Massachusetts Child Support Calculator
Free Massachusetts child support calculator. Calculate child support obligations based on Massachusetts state guidelines, custody arrangements, and combined income. Our calculator uses Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines income shares model to determine accurate child support estimates with parenting time adjustments and additional expense calculations.
Last updated: December 15, 2024
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Parent 2: 65% custody time
Monthly Child Support
$2,214
per month
Based on Massachusetts child support guidelines with 2 children. Combined monthly income of $10,500 results in a basic obligation of $3,045. Custody adjustment applied for 35% parenting time.
Legal Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on Massachusetts child support guidelines. Actual court orders may vary based on additional factors and judicial discretion. Consult a Massachusetts family law attorney for official calculations.
Massachusetts Child Support Calculator Features
Calculation Method
Combined Income
Both parents' incomes combined
Threshold
30% or more
Substantial parenting time credit
Ranges
20% - 42%
Varies by income level
Included
Insurance + Care
Added to basic obligation
Division
Fair Share
Based on earning capacity
Standard
MA Guidelines
Court-recognized calculations
Example Calculation Result
Parents earning $6,000 and $4,500/month with 2 children (35% custody Parent 1)
Monthly Child Support
$2,214
Based on Massachusetts guidelines with parenting time adjustment
How Massachusetts Child Support Calculator Works
Our Massachusetts child support calculator uses the income shares model as defined in the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines, which is based on the principle that children should receive the same proportion of parental income they would have received if the parents lived together.
Massachusetts Child Support Formula & Guidelines
Step 1: Calculate Combined Income
Combined Income = Parent 1 Gross Income + Parent 2 Gross IncomeStep 2: Determine Income Bracket
Low: ≤$2,000 | Mid: $2,001-$6,000 | High: >$6,000Step 3: Apply Percentage Based on Children & Bracket
Basic Obligation = Combined Income × Percentage1 child: 20-22%, 2: 27-29%, 3: 32-34%, 4: 36-38%, 5+: 40-42%
Step 4: Divide Proportionally
Each Parent Share = Obligation × (Their Income / Combined Income)Step 5: Apply Parenting Time Adjustment
Adjustment = Share × (Custody % × Factor) if ≥30% custodyStep 6: Add Additional Expenses
Final = Share + (Insurance + Childcare) × Income % - AdjustmentUnderstanding Massachusetts Income Shares Model
Massachusetts employs a tiered income shares model that recognizes different percentages should apply based on the combined income level of both parents. This sophisticated approach ensures that child support obligations are fair and proportional across different income levels. The model also accounts for parenting time, recognizing that parents who spend significant time with their children incur direct expenses during that time.
- Both parents' gross incomes combined determine the guideline income bracket
- Higher combined incomes use slightly higher percentages per child
- The obligation is divided between parents in proportion to their incomes
- Parenting time of at least 30% qualifies for a custody adjustment
- Health insurance and childcare costs are added proportionally
- The paying parent receives credit for expenses during their parenting time
Sources & Legal References
- Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines - Official GuidelinesCommonwealth of Massachusetts child support calculation standards
- Massachusetts Department of Revenue - Child Support Enforcement DivisionOfficial child support enforcement and guidelines
- Massachusetts Bar Association - Family Law SectionProfessional resources for family law practitioners
Need help with other state child support calculations? Check our Florida calculator, Illinois calculator, and Louisiana calculator.
Get Custom Legal Calculator for Your PlatformMassachusetts Child Support Calculator Examples
Input Parameters:
- Parent 1 Income: $6,000/month
- Parent 2 Income: $4,500/month
- Number of Children: 2
- Parent 1 Custody: 35%
- Health Insurance: $250/month
- Childcare: $900/month
Calculation Results:
- Combined Income: $10,500
- Income Bracket: High (>$6,000)
- Basic Obligation: $3,045 (29%)
- Parent 1 Share: $1,741 (57.1%)
- Custody Adjustment: -$183
- Monthly Support: $2,214
Key Insight: Tiered income brackets for fairness
Massachusetts uses different percentage rates based on combined income levels, ensuring fair support obligations across economic circumstances. Higher combined incomes result in slightly higher percentage rates.
Low Income Bracket
Combined ≤ $2,000/month
20% for 1 child, 27% for 2 children
Mid Income Bracket
Combined $2,001-$6,000/month
21% for 1 child, 28% for 2 children
High Income Bracket
Combined >$6,000/month
22% for 1 child, 29% for 2 children
Frequently Asked Questions
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