Child support is a court-ordered financial arrangement to assist in the process of raising a child or children after parents separate or divorce. Typically, the non-custodial parent (the one who does not have primary custody) makes regular payments to the custodial parent (the one with primary custody) to assist in the costs of raising the child. This helps ensure the child's basic needs are met, including food, clothing, shelter, healthcare, and education.
The amount of child support is determined by a formula that considers both parents' incomes and expenses, as well as the child's needs. In some instances, the custodial parent may be ordered to pay child support to the non-custodial parent if there is a significant income disparity.
A lawyer can be your advocate in child support cases, ensuring a fair and accurate outcome for your child. King and Farrell Law will handle the complexities of developing an appropriate and fair child support award using their knowledge of state guidelines and income factors. We can gather evidence to support your desired outcome, such as factors including work history or daycare costs. Our lawyers can negotiate on your behalf to reach an agreement outside of court, saving time and potential conflict. If court is necessary, we will represent you zealously, ensuring all procedures are followed and your arguments are effectively presented. We protect your interests and fight for the financial support your child deserves.
As life circumstances change, it's not uncommon for parents to need to modify their child support arrangements. Our team of experienced family law attorneys represent parents seeking modifications to initial agreements or Court Orders, ensuring that changes are made to reflect the new circumstances. Additionally, if one parent fails to comply with the existing agreement, our attorneys can also help enforce Court Orders and protect the rights and interests of the other.
In Massachusetts, the Child Support Guidelines uses a formula-based approach to determine the appropriate award of amount of child support. The formula takes into consideration both parents' gross weekly income, the number of children, and the parenting schedule and calculates a base amount based on income brackets. The base amount is then adjusted to account for additional expenses such as daycare costs, health insurance premiums, or other specific circumstances that may impact the family's financial situation.
In addition to income and number of children, the child's age also plays a significant role in determining child support in Massachusetts. The guidelines provide different support amounts based on whether the child is over or under the age of eighteen. The Massachusetts Probate and Family Court provides access to the worksheet to help estimate potential child support awards, making it easier for parents to determine their obligations. To understand the worksheet further, please refer to Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines which our team of attorneys can help you interpret.
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King & Farrell Law LLC
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1060 Osterville, MA 02655
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