Will Child Support Impact My Personal Injury Settlement in Connecticut?

A personal injury settlement is meant to help you recover after an accident—but if you owe back child support, your payout may not be safe. In Connecticut, the state can intercept part of your settlement to cover unpaid support. Here’s what that means for your case.

Are Personal Injury Settlements Subject to Child Support Liens in Connecticut?

Yes. If you have unpaid child support, the state can place a lien on your personal injury settlement. That means a portion—or even all—of your award could go toward covering past-due payments.

If you’re current on support payments, your settlement isn’t affected. But if you’re behind, your funds may be withheld before you ever see them.

Can You Dispute a Child Support Garnishment?

Possibly. If the amount being claimed is wrong or if the lien jeopardizes your basic needs, you may be able to challenge it in court. These situations are complicated—and your best shot at success is working with both a personal injury attorney and a family law attorney.

At Sousa Law, we can help coordinate with trusted professionals to make sure you understand all your options.

What If You're Making Payments On Time?

Good news—if you’re up to date on child support, your personal injury settlement won’t be garnished. You’ll receive your full payout (minus attorney fees or other agreed-upon costs).

What About Lawsuit Loans?

Even if you owe child support, you may still be eligible for pre-settlement funding. These advances give you access to a portion of your expected settlement while your case is still ongoing. Approval typically depends on the strength of your injury case, not your credit or support history.

Final Thoughts

If you’re injured and also owe back child support, it’s important to act early and know your rights. A personal injury settlement can be life-changing—but only if you understand how legal obligations like child support come into play.

At Sousa Law, we help injured workers and individuals across Connecticut get the compensation they deserve—and we’ll walk with you through every legal challenge along the way.

Questions about how child support might affect your injury claim? Call us today at (203) 883-1656 for a free consultation.