Hartford Child Support Attorney

Protecting Children & Parents in West Hartford, CT

At the Law Firm of Kevin Emerson, we understand that child support is one of family law's most important, and sometimes contentious, issues. Whether you are going through a divorce, establishing paternity, or dealing with a post-judgment matter, Attorney Kevin Emerson can help you navigate child support with over 30 years of experience serving families in Hartford, West Hartford, and surrounding Connecticut communities. 

Consult a Hartford child support lawyer at the Law Firm of Kevin Emerson. Call us at (860) 750-9686 or connect with us online to schedule a phone, in-person, or virtual appointment. 

Child Support Is a Child’s Legal Right

In Connecticut, child support is not a benefit for one parent but a legal right owed to the child. Both parents are financially responsible for their child’s upbringing, regardless of marital status. Child support helps ensure that a child’s basic needs are met, including food, housing, clothing, education, and medical care.

Whether you are the parent seeking support or being asked to provide it, it’s essential to understand that the court’s primary concern is the child's best interests. The goal is to create a financial arrangement that provides for the child in a stable, consistent, and fair manner.

How Child Support Is Calculated in Connecticut

Connecticut uses a statewide Child Support Guidelines formula to determine the appropriate amount of support. 

This formula is based on both parents’ gross incomes, as well as other factors, such as:

• The number of children being supported
• Health insurance and childcare costs
• Alimony or child support paid for other children
• The time the child spends with each parent

The guidelines produce a presumptive support amount, meaning it is assumed to be appropriate unless there is a valid reason to deviate.

Deviations from Child Support Calculations in Connecticut

Connecticut courts can deviate from the standard support calculation if following the guidelines would be unfair or inappropriate under the specific circumstances of a case. 

Common reasons for deviation include:

• Shared or split physical custody
• Extraordinary medical or educational expenses
• A parent’s significant debt or financial hardship
• The child has significant independent income
• Agreement between the parents if the court finds it serves the child’s best interests

If your situation calls for a deviation, either higher or lower than the guideline amount, Attorney Emerson can help you present a clear and well-supported case to the court.