obligations. Specific health care costs not covered by insurance may be shared between parents.
Parents may also share the cost of daycare when they are at work. These costs could be added to what a parent is already paying in child support. These and other expenses not directly covered by child support must still be shared according to each parent’s income level, so each parent continues to contribute to their child’s needs. A lawyer can provide insight on what can be factored in and what is not covered.
Rich Rochlin Family Law provides clarity on what the non-custodial parent is responsible for so that child support obligations are fulfilled without issue. We understand that you may have many questions about child support payments and how it will affect your overall finances. Our team walks you through everything in detail and ensures you have what you need as you move forward.
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When an Existing Child Support Order Can Be Modified
Once child support payments have been calculated and officially ordered by the court, they are legal requirements that parents are bound to until the child turns 19 or graduates from high school, whichever is earlier, Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-84(b). Penalties may be imposed by the court if a parent violates a child support order.
However, the court knows that major changes in a parent’s financial situation can alter their ability to provide child support. Whether a parent has lost their job or experienced a notable increase in income, a petition may be filed with the court to request a modification to reduce or increase the payment amounts. The court can review the request and make any allowable adjustments to payment amounts.
Rich Rochlin Family Law can provide direction during this process and build a strong case to secure a favorable outcome. It’s also important to keep organized and detailed records of your financial documents to provide evidence of the changes in your economic situation. You must also continue to meet your original obligations until the court has approved a modification order.
Penalties for Failing to Adhere to a Child Support Order
If a parent fails to make child support payments or makes changes without court approval, they can face serious repercussions. Depending on the situation, Connecticut may garnish wages, withhold tax refunds, issue liens, suspend licenses, or impose jail time. These and other penalties are used to enforce payments or punish those who willfully violate a child support order.
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Rich Rochlin Family Law Helps You Calculate Child Support Payments
Rich Rochlin Family Law guides you through the legal process to calculate and establish child support during your divorce. We help you understand and prepare for your financial obligations so you can provide for your child(ren) to the maximum extent possible. Our team is ready to answer your questions and provide counsel when you schedule a consultation with us.
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