The amount of child support to be paid to the custodial parent is determined pursuant to the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines, which applies where the gross annual income of both parties does not exceed $250,000. Where the combined annual income of the parties exceeds $250,000, then the Guidelines will be applied to the first $250,000 of income to determine the minimum presumptive order of child support, and the Court will have discretion to order any additional amounts of child support. The Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines Worksheet provides the formula or calculation for determining the amount of child support to be paid.

The non-custodial parent must pay child support for each child until that child is emancipated. In Massachusetts, a child will be emancipated when he or she reaches the age of 18 years. However, if that child is between the ages of 18 and 21 years of age, and is still residing with the custodial parent and principally dependent upon that parent for the child’s maintenance, then child support will continue until that child reaches the age of 21 years. Additionally, if the child is between the ages of 21 and 23 years of age, is domiciled in the home of the custodial parent, and is principally dependent upon that parent for his or her maintenance due to being enrolled in college or another educational program, then child support must be paid to the custodial parent until that child reaches age 23.

Where the parents share equally, or approximately equally, the financial responsibility for and parenting time with the child(ren), the child support will be determined by calculating the Child Support Guidelines twice, first with one parent as the recipient of child support, and again with the other parent as the recipient. The difference in the calculations shall be paid to the parent with the lower weekly support amount.

The child support attorneys at Leone Law Offices, P.C. are experienced in all aspects of child support and will provide you with the representation needed to persuasively present your child support case to the Court. We have decades of experience and success.

Schedule Your Consultation

Contact us to learn more about your child support issue, discuss your options, and understand your rights.

Our Boston metrowest office is located in Framingham, Massachusetts and serves Middlesex County, Worcester County, and Norfolk County.

We have provided superior legal services to all our clients, and we are prepared to do the same for you. Call us for a case evaluation.