Hingham, MA family law attorney Carmela M. Miraglia explains how the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines work. She notes that child support in Massachusetts is determined according to a set of guidelines developed by judges, attorneys, and financial planners. These guidelines consider both parties’ gross incomes, the cost of health insurance, and any prior support obligations for other families. Once the court determines each party’s income, a formula calculates the amount the non-custodial parent will pay to the custodial parent.

In Massachusetts, a parent does not need to be the primary custodial parent to receive child support. Even when parents share custody equally, if one parent earns significantly more than the other, child support may still be ordered. The guidelines help divide the combined income between the parties to ensure the children’s financial needs are met by both parents.