If you're going through a divorce or separation in Massachusetts and children are involved, child support will almost certainly be part of the equation. Many South Shore parents are surprised to learn that Massachusetts uses a specific formula - but that results can vary significantly based on your situation.

The Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines

Massachusetts uses the Income Shares Model, updated most recently in 2021. The core idea is that a child should receive the same proportion of parental income they would have received if the family had stayed together.

The calculation starts with the combined gross weekly income of both parents, then determines a base support amount from the guidelines worksheet.

What Income Is Counted?

Pretty much everything:

• Wages and salaries

• Self-employment income

• Overtime and bonuses

• Rental income

• Unemployment and disability benefits

• Social Security income

If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the court can impute income - assigning a figure based on what the parent could be earning.

Key Factors That Affect the Amount

Number of children: The guidelines provide different percentages based on how many children need support.

Parenting time: The amount of time each parent has the children affects the calculation. If you have the children roughly 1/3 of the time or more, the formula adjusts.

Health insurance: Which parent carries the children on health insurance is factored in.

Child care costs: Work-related child care expenses are shared proportionally based on income.

Can Parents Deviate from the Guidelines?

Yes - but they need court approval, and must show that following the guidelines would be unjust or inappropriate. Common reasons include extraordinary medical expenses, a child with special needs, or a significantly high combined income.

How Long Does Support Last?

In Massachusetts, child support generally continues until:

• The child turns 18 (or 21 if still in school and living with the custodial parent)

• The child marries or becomes emancipated

College expenses are treated separately - Massachusetts courts can order parents to contribute to college costs up to age 23.

Modifying Child Support

Either parent can request a modification if there has been a material change in circumstances - a significant change in either parent's income, a change in the custody arrangement, or a substantial change in the child's needs.

Child support mistakes are costly and hard to fix retroactively. Contact Sofio Law LLC to discuss establishing or modifying a child support order in Plymouth County.