When the court finalizes your divorce, one of the main factors you will need to follow is your court order for custody and child support. However, these orders are not necessarily permanent. Depending on your family’s needs, you may eventually need to request an update or determine when your obligation ends.
Can I change my child support amount?
If you or your child experiences a substantial change in circumstances, you can file a modification request with the court that issued your original order. These qualifying changes may include any of the following:
- A notable change in your income (at least 15%)
- An involuntary job loss
- A disability that affects your finances
- A change in your parenting time or custody arrangements
- An increase in your child’s education or healthcare costs
Any modification must be in your child’s best interests. This means you must prove the reason for the request and include documents to support your case.
While your case is pending, you may file a temporary order that can grant specific parental rights for a limited time (typically 30 to 90 days). This ensures that your child can have stability while final decisions are still in progress.
How long do I have to pay for child support?
Under Connecticut law, if you are an obligor (the parent legally bound to make court-ordered payments), you must pay child support until your youngest child graduates from high school or turns 19, whichever happens first. However, there are exceptions:
- If your child has a disability, the court may extend your support order.
- If you and your ex-spouse agree to contribute to college costs, your obligations may continue until the child reaches 23.
Support obligations may also end early if your child marries or serves in the military before they turn 18.
By learning the answers to two common questions about child support in Connecticut, you can become more familiar with the process and debunk any myths that cause unnecessary worry.