When you think of child support, what do you imagine it is for? If you see the money going toward your child’s home, health and happiness, then you understand the very basis of what this money is meant to be used for. During a divorce, determining child support and how much one person should receive or owe can be contentious, but when all is said and done, this money is for the continued welfare of your children.
Massachusetts is similar to many other states in that child support payment amounts are based on preset amounts. This can be determined by the amount of money you earn and the amount the other parent earns. The number of children you have together will be considered, and medical insurance costs will have to be identified and added to the cost. Of course, if you have joint custody, this could affect the amount of child support paid as much as it would if one person has sole custody.
Judges are allowed to choose a child support amount that varies from the standard guidelines in certain cases, but this doesn’t happen often. This could be done, though, if you believe special accommodations need to be made for the child’s health care, hobbies or other issues that require extra compensation to provide.
Our website has plenty of information on child support orders and what to do if you want to have your child support order modified. There are many legal challenges with child support, but it’s important to remember that your child’s best interests are going to be maintained by the court.
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