{"id":19890,"date":"2025-12-03T13:47:39","date_gmt":"2025-12-03T19:47:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/s49786.p1844.sites.pressdns.com\/?p=19890"},"modified":"2025-12-03T14:06:27","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T20:06:27","slug":"2025-massachusetts-child-support-guidelines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wrightfamilylawgroup-migrate.cwdevelop.com\/?p=19890","title":{"rendered":"2025 Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/info-details\/child-support-guidelines#2025-guidelines-forms-and-information\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">2025 Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> take effect on December 1, 2025, and apply to all child support orders entered or modified on or after that date.\u202f<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">These guidelines are based on the cost of raising children in Massachusetts and are reviewed every 4 years to ensure they remain fair, consistent, and aligned with families&#8217; needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">This guide provides a clear, accessible overview of the most important rules, factors, and processes involved in calculating <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/s49786.p1844.sites.pressdns.com\/the-significance-of-child-support-in-a-childs-life\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\"><span data-ccp-char=\"\">child support<\/span><\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> in Massachusetts, using the official Guidelines, Worksheet, and Findings forms. These guidelines determine how a support order is calculated and enforced in Massachusetts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">For complete details, refer to the official documents:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/law-library\/2025-child-support-guidelines\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">2025 Child Support Guidelines<\/span><\/strong><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> (Mass.gov)<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/info-details\/probate-and-family-court-2025-child-support-guidelines-worksheet-cjd-304\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">Child Support Guidelines Worksheet<\/span><\/strong><\/a><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\"> (CJD 304)<\/span><\/strong>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/info-details\/probate-and-family-court-findings-and-determinations-for-child-support-and-post-secondary-education-cjd-305\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">Findings and Determinations Form<\/span><\/strong><\/a><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\"> (CJD 305)<\/span><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you are a parent in Massachusetts and need to set up or review <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/s49786.p1844.sites.pressdns.com\/practice-area\/child-support\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">child support<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> these updates are important. This guide explains how the Massachusetts child support guidelines work and what parents should expect.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Why Massachusetts Updates Its Child Support Guidelines<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Massachusetts must review its child support guidelines every four years. For the 2024&ndash;2025 cycle, the Trial Court assembled a Task Force and hired economic consultants from<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Brattle Group to evaluate<\/span><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">What it actually costs to raise a child in Massachusetts<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Housing, childcare, healthcare, and educational trends<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">A change in parenting arrangements and family structures<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Updates to the federal poverty guidelines<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Increases in the cost of living and inflation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">To summarize, these updates aim to ensure fairness across households and ensure child support reflects children&#8217;s needs and parents&#8217; ability to pay.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What the Guidelines Presume<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Under the Massachusetts law:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The guidelines apply to all parents, married or unmarried.<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The guideline amount is presumptively correct unless a judge finds it unjust or not in the child&rsquo;s best interest.<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Massachusetts <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mass.gov\/info-details\/probate-and-family-court-2025-child-support-guidelines-worksheet-cjd-304\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\"><span data-ccp-char=\"\">Child Support Guidelines Worksheet<\/span><\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> must be filed in every case.<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">A <\/span><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">Findings and Determinations (CJD 305)<\/span><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\"> form must be filed if you are requesting (or agreeing to) a deviation, or if special circumstances apply.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Key 2025 Numbers at a Glance<\/h2>\n<table data-table=\"\" data-tablelook=\"1184\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\">\n<p><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">Item<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\">\n<p><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">2025 Amount \/ Rule<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\">\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Combined income cap<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\">\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">$450,000 per year ($8,654\/week)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\">\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Minimum order (payor earns &le; $301\/wk)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\">\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">$15 per week<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\">\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Low-income ceiling ($302&ndash;$391\/wk)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\">\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">$33 per week maximum<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\">\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Childcare credit (per child)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\">\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Up to $430 per week<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\">\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">College contribution cap<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\">\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">50% of UMass-Amherst in-state cost (~$37,015 for 2025-26)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\">\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Automatic hardship presumption<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\">\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Order &ge; 40% of payor&rsquo;s available income<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ALT Text: Infographic outlining child support core principles&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/child-support-core-principles.jpg\" alt=\"child support core principles\"><\/p>\n<h2>What Counts as Income in Massachusetts?<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Massachusetts defines income very broadly. A parent&rsquo;s income is the foundation of every child support calculation under the 2025 guidelines. For child support, income means gross income from almost any source, including income not reported to the IRS.