Child Support

Every parent understands the importance of placing their child’s best interests first.  When child custody issues are involved in a family law matter, establishing the appropriate amount of child support is imperative.  Child support is the amount of money paid by one parent to another in order to provide for their child(ren).  In Massachusetts, the amount of child support that is paid is determined by the Child Support Guidelines.

On January 1, 2009, new guidelines were