After more than ten years, Connecticut’s child support guidelines have been updated. The changes are effective August 1, 2026.

A key change is that the new child support chart captures higher net family income. It now covers families with net weekly income up to $6,000 (equivalent to about $400,000 of annual income), up from $,4,000 per week (equivalent to about $300,000 of annual income). So More higher-earning families now fall within the guideline chart range rather than above it. This should make child support calculations more consistent at these levels.

Also, at many lower income levels the child support amounts are increased, reflecting the rise in the cost of living since the 2015 guidelines.

The rules also provide clearer guidance on imputing income. This allows a court to assign an estimated income to a parent based on what they are reasonably capable of earning, rather than what they actually earn. It’s often used when a parent is underemployed, unemployed by choice, or otherwise not earning at a level that reflects their earning capacity.

Finally, the revised guidelines include new instructions for situations where a child has more than two legally recognized parents. They also clarify how to treat Connecticut Paid Family and Medical Leave contributions, Social Security disability dependency benefits, and union dues.

The new rules apply to divorces after August 1. If you’re divorced before then, your existing child support order doesn’t automatically change on August 1 — but if applying the new guidelines would change child support by 15% or more, that difference may be enough to seek a modification.

Families who have questions about how the updated rules may apply to their situation should speak with a mediator, attorney, or other qualified legal professional.