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/income-included-in-the-child-support-assessment.jpg\" alt=\"income included in the child support assessment\"><\/p>\n<h3>Overtime &amp; second jobs<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">A judge may include <\/span><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">some, all, or none<\/span><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\"> of this income based on:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">How long you&rsquo;ve worked overtime<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Whether it will continue<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Whether it affects parenting time<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Financial needs<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Whether the extra work is mandatory<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If overtime or a second job started after the order was entered, the court presumes it should not be considered for a future order.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Imputing or attributing income<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">When a parent&#8217;s lifestyle differs from their claimed income, the court may grant them a higher income when:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Their lifestyle doesn&rsquo;t match the reported income<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">They receive free housing or in-kind benefits.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">They are capable of earning more but are voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">Important:<\/span><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\"> Massachusetts cannot treat <\/span><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">incarceration<\/span><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\"> as voluntary unemployment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Key Factors Massachusetts Courts Consider<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">In Massachusetts, courts consider income and several additional factors when determining child support. Key considerations include:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Alimony and child support<\/h3>\n<p>Child support is meant for children, while <a href=\"https:\/\/s49786.p1844.sites.pressdns.com\/practice-area\/alimony\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">alimony<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> is for spouses. If both are involved, courts review different support options (per Cavanagh v. Cavanagh) and pick the fairest outcome.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Tax dependency<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Judges can decide which parent gets to claim the child on their taxes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Minimum and Maximum Support Levels<\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<br \/><span data-contrast=\"none\">If the person paying support earns <\/span><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">$301 a week<\/span><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\"> or less, they will not pay more than <\/span><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">$15 <\/span><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">a week.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If they earn between<\/span><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\"> $302 and $391 <\/span><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">a week, they will not pay more than <\/span><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">$33 a week<\/span><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The guidelines apply when parents have a combined income of up to <\/span><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">$450,000<\/span><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\"> per year. If the income is higher, the court determines the appropriate support amount.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">Updated Income Percentages in 2025<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The child support worksheet uses income brackets to determine how much a parent pays in child support. Each bracket has a set percentage applied to a portion of the parent&rsquo;s income. This is how the state ensures support amounts remain predictable and consistent.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">For 2025, these brackets and percentages were updated. This means the worksheet now uses slightly different numbers than it did in 2023. As a result, a parent can end up with a different support amount even if their income has not changed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Some families may see a higher amount. Some may see a lower amount. It depends on where their income falls in the new chart.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">This update is important because a support order based on the 2023 guidelines may now be out of line with the 2025 rules, which can be a valid basis for a modification.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/2023vs2025_guidelines.jpg\" alt=\"2023vs2025_guidelines\"><\/p>\n<h3>Parenting time<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Parenting time plays a key role in deciding which parent is the recipient and how the support order is calculated. <\/span><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">The child support worksheet adjusts payment obligations according to the following arrangements:\u202f<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Primary residence<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Shared parenting, in which both parents have approximately equal time and responsibility<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Split parenting, where each parent serves as the primary caregiver for different children<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">Potential deviations from standard calculations include the following scenarios:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">When a parent spends significantly less than one-third of the total parenting time, support payments may be increased.<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">If parenting time falls between one-third and half, an adjustment could be considered.<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">In cases with more than two legal parents, the court reviews each parent&rsquo;s income and time spent with the children.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">The worksheet itself lets you choose from two basic parenting categories:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"8\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">A primary residence schedule (one parent has most of the time)<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"8\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">A shared 50\/50 schedule<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">But in real life, many families fall somewhere in the middle.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>What the 2025 guidelines change:<\/h4>\n<p>Judges now have clearer permission to adjust child support when parenting time is:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"9\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">More than one-third but less than half<\/span><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\"> (in-between schedules)<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"9\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">Substantially less than one-third<\/span><\/strong>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"9\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">Involving more than two legal parents<\/span><\/strong>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">Why this matters:<\/span><\/strong>&nbsp;<br \/><span data-contrast=\"none\">Parents don&rsquo;t need to force their <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/s49786.p1844.sites.pressdns.com\/parenting-plans\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\"><span data-ccp-char=\"\">parenting plan<\/span><\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> into one of the worksheet&rsquo;s &ldquo;boxes.&rdquo; The court can adjust support to reflect the actual time spent with the children.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">Example:<\/span><\/strong>&nbsp;<br \/><span data-contrast=\"none\">If a parent has the children about 40% of the time, not a full 50\/50 but more than a typical schedule, the court can adjust the support amount to match the actual parenting arrangement.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">Pro tip<\/span><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">: Parents facing conflict or juggling complicated schedules can turn to a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/s49786.p1844.sites.pressdns.com\/parenting-coordinators\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">parenting coordinator<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> for guidance, structure, and ongoing support.