Questions About the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines? Call an Attorney at MFLG.
In Massachusetts, the law requires both parents to support their children, whether or not they are married. Massachusetts uses guidelines to calculate child support; these guidelines are based on where the child lives, the documented income of each parent and special expenses such as summer camp, extraordinary travel or medical expenses, or even certain child care-related expenses.
Home-Court Advantage, Statewide Resources
Clients in child support matters have a home-court advantage; the attorneys at Massachusetts Family Law (MFLG) appear in the Worcester County Probate and Family Court almost daily. We know the preferences of each judge and the procedures of this very busy court. We make sure that every child support matter is presented to the client's best advantage. When there are complex financial issues involved, our lawyers consult with our statewide brain trust of experts and specialists who help us incorporate specialized information into our proposals.
We Approach Every Case as if Headed to Trial
From the moment we start working on a child support case, we develop everything as if we were going to trial. Even in those cases where we believe that the parties will not get that far, we still prepare to go all the way because when cases are litigated vigorously up to trial, the parties are more willing to be reasonable.
Information About Child Support in Massachusetts
Modifying Child Support — Upward or Downward
Child Support Guidelines changed in 2009 and certain provisions were made for modifying support orders already in place through the modification process. The attorneys at the Worcester office of The Massachusetts Family Law Group have represented many parents who were seeking changes to their support paid or received based on changes in the state's support guidelines.
Child Support After a Child's 18 th Birthday
The Child Support Guidelines now apply to newborn children through age 18 and include those who are age 18 and still attending high school. Children who are 18 years of age and older and who are no longer attending high school, but who continue to reside with and are still dependent upon the recipient parent, may still receive support based on their academic circumstances, living situation, the available resources of the parents, the costs of post-secondary education for the child and the allocation of those costs between the parents, and the availability of any financial aid.
Defining Income
For purposes of the guidelines, income is defined as gross income from whatever source — regardless of whether that income is recognized by the Internal Revenue Code, Department of Revenue or any other tax reporting authority. The sources of income outline close to 40 different types, including, but not limited to, salary, wages, tips, commission, severance pay, bonuses, interest and dividend income, and others.
Self-Employment or Business Ownership Interests
In the case of non-W2 earnings, the definition of income is gross revenue minus ordinary and necessary expenses. Additionally, expense reimbursement, or personal benefits received by a parent, may have some form of income attached to it, if such payments are significant and reduce the payor's personal living expenses.
Unreported Income, Underemployment and Unemployment
Should the court find that either party's income is undocumented or unreported, or that one of the parties is capable of working at a higher level, the court considers that likely or potential earning capacity rather than the actual earnings.
Contact a Worcester Child Support Attorney
The Massachusetts Family Law Group is a team of experienced, aggressive, and well-coordinated attorneys who almost exclusively litigate divorce and child support matters. Let us help you seek the most favorable outcome possible for you and for your children.
We receive many referrals from other lawyers and satisfied clients, including opposing attorneys from former cases — a strong indication of our firm's success.
To learn more about how we can help you, call (800) 970-LAWYER or e-mail us for a FREE, no obligation consultation at any of our local offices.
