Understanding UIFSA in Connecticut Family Law Matters
When parents or former partners live in different states, questions surrounding child support, enforcement, and jurisdiction can quickly become complicated. In those situations, one important law often controls: the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act, commonly known as UIFSA.
UIFSA was created to provide consistent rules nationwide for establishing, enforcing, and modifying child support orders when more than one state is involved. Connecticut has adopted UIFSA, which means our courts follow this framework when support matters cross state lines.
At Wolf & Shore Law Group, we regularly help clients navigate these issues—whether they are starting a new support action, trying to enforce an existing order, or applying for a modification from another jurisdiction.
What UIFSA Does
UIFSA provides guidance for:
✔ Establishing child support when the parents do not live in the same state
✔ Enforcing an existing child support order issued elsewhere
✔ Determining which state has legal authority (“jurisdiction”) over the case
✔ Modifying a support order when one parent has moved
In short, UIFSA helps prevent duplicate, conflicting, or competing orders from different states. It ensures there is one controlling child support order at any given time.
Why UIFSA Matters in Connecticut
When one parent lives in Connecticut and the other lives elsewhere, it’s not always obvious which state’s court should hear the case. UIFSA offers specific rules to determine:
- Which state may establish initial child support
- Whether Connecticut has continuing jurisdiction over an existing order
- When Connecticut can modify an order issued elsewhere
- How Connecticut can enforce an out-of-state support obligation
This provides clarity and consistency for families who may be separated by job relocation, military service, or simply living arrangements that changed over time.
UIFSA and Enforcement
Connecticut courts can enforce valid child support orders issued in other states. That means:
- A parent owed support may seek enforcement in Connecticut even if the order originated elsewhere if that parent (and usually the child) are currently residing in Connecticut, or no other state has an interest
- Connecticut can use its enforcement tools (wage garnishment, contempt actions, etc.) to collect unpaid support
UIFSA and Modifications
A common question we hear is:
“Can I modify a support order if it was issued by another state?”
Under UIFSA, modifications are possible—but only when certain requirements are met. Factors may include:
- Whether either party still lives in the original issuing state
- Whether both parents agree to the new jurisdiction
- Whether Connecticut has the legal authority to take over the case
UIFSA ensures that only one state at a time can modify an order, avoiding conflicting results and protecting both parents and children.
Have Questions About UIFSA or Interstate Support? Wolf & Shore Law Group is experienced in having out-of-state child support orders recognized in Connecticut, having out-of-state Orders enforced in Connecticut, and also modifying child support orders that were originally issued in a different state. Wolf & Shore Law Group is proud to support Connecticut families, regardless of how far apart those families may live. If UIFSA becomes part of your case, you don’t have to handle it alone—our team is here to help.Ever Argue with a Woman? Contact us at 203.745.3151 or info@wolfandshorelaw.com.
