Child support is not something that you and a spouse should have to fight over after a divorce or break up; it’s meant to go to your children, the children you raised and intended on supporting until their adult lives. Although this is the case, sometimes you and the other parent may disagree on how much child support is needed or where it should be spent. If you’ve never been married, then someone may not feel obligated to pay, even though this isn’t true by law.
In Massachusetts, child support amounts are determined by statute. That means that the income of each parent, the number of children being supported, and medical insurance costs will all be considered. If you have sole or joint custody, this can also affect how much child support is paid.
It’s possible to have the support guidelines deviated from. Judges have this authority, and they may do so in special circumstances, such as those with many assets or special needs. Accommodations for the child will always come first, so if the child needs additional health care, day care, or other needs, then this will also be considered when determining child support costs.
Whether you’re fighting over when you should receive payment, past due payments, or if it’s right that you have to pay at all, you deserve to have your opinion heard and recognized. Please check out our website to learn more about your rights when it comes to child support. You may be able to take steps to change your situation into one that better suits your needs.