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Childcare costs<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The 2025 guidelines now give more detail about when a camp or activity counts as &ldquo;childcare&rdquo; (which affects the child support amount) versus when it&rsquo;s simply an extracurricular activity (which does not).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">A camp may count as childcare when:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"10\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">It provides supervision so a parent can work, attend school, or do job training.<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"10\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">It happens during working hours.<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"10\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The child is young enough to require supervision.<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"10\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The program functions like a caregiver during the day.<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">A camp may NOT count as childcare when:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"11\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">It&rsquo;s primarily recreational or enrichment-based.<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"11\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Attendance isn&rsquo;t linked to a parent&rsquo;s ability to work.<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"11\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The child is old enough to be safely home alone during the same hours.<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">Why this matters:<\/span><\/strong>&nbsp;<br \/><span data-contrast=\"none\"> This distinction can change the final child support number for many families.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Support for children ages 18\u201323<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Massachusetts is one of the few states allowing child support up to age <\/span><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">23<\/span><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Courts consider:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"12\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Why the child still lives with the parent<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"12\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">School enrollment<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"12\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Resources of each parent<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"12\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Contribution to college costs<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"12\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The child&rsquo;s living situation<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"12\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">High school students 18<\/span><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">+ <\/span><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">are treated as under 18 for support calculations.<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"12\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"7\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">For children aged 18&ndash;23 who are not in high school, support is reduced using Table C on the worksheet.<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>College contributions<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Courts can require parents to help pay for their child&rsquo;s undergraduate education.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">Key rules:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"13\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">No parent can be required to pay more than half the cost of <\/span><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">UMass Amherst<\/span><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\"> unless the judge explains the reasons in writing.<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"13\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The term &ldquo;cost&rdquo; covers tuition, required fees, housing, meal plans, and books.<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"13\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Judges look at what each parent can afford, any financial aid, the child&rsquo;s needs, and each parent&rsquo;s financial situation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Health, dental, and vision Insurance<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Parents may deduct reasonable premiums actually paid. Coverage must be:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"14\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Affordable (no more than 5% of gross income)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"14\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Accessible (within 15 miles of the child&rsquo;s home)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"14\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">In the child&rsquo;s best interest<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If a plan covers people not listed in the order, the deduction may be reduced.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Out-of-pocket medical expenses<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Older versions of the guidelines defaulted to splitting medical expenses 50\/50 after the recipient paid the first $250.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The 2025 guidelines change that.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Courts can now divide uninsured medical expenses <\/span><em><span data-contrast=\"none\">based on each parent&rsquo;s income share<\/span><\/em><span data-contrast=\"none\">, rather than automatically 50\/50.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">Important:<\/span><\/strong>&nbsp;<br \/><span data-contrast=\"none\">The court considers each parent&rsquo;s income <\/span><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">before child support is paid or received<\/span><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">, so this division reflects each parent&#8217;s actual financial ability&mdash;not the result of the child support order.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">Example:<\/span><\/strong>&nbsp;<br \/><span data-contrast=\"none\"> If Parent A earns 70% of the combined income and Parent B earns 30%, the court may order Parent A to cover 70% of the medical expenses.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>Families with more than two legal parents<\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Beginning January 1, 2025, the Massachusetts Parentage Act (MPA) allows a child to legally have more than two parents.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">The 2025 Child Support Guidelines reflect this by stating:<\/span><\/strong>&nbsp;<br \/><span data-contrast=\"none\"> Courts must consider the financial circumstances and parenting time of <\/span><em><span data-contrast=\"none\">all<\/span><\/em><span data-contrast=\"none\"> legal parents when deciding support.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">Why this matters:<\/span><\/strong>&nbsp;<br \/><span data-contrast=\"none\"> Some families may share parenting among three adults &mdash; for example:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"15\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Two biological parents and one de facto parent<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"15\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">A same-sex couple and a biological father<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"15\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">A blended family where all parents share legal status<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">There is no worksheet that calculates support for three parents yet, so judges have broad discretion to determine a fair arrangement.