Child Support Lawyer in Middlesex County

Courts in Massachusetts believe that both parents are legally obligated to provide financially for their children, even after a divorce. For this reason, when parents get divorced, it’s typical for the court to award child support to the custodial parent (the parent with primary custody). That said, whether you’re seeking child support or are being asked to pay it, it’s paramount that you hire a knowledgeable Middlesex County family lawyer who can ensure you and your child’s rights are protected. Contact Mark Liam Gannon, Attorney at Law, for your initial consultation today.

What Does Child Support Cover in Massachusetts?

Child support in Massachusetts is intended to ensure that children maintain a standard of living similar to what they would have experienced if their parents had stayed together. Generally, child support payments are designed to cover a range of essential expenses related to a child’s upbringing, including:

Basic necessities: Food, clothing, and shelter to meet the child’s daily needs.
Health insurance and medical expenses: Including the cost of premiums, co-pays, deductibles, and unreimbursed medical expenses.
Educational costs: School fees, supplies, tutoring, and other educational needs.
Childcare expenses: Costs for daycare or after-school care necessary for the custodial parent to work or attend school.
Extracurricular activities: Sports, music lessons, clubs, and other enrichment activities that contribute to the child’s development.
Transportation expenses: Costs related to getting the child to school, medical appointments, and visitation with the other parent.

It’s important to note that while child support covers many core expenses, it may not automatically cover every discretionary or luxury expense, unless specifically outlined in a court order or agreement.

How is Child Support Determined in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts uses a set of Child Support Guidelines to calculate child support, taking into account a variety of factors to ensure fairness and adequacy. The court considers the following when determining the amount of child support:

Gross income of both parents: Earnings from all sources, including wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, and certain benefits.
Childcare costs: Expenses incurred by either parent for work-related childcare.
Health insurance costs: The cost of medical and dental insurance for the child.
Number of children: The total number of children requiring support.
Parenting time arrangement: The number of overnights the child spends with each parent, as parenting time can affect the calculation.
Pre-existing child support obligations: Support already being paid for other children from a different relationship.
Extraordinary medical or educational expenses: Any unusual costs necessary for the child’s care or schooling.
Other relevant financial obligations or resources: Any other factors the court deems necessary to achieve an equitable outcome.

The court aims to create a support order that reflects both parents’ ability to contribute while prioritizing the child’s best interests.

How Long Does Child Support Last in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, child support typically continues until the child turns 18 years old. However, the law allows for child support to extend beyond age 18 in certain circumstances:

If the child is still dependent on a parent and living at home, child support may continue until the child turns 21.
If the child is enrolled full-time in college or another educational program, child support may continue until the child turns 23, provided the child remains primarily dependent on a parent for support.

Child support may end earlier if the child becomes legally emancipated, joins the military, or gets married. Each situation is fact-specific, and the court may adjust the duration of support based on the child’s dependency status and educational progress.

Can I Modify a Child Support Agreement in MA?

Yes, under Massachusetts law, child support orders can be modified if there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances since the original order was issued. Common reasons for seeking a modification include:

A significant change in either parent’s income: Whether due to a job loss, promotion, new employment, or other income shifts.
A change in the child’s needs: For example, new educational or medical expenses.
A change in the parenting time arrangement: If custody or visitation schedules change substantially.
A change in the cost of health insurance or childcare.
The current order no longer complies with the Child Support Guidelines.

A modification can result in an increase, decrease, or termination of child support. Either parent can petition the court for a modification, but until the court approves a change, the existing order remains legally enforceable.

Child Support Enforcement in Massachusetts

When a parent fails to pay court-ordered child support, Massachusetts courts have several enforcement tools at their disposal to ensure compliance. If your ex-spouse refuses to meet their child support obligations, the court may intervene by:

Wage garnishment: Automatically deducting child support payments directly from the non-paying parent’s paycheck.
Intercepting tax refunds: Seizing federal or state tax refunds to cover unpaid child support.
Placing liens on property: Attaching a lien to the parent’s real estate or other assets.
Suspending licenses: Including driver’s licenses, professional licenses, or recreational licenses.
Contempt of court proceedings: Holding the parent in contempt, which could result in fines or even jail time for willful non-payment.
Reporting arrears to credit bureaus: Negatively affecting the parent’s credit score.

If you are struggling to collect child support, it’s critical to act swiftly to enforce your rights. Our family lawyer can help you petition the court and navigate the enforcement process to secure the support your child is entitled to receive.

Contact a Child Support Lawyer in Middlesex County, MA

Here at Mark Liam Gannon, Attorney at Law, we are dedicated to effectively representing divorcing parents here in Middlesex County and throughout the state of Massachusetts. No matter your situation, we stand ready to safeguard your interests and protect your well-being and that of your child. Contact Mark Liam Gannon, Attorney at Law, to schedule an initial consultation with our seasoned legal team today.