Spousal and Child Support

Both parents are responsible for supporting their child, regardless of the custody arrangement. It is typically assumed that the parent who has physical custody spends a proper amount of money on the child's needs directly, and the non-custodial parent makes a regular payment to assist with the expenses.

The Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines help to determine a reasonable amount of child support for a specific family. Both parents' incomes, as well as the child's needs and costs for medical insurance, everyday care, and basic education, are taken into account.

The parents may agree on an amount of child support different from the recommended sum, and the judge may approve the parents' offer if it meets the best interests of the child.