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Other children and existing obligations<\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Courts may deduct:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"16\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Existing support orders being paid<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"16\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Reasonable voluntary support payments<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"16\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Hypothetical support for another child in the home (if evidence is provided)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Multiple Children<\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The worksheet adjusts child support based on the number of children, using updated Table B factors for 2025.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">Other Child-Related Expenses<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Judges may order contributions toward:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"17\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Extracurricular activities<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"17\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Private school<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"17\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Camps that are <\/span><em><span data-contrast=\"none\">not<\/span><\/em><span data-contrast=\"none\"> childcare<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Discretion depends on affordability and the child&rsquo;s best interest.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Modifying a Massachusetts Child Support Order<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">You may request a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/s49786.p1844.sites.pressdns.com\/modifications\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">modification<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> when:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"18\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The guideline amount today is different from your current order.<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"18\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Health insurance becomes unavailable, unaffordable, or newly available.<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"18\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">There is any <\/span><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">material and substantial change<\/span><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\"> (job change, parenting time change, disability, etc.)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If the old order included a <\/span><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">deviation<\/span><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">, courts examine whether:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"19\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The reasons still exist.<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"19\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Continuing deviation is in the child&rsquo;s best interest.<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"19\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The guideline amount would be unjust.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If your old order does not match the amount produced by the Massachusetts child support worksheet, you may qualify for a modification.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Deviation (Higher or Lower Orders)<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Courts can deviate <\/span><em><span data-contrast=\"none\">upward or downward<\/span><\/em><span data-contrast=\"none\">, including issuing a <\/span><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">$0 order<\/span><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">, when:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"20\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Parents agree (and it&rsquo;s fair to the child).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"20\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">A child or parent has extraordinary needs.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"20\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Childcare, medical, or insurance costs are unusually high.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"20\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Parenting time is substantially less or more than typical.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"20\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The child has more than two legal parents.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"20\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The payor is incarcerated with no ability to pay.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"20\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"7\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Applying the guidelines leaves a parent unable to self-support.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"20\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"8\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Applying the guidelines would create a major disparity between households.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"20\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"9\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Reunification under DCF (G.L. 119) would be harmed.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"20\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"10\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The guideline amount would otherwise be &ldquo;unjust, inappropriate, or not in the child&rsquo;s best interest.&rdquo;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">40% Rule<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If child support exceeds <\/span><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">40% of the payor&rsquo;s available income<\/span><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">, courts presume a <\/span><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">hardship exists<\/span><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\"> and are more likely to deviate.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Understanding the Massachusetts Child Support Worksheet<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The <\/span><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">2025 Child Support Guidelines Worksheet<\/span><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"none\"> calculates:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"21\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Available income<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"21\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Parenting time category<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"21\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Adjustments for multiple children<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"21\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Reductions for children ages 18&ndash;23<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"21\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Childcare and medical credits<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"21\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Minimum or maximum order bands<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"21\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"7\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Whether the 40% hardship threshold is triggered<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">This worksheet is the main tool for figuring out child support under the 2025 guidelines. Every case uses the Massachusetts child support worksheet to determine the support amount.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Many parents find the worksheet confusing, especially when it comes to shared parenting, stock options, self-employment, or college costs. Getting legal advice can be very helpful in these situations.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>When to Get Legal Guidance<\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">At first glance, Massachusetts child support may seem simple, but many parents discover there is more to it once the details are applied. A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/s49786.p1844.sites.pressdns.com\/practice-area\/family-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">family law<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> attorney can help you understand how the guidelines apply to your situation and whether a deviation may be appropriate.