If you have questions regarding child support under either New York or Connecticut law, contact attorney Heidi E. Opinsky and her divorce firm team. Ms. Opinsky can assist you with a variety of support-related issues for moderate to high net worth individuals. Whether you need assistance establishing child support, enforcing an existing order or seeking a modification, Ms. Opinsky can help. Let her put her more than 30 years of legal experience to work for you.

Connecticut Child Support Calculations

In Connecticut, support obligations are assessed using predetermined child support guidelines and mathematical formulas. Essentially, these guidelines are used to calculate child support based upon the combined weekly income of both parents ― up to $4,000 ― and the number of children involved. If the parents’ net income is more than $4,000, the presumptive minimum amount of child support will be the amount prescribed in the guidelines at the $4,000 weekly income level ― though this will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

In certain situations, however, the court has discretion to deviate from these guidelines, including when:

• A parent has additional financial resources, such as substantial assets and property, which is common in high-asset divorces.
• There is an extraordinary income disparity between the parents.
• A child has extraordinary expenses for care and maintenance, such as expenses for education, medical needs or special needs.
• A parent has extraordinary expenses, such as unreimbursable medical or disability expenses.

Once a court has entered a child support order, a parent may request a modification of support payments if there has been a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant increase or decrease in one parent’s income.

Generally, a court will permit a modification if the difference between the existing child support and the amount calculated using the new income level varies by 15 percent. Even if you meet that threshold, however, a modification is not guaranteed, which is why it is best to seek the counsel of an experienced attorney.

Generally, a court will permit a modification if the difference between the existing child support and the amount calculated using the new income level varies by 15 percent. Even if you meet that threshold, however, a modification is not guaranteed, which is why it is best to seek the counsel of an experienced attorney.

Aspires to Provide Exceptional Skill and Superior Knowledge

Child support calculations can become increasingly complex if couples own substantial assets or have high income levels. In such situations, it is crucial to speak to a lawyer who is familiar with the intricacies of Connecticut law. If you wish to speak to such an attorney, contact Heidi E. Opinsky. Reach out to her online or call her at 203-653-3542. She has offices in both Stamford, Connecticut, and New York City.