Connecticut Dissolution of Marriage With Children — Custody and Child Support (2026)

Connecticut adds two important requirements when minor children are involved: the mandatory Parenting Education Program and a detailed Parenting Plan.

Parenting Education Program — Mandatory

When minor children are involved in a Connecticut dissolution, both parents must complete the Parenting Education Program (PEP) before the dissolution is finalized.

What it covers: How children are affected by parental separation; communication between parents; minimizing the impact of dissolution on children.

Cost: $150–$175 per parent. Online programs are available and often lower-cost.

Certificate: Each parent receives a completion certificate. Both certificates must be filed with the Superior Court before the Judgment can be entered.

Timeline impact: Plan 4–8 weeks for the program. Don't wait until the last minute — incomplete PEP is a common cause of delay in Connecticut dissolutions.

Connecticut Custody Framework

Legal Custody

Authority to make major decisions about education, healthcare, religious upbringing, and activities.

• Joint legal custody: Both parents share major decisions — strongly preferred and frequently ordered in Connecticut
• Sole legal custody: One parent makes decisions — ordered when joint is not in children's best interest

Physical Custody

Where the child primarily lives.

• Primary residence: The parent with whom the child primarily lives
• Parenting time: The other parent's scheduled time with the child
• Shared physical custody: Substantial time with each parent

Best Interest Standard — CGS § 46b-56

Connecticut courts determine custody based on the best interest of the child:

1. Needs of the child (physical, emotional, developmental)
2. Temperament and developmental needs of the child
3. Capacity of each parent to understand and meet the needs of the child
4. Any relationship between the child and a parent since the parent-child relationship was last established
5. Each parent's preference for custody
6. Child's preference (if of sufficient maturity)
7. Stability of the child's existing or proposed residences
8. Quality of relationship between the child and each parent
9. Willingness to support the child's relationship with the other parent
10. Prior history of domestic violence or abuse (major negative factor)
11. Manipulation of the child or ability of the parents to cooperate

Parenting Plan Requirements

All Connecticut custody arrangements must be in a written Parenting Plan filed with the court:

• Legal custody designation
• Primary residence designation
• Detailed parenting time schedule (school year, summer, school breaks)
• Holiday schedule with specific holidays named
• Decision-making protocol for joint legal custody
• Communication between parents
• Transportation and exchange logistics
• Healthcare decision-making
• Relocation provisions

Connecticut Child Support Guidelines

Connecticut uses the Income Shares Model. Both parents' incomes are used.

Key factors:

• Both parents' net weekly income (after deductions)
• Number of children
• Child care costs related to employment or education
• Health insurance premiums
• Extraordinary educational or medical expenses
• Parenting time adjustment

Online calculator: Available at jud.ct.gov — Connecticut's Child Support Guidelines Calculator.

Duration: Support ends when the child turns 18 (or 19 if still enrolled in high school — verify current statute).

Last reviewed: March 2026 | Parenting Education Program mandatory | Both parents' certificates required | CGS § 46b-56 best interest | Income shares child support | Connecticut child support calculator at jud.ct.gov

Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.