Child Support Lawyers

The lawyers at Sneider Kellman, PC, represent parents in matters of child support determination in divorces and paternity proceedings, placing great emphasis on the best interests of our clients’ children. Located in Chestnut Hill, we also represent clients needing enforcement and modification of child support orders.

Massachusetts child support laws — often called child support guidelines — take into account the incomes of both parents when calculating how much support should be paid. The law also considers factors such as:

• Health insurance costs
• Daycare costs
• Number of children to be supported
• Amount of time that each parent spends with the child
• The child’s special needs, if applicable

When Parents Make More Than the Guidelines

The Massachusetts child support guidelines don’t extend forever. When both spouses earn a combined income of $250,000 a year or more, the child support formula does not suggest a guideline amount.

Parents are left to extrapolate from the formula or come to an agreement about how much child support is to be paid.

It sounds straightforward, but it is often difficult to tell whether or not parents earned $250,000 for the purposes of the child support guidelines. The income amount reported on your federal income taxes is not necessarily the amount Massachusetts family law courts will consider.

Our state’s courts may also take into account pretax income such as 401(k)s, medical savings accounts and extra benefits, which are calculated for the child support determination.

Get Your Questions Answered

Massachusetts child support regulations are difficult to navigate on your own. Call 617-278-1881 or send us an email to schedule your introductory consultation.