Child Support

In Massachusetts it is public policy that dependent children be maintained and supported, as completely as possible, from the resources of their parents. In divorce, paternity and modification actions, there is a presumption that child support will be paid according to the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines, subject to certain income limits.

The Child Support Guidelines calculate support on the basis of the number of children, both parents' incomes and the cost of medical, dental and vision insurance, as well as the child care costs for both parents, and other various factors. New Child Support Guidelines were implemented on January 1, 2009. Under the new Child Support Guidelines, child support can be paid not only to a custodial parent but also to a parent who shares joint physical custody of a child depending upon the parents' respective incomes. Although there is a presumption that child support will be paid according to the Child Support Guidelines, there are other factors that may be considered. In some cases, there may be circumstances which warrant a departure from the guidelines, and consideration may be given as to how a parent's income is calculated.