How is child support calculated?

Child support is determined in Massachusetts using the Child Support Guidelines. The Guidelines are a set of rules used to determine the amount of money that a parent should pay for support of their child or children. In Massachusetts, both parents are legally obligated to provide support to their children. When parents are getting a divorce, a court may order the non-custodial parent to pay child support to the custodial parent. Child support payments in Massachusetts are generally based on the incomes of the parents and the number of children in the family. The Child Support Guidelines consider many factors to determine the appropriate amount of child support. These include the incomes of each parent, the number of children, health insurance costs, work-related child care expenses, and any other special expenses of children. The court may also consider other factors, such as additional financial contributions by either parent. Child support payments are calculated by adding the incomes of both parents, subtracting certain deductions, and creating a “net weekly income amount.” The non-custodial parent will then owe a certain percentage of that amount, depending on the number of children in the family. This percentage is then divided between the two parents based on their respective incomes. Finally, the amount of child support is adjusted to reflect any special needs of the child, such as extraordinary medical expenses. The court will look at all the factors in determining the appropriate amount of child support.

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