Connecticut Divorce with Children
Everything you need to know about divorce with children in Connecticut — custody types, child support guidelines, parenting plans, and protecting your children through the process. Updated for 2026.
Types of Custody in Connecticut
Legal Custody
The right to make major decisions about your child's education, healthcare, religion, and welfare.
Physical Custody
Determines where the child lives on a day-to-day basis and the parenting time schedule.
"Best Interests of the Child" Factors
Connecticut courts consider multiple factors when determining custody arrangements:
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Child Support in Connecticut
Connecticut uses the Income Shares Model under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-215a and the Child Support and Arrearage Guidelines (Regulations §§ 46b-215a-2c through 46b-215a-6). Both parents' net weekly incomes are combined to determine the basic child support obligation from the official schedule. Each parent's share is proportional to their percentage of combined net income. The official schedule covers combined net weekly incomes up to $4,000; for higher incomes, the amount at the $4,000 level becomes the presumptive minimum and additional support is determined case-by-case. Worksheet form CCSG-1 is required for all cases involving child support.
Official Connecticut child support calculator →Factors Considered
Additional Forms Required (Children)
| Form | Name |
|---|---|
| JD-FM-164 | Affidavit Concerning Children |
| JD-FM-149 | Parenting Education Program — Order, Certificate and Results |
| CCSG-1 | Worksheet for the Connecticut Child Support and Arrearage Guidelines |
Mandatory Parenting Course
Connecticut requires both parents to complete a parenting education course when filing for divorce with minor children.
Both parents with minor children must attend a court-approved Parenting Education Program within 60 days of the Return Date. Each parent pays approximately $125-$150 for the course unless the fee is waived by the court. Programs are approved by the Connecticut Judicial Branch and are offered by various providers statewide. Failure to attend may result in sanctions.
Typical cost: $150
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Divorce.ai helps you create a child-focused parenting plan and prepares all custody-related Connecticut forms.
What Goes in a Parenting Plan?
A comprehensive parenting plan should cover:
Regular Parenting Schedule
Week-by-week schedule of where the child lives and when transitions occur.
Holiday & Vacation Schedule
How holidays, school breaks, and vacation time are divided between parents.
Decision-Making Authority
Who makes decisions about education, healthcare, extracurriculars, and religious upbringing.
Communication Rules
How the child communicates with the non-custodial parent (phone, video calls, etc.).
Transportation & Exchange
Who handles pickups/dropoffs and where exchanges occur.
Dispute Resolution
How disagreements about the parenting plan will be resolved (mediation first, then court).
Relocation Rules
Notice requirements and procedure if either parent wants to move.
Tips for Protecting Your Children During Divorce
Never speak negatively about the other parent in front of your children. It puts them in the middle and can harm your custody case.
Maintain routines. Keep school, activities, and daily routines as consistent as possible during the transition.
Communicate openly with your children in age-appropriate ways. Let them know the divorce is not their fault.
Consider counseling. A child therapist can help children process their emotions during this time.