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Child Support for Disabled Children in Connecticut: How Long Does It Last?

By Matt Dolan, Dolan Divorce Lawyers | Connecticut Family Law Attorneys

Understanding how child support for disabled children in Connecticut works is important for parents navigating post-divorce or custody matters. Under Connecticut law, child support normally ends when a child turns 18—or upon high school graduation if the child is still in school (but not beyond the child’s 19th birthday). However, for children with disabilities, support can continue well beyond that point.

In this post, we’ll explain Connecticut’s child support laws for disabled children, including how long support can continue, how the amount is determined, and recent changes to the law that every parent should know.

Contact our talented child support attorneys today for a free consultation.

When Does Child Support Normally End in Connecticut?

Under Connecticut General Statute § 46b-84a, child support typically ends when:

• The child reaches 18 years old, or
• If the child is still in high school at 18, upon graduation,
• But never beyond the child’s 19th birthday.

That is the standard rule for most families.

Extended Child Support for Disabled Children

For children who are intellectually, mentally, or physically disabled, Connecticut law allows support to continue beyond the age of 18 or 19. To qualify for extended child support:

• The child must live with the parent who receives support; and
• The child must be principally dependent on that parent for care.

These requirements ensure that the support is truly serving the needs of a dependent adult child.

Recent Change in Connecticut Law: Age 21 vs. Age 26

A major update to Connecticut’s child support law took effect on October 1, 2023.

• For divorces or custody cases finalized before October 1, 2023, child support for a disabled child can continue up to age 21.
• For cases finalized on or after October 1, 2023, support may continue up to age 26.

So, depending on when your divorce or custody orders were entered, support for a disabled child may end at either age 21 or 26.

How Is Child Support Calculated for Disabled Children?

For minor children, Connecticut applies the Child Support Guidelines, which use both parents’ incomes to determine a support amount. Courts can deviate from that formula in certain cases.

However, for disabled adult children (over 18), the guidelines do not apply. Instead, courts take a more individualized approach, considering:

• Each parent’s financial ability to provide support, and
• The specific needs of the child.

There is no set formula in these cases—the judge evaluates the facts and circumstances to arrive at a fair amount of support.

Key Takeaways

• Normal child support ends at 18 (or high school graduation, but not beyond 19).
• Disabled children may receive continued support up to age 21 or 26, depending on when the case was finalized.
• The child must live with and depend on the receiving parent.
• Courts do not use the standard child support guidelines for disabled adult children; instead, they make a case-by-case determination.

Get Help with Child Support in Connecticut

Navigating child support for disabled children in Connecticut can be complex, especially with the recent legal changes. At Dolan Divorce Lawyers, we help families understand their rights and secure the financial support their children need.

If you have questions about child support, custody, or post-judgment modifications in Connecticut, we invite you to contact our office to schedule a consultation.