When parents in Massachusetts decide to divorce or separate, they will have to face a number of matters related to their children. One such matter is in regards to child support. This is typically paid by the noncustodial parent to the custodial parent. Unfortunately, matters related to the children are often the most contested matters of the divorce. In 2013, Massachusetts established Child Support Guidelines. These guidelines take a number of factors into consideration when determining child support, some of which include:
- the earning capacity of each parent
- the cost of childcare and other expenses
- the cost of the child’s health insurance
- the number of children that require support
- the custody arrangement
In Massachusetts, parents are obligated to support their child until the child turns 18 years old. However, when children decide to go to college or another form of high education, the court may extend the parent’s support obligation until the child’s 23rd birthday. The court considers a number of other topics in their guidelines as well. Some of these include:
- mitigating the economic impacts that the child will face due to the divorce
- recognizing each parent’s contributions, whether they are financial in nature or not
- implementing a system that would allow for the adjustment or modification of child support down the road
If you are facing a child custody or support matter in Massachusetts, contact our firm today for quality legal assistance.
If you require compassionate and knowledgeable legal guidance for a matter of divorce, family or estate law, please contact the experienced attorneys at the Law Offices of Cynthia L. Hanley today.
