How to Modify Child Support in Connecticut: Filing Steps and Effective Date

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

To modify Connecticut child support, file a motion in the Superior Court, or with the Family Support Magistrate Division if state aid or IV-D services are involved, and have the other party served. The change can start no earlier than service of notice of the motion.

How do you modify child support in Connecticut?

1. Run the guideline amount in the Connecticut child support calculator and check the 15% line in the modification calculator.
2. Decide where to file. If a party or child receives or has received state aid, including temporary family assistance, HUSKY A or foster care, or a party has applied for IV-D child support services, the motion is filed with the Family Support Magistrate Division; otherwise it goes to the Superior Court (C.G.S. 46b-86(c)).
3. File the motion and have the other party served. The date of service of the notice is the date the court can reach back to.
4. Go to the hearing with proof of income and the guideline worksheet.
5. Keep paying the existing order until the court changes it.

From what date does a Connecticut modification take effect?

There is no retroactive modification, except that the court may order modification for the period a motion is pending from the date of service of notice of the pending motion on the opposing party (46b-86(a)). So the service date, not the date your income changed, is what counts.

What is the Family Support Magistrate Division?

A division of the Superior Court created for the impartial administration of child and spousal support. Family support magistrates enforce support orders entered by them and by the Superior Court in IV-D cases, including by citing an obligor for contempt (46b-231).

Do the guidelines apply to my new amount?

Yes. The child support and arrearage guidelines in effect on the date of the support determination are considered in all determinations, including current support, health care coverage, child care contribution and past-due support, with a rebuttable presumption that the guideline amount is the amount to order; a specific finding that applying them would be inequitable or inappropriate rebuts it (46b-215b).

What if there was a custody change?

If the Superior Court or the Probate Court orders a change or transfer of custody or guardianship of a child with a preexisting support order and makes no finding about the support order, the custody order suspends the support order if custody goes to the obligor, or changes the payee to the person who gets custody (46b-224).

How much does a late service cost? An example

If the other party is served 3, 6 or 9 months after your change, the relief you lose at a $300 monthly difference is:

The court may reach back only to the date of service of notice of the pending motion.

What should you prepare for the hearing?

• Pay stubs, tax returns and other proof of each parent’s income now.
• The current order and a guideline worksheet from the Connecticut child support calculator.
• Records of the change: a termination notice, medical records, insurance and child care costs.
• Proof that the other party was served and the date.

What happens to unpaid support while the motion is pending?

It stays owed. See how long Connecticut arrears last and add up your balance.

Frequently asked questions

Official sources

• C.G.S. 46b-86: modification of alimony or support orders
• C.G.S. 46b-231: family support magistrates
• C.G.S. 46b-224: custody or guardianship transfer and support orders
• C.G.S. 46b-215b: guidelines presumption
• 42 U.S.C. 666(a)(9): no retroactive modification of support already due

This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Connecticut statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Connecticut attorney.