A component of any dissolution of marriage or custody and child support matter is child support. As part of any such matter, the presumptive amount of child support, pursuant to the Connecticut Child Support Guidelines, must be calculated.
Calculating child support is a statutory formula, but could be more complex if you and your co-parent have a combined income exceeding the income calculated by the Child Support Guidelines. You should work with a Connecticut child support lawyer at Broder Orland Murray & DeMattie LLC to understand and prepare for your child support rights and obligations.
Connecticut uses a formula that factors in the number of children requiring support and the parents’ combined net income to determine the presumptive amount of child support. The presumptive amount of child support is typically paid from the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent. In shared physical custody arrangements, child support is typically paid from the higher earning parent to the lower earning parents, however, Courts may deviate from the presumptive amount of child support based on shared physical custody.
Numerous factors could be considered by a Court to deviate from the presumptive amount of child support. Shared physical custody, provisions for alimony, coordination of total family support, substantial non-income resources, a child’s extraordinary medical or educational expenses, a parent’s exceptional visitation expenses, and the best interests of the child(ren) are examples of deviation criteria. Our attorneys routinely identify whether a deviation from the presumptive child support amount pursuant to the Child Support Guidelines is appropriate in a specific case.
The Child Support Guidelines also allocate a percentage split of a child(ren)’s unreimbursed medical expenses and a parent’s work-related childcare expenses. These are allocated by the income split after the payment of weekly child support. Parents also often split other expenses, such as extracurricular expenses, summer camps, and tutoring.
When parents’ combined net income is in excess of $4,000 per week, the presumptive percentage of support, as outlined in the Child Support Guidelines, could be applied to all income, even income in excess of $4,000 net per week. In these cases, the Guidelines establish a presumptive range of a minimum and maximum child support amount.
A child support obligation continues until the child turns 18, if they have not graduated from high school. If the child is still enrolled in high school at age 18, the obligation extends until either the child’s high school graduation or attaining the age of 19, whichever first occurs.
Understanding the laws governing child support is critical for all parents going through a divorce or a child custody and support matter. A Connecticut child support lawyer from Broder Orland Murray & DeMattie LLC will explain your rights and obligations.
Contact us today to discuss your child support issue.
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