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">You should consult a family law attorney if you:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"22\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Believe the guideline amount is unfair.<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"22\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Want to request a deviation.<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"22\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Share parenting time close to 50\/50.<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"22\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Have a child with special needs.<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"22\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Have complex income (self-employment, bonuses, stock, rental income).<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"22\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Have children 18&ndash;23 or facing college decisions.<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"22\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"7\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Need to modify an old order.<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"22\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"8\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Have more than two legal parents.<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"22\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"9\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Face a situation where child support may exceed 40% of available income.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><span data-contrast=\"none\">Wright Family Law Group Can Help<\/span><\/strong>&nbsp;<br \/><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you have questions about child support, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/s49786.p1844.sites.pressdns.com\/practice-area\/child-custody\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\"><span data-ccp-char=\"\">custody<\/span><\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, parenting time, or whether your present order fulfills your family&#8217;s requirements, you do not have to face them alone. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/s49786.p1844.sites.pressdns.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Wright Family Law Group<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> offers straightforward guidance and practical solutions while always prioritizing your child&#8217;s well-being.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<br \/><span data-contrast=\"none\">Wright Family Law Group has offices in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/s49786.p1844.sites.pressdns.com\/danvers-office\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Danvers<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/s49786.p1844.sites.pressdns.com\/tewksbury-office\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Tewksbury<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">, serving clients across Massachusetts, including Middlesex, Essex, Suffolk, Plymouth, Norfolk, Bristol, Worcester, and Barnstable counties. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/s49786.p1844.sites.pressdns.com\/contact-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Schedule a free 15-minute discovery call <\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">today to get individualized advice and start ensuring your family&#8217;s future.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines FAQ<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%2.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"18\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:1440,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%2.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"2\"><strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What is the minimum child support payment in Massachusetts?<\/span><\/strong>\n<p>&nbsp;<br \/><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The minimum order is $15 per week for payors earning $301 or less, and up to $33 for income between $302 and $391.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%2.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"18\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:1440,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%2.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"2\"><strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What is the maximum income the Massachusetts guidelines use?<\/span><\/strong>&nbsp;\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The 2025 guidelines apply up to $450,000 in combined parental income; anything above that is discretionary.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%2.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"18\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:1440,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%2.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"2\"><strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How much child support would I pay if I earn $2,000 a week in Massachusetts?<\/span><\/strong>&nbsp;\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It depends on parenting time and deductions. The worksheet applies the updated 2025 income brackets and percentages to calculate the exact amount.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%2.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"18\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:1440,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%2.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"2\"><strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Who pays child support in a 50\/50 parenting schedule in Massachusetts?<\/span><\/strong>&nbsp;\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Even with equal parenting time, support may be ordered based on each parent&rsquo;s income and ability to meet the child&rsquo;s needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%2.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"18\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:1440,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%2.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"2\"><strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;What is the lowest child support payment allowed?<\/span><\/strong>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">$0 is possible when a parent cannot pay, and a deviation is appropriate under the guidelines.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%2.\" data-font=\"\" data-listid=\"18\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:1440,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%2.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"2\"><strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How is child support calculated in Massachusetts?<\/span><\/strong>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Child support in Massachusetts is calculated using the official Child Support Guidelines Worksheet, which looks at each parent&rsquo;s income, parenting time, childcare costs, and other required expenses to determine the support amount.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div class=\"testimonial-btn\"><a href=\"tel:9788227117\">Call Us Now!<\/a><\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class=\"testimonial-btn\"><a href=\"\/contact-us\/\">Schedule a Free 15-Minute Discovery Call<\/a><\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The 2025 Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines take effect on December 1, 2025, and apply to all child support orders entered or modified on or after that date.\u202f These guidelines are based on the cost of raising children in Massachusetts and are reviewed every 4 years to ensure they remain fair, consistent, and aligned with families&#8217; &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wrightfamilylawgroup-migrate.cwdevelop.com\/?p=19890\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;2025 Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":37,"featured_media":19893,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-19890","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","entry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines 2025<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Understand child support guidelines Massachusetts for 2025 and how they impact your financial planning and child\u2019s stability.\" \/>\n<meta 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