How is child support calculated in Connecticut?
Connecticut has "child support guidelines" that apply a percentage to the non-custodial parent's income.

How do I calculate this amount?
Ask your local Connecticut Superior Court for a child support worksheet along with instructions.

What if this amount does not cover expense?
Courts cannot create economic resources where they don't exist. However, you might consider asking for alimony/maintenance in addition to the child support.

When I was divorced, the support was sufficient, but since the kids entered their teen years, I cannot make ends meet. What can I do?
You can try to modify your original judgment based on a material change in circumstance. (See Modification FAQs) In Connecticut a 15% deviation from the guidelines is generally a sufficient change in circumstances to justify a modification.

My ex-spouse is delinquent in child support payments. How can I enforce the court order?
You can bring a contempt of court proceeding (see Contempt FAQ's) and ask for a wage assignment.

That all sounds complicated and I can't afford a lawyer. Can I get help?
Yes, ask the court to put you in touch with the Connecticut Support Enforcement Agency responsible for enforcement.

But my "ex" moved out of state. Can I still enforce the judgment?
Absolutely. Armed with your state's court orders and wage assignment, you can go to the other state's court (often handled through the local enforcement officer) to enforce the wage assignment.

I am worried that my former spouse will file for bankruptcy. Can he avoid paying child support if he is in bankruptcy?
Absolutely not. The federal bankruptcy code exempts child support and alimony.

In my original judgment child support ends at age 18. My daughter is a full time student at a local college. Is there any way to continue child support while she is in college?
No, not unless your original judgment provided for post-18 support for college.

Do I have to report my child support payments as taxable income on my federal income tax return?
No.

Does that mean my "ex" can't deduct the child support he pays?
Yes.

Can this change if we both agree?
No, but you can transfer the child dependency exemption from the custodial parent to the non-custodial parent, provided the custodial parent completes and signs IRS form 8332.