Connecticut determines spousal support through a multi-factor statutory analysis under CGS § 46b-82. Understand how the court evaluates eligibility, amount, and duration in your case.
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Spousal support in Connecticut is determined by a statutory multi-factor analysis under CGS § 46b-82. The court weighs the following factors to arrive at a fair support amount and duration. Unlike the temporary formula, there is no mathematical calculation for permanent support — it is a discretionary determination by the judge based on the totality of the circumstances.
The types of spousal support available in Connecticut include: Permanent, Time-limited, Rehabilitative, Lump sum, Nominal. The type ordered depends on the length of the marriage, each spouse's financial situation, and the supported spouse's ability to become self-supporting.
Primary statute: CGS § 46b-82
The court considers these 12 statutory factors when determining the amount and duration of spousal support:
Length of the marriage
Causes for the annulment, dissolution, or legal separation (FAULT)
Age, health, station, occupation, and amount and sources of income
Earning capacity and vocational skills
Education and opportunity for future acquisition of capital assets and income
Estate and needs of each party
Property division
Custodial responsibilities for minor children
Desirability of retaining the marital home for a reasonable time
Prenuptial or postnuptial agreement
Contribution of each party to the education, training, or earning power of the other
Other factors the court deems relevant
2023 reform (PA 23-107, eff. Jan 1, 2024): advisory duration guidelines: <5yr = 50%, 5–10yr = 60%, 10–15yr = 70%, 15–20yr = 80%, 20+ = indefinite. Rebuttable presumption against permanent alimony for marriages <20 years.
Duration is one of the most heavily litigated aspects of spousal support. The length of the marriage is the single most important factor in most cases, but the court also considers the supported spouse's age, health, job skills, and the time needed to acquire education or training for appropriate employment.
FAULT IS A FACTOR in both property division and alimony — "causes for dissolution" is statutory.
2023 reform (PA 23-107): advisory duration guidelines, presumption against permanent alimony for <20yr marriages, retirement as grounds for modification, written findings required.
"All property" state: court can divide ALL property regardless of when or how acquired.
Cohabitation is grounds for modification (CGS § 46b-86(b)).
PA 23-107 (eff. Jan 1, 2024): advisory alimony duration guidelines, rebuttable presumption against permanent alimony for <20yr marriages, retirement as modification grounds, written findings required.
Find out if you qualify, how much you might receive (or pay), and for how long.
Residency Requirement
12-month residency requirement (CGS § 46b-44)
Mandatory Waiting Period
90-day mandatory waiting period after return of service
No-Fault Ground
Irretrievable breakdown (CGS § 46b-40(c))
State Income Tax
Progressive 3–6.99% (6 brackets)
Connecticut Child Support Calculator
Income shares model using net weekly income under CGS § 46b-215b
Connecticut Property Division Calculator
No 50/50 presumption — "all property" equitable distribution with broad judicial discretion
Connecticut Divorce Settlement Calculator
Complete 8-chapter divorce analysis for Connecticut
Connecticut does not use a fixed formula for spousal support. Instead, courts apply a multi-factor analysis under CGS § 46b-82 to determine the amount and duration based on the specific circumstances of each case.
Connecticut recognizes the following types of spousal support: Permanent, Time-limited, Rehabilitative, Lump sum, Nominal. The type awarded depends on the length of the marriage, the financial needs of the requesting spouse, and the ability of the other spouse to pay.
2023 reform (PA 23-107, eff. Jan 1, 2024): advisory duration guidelines: <5yr = 50%, 5–10yr = 60%, 10–15yr = 70%, 15–20yr = 80%, 20+ = indefinite. Rebuttable presumption against permanent alimony for marriages <20 years.
Yes. Spousal support orders in Connecticut can generally be modified if there is a material change in circumstances, such as a significant change in either party's income, retirement, cohabitation of the supported spouse, or other qualifying events as defined by statute.
Get a personalized spousal support analysis based on Connecticut's actual statutory framework.
Start My Free ConnecticutEstimate →This tool provides educational estimates based on Connecticut family law and does not constitute legal advice. Spousal support calculations are estimates and may differ from court-ordered amounts. Consult a licensed Connecticut family law attorney before making decisions. Primary statute: CGS § 46b-82.