Experienced Child Support Attorney In Massachusetts
Last updated on December 30, 2024
Child support provides a way to hold a parent financially responsible for the upbringing of their child, including their education, daily care, medical care and more. At Cunnally Law Group, LLC, our child support attorneys help parents throughout Medway, Norfolk County and the Metrowest region fight to seek child support or make fair payments.
Understanding Child Support
Child support in Massachusetts underwent substantial changes with new child support guidelines going into effect on June 15, 2018. The new Massachusetts child support guidelines worksheet can be found here.
The current Massachusetts child support guidelines cover parents with combined gross incomes up to $250,000.00. The guidelines consider several factors, including both parents’ incomes and ability to earn income, the number of children involved, the age of the children (over 18 or under 18 years old), the parenting schedule, and the cost of health care coverage and child care. Only the court can change or modify the amount of a Massachusetts child support order, but either parent may request a modification of the order if the order is no longer in accordance with the current child support guidelines or if there has been a substantial and material change in circumstances.
Although the duty of parental support is a common law principle, both federal and Massachusetts statutes address child support. Child support may be awarded in several contexts besides a final divorce judgment, including an action for separate support, temporary orders during a divorce case, a guardianship petition, a paternity action or an abuse prevention order under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 209A. Additionally, child support can be ordered as part of an interstate child support action.
The child support guidelines consider circumstances where one parent is the primary physical custodian of the child(ren) as well as circumstances where the parties are sharing parenting time.
Massachusetts Child Support Enforcement
There are a number of enforcement options available when a parent is not paying their court-ordered child support, as well as services available through the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. Enforcement options include withholding income and tax refunds, placing liens on or seizing property, revoking driver’s licenses and motor vehicle registration plates, and intercepting insurance claims.
If you have a Massachusetts child support modification or contempt case, or an interstate child support enforcement issue, it is best not to wait too long before speaking with an attorney.
Consult With Our Child Support Lawyers
If you’re concerned about how much child support you have to pay or receive, our attorneys can help. Contact Cunnally Law Group, LLC, at 508-475-9684 today to schedule a consultation or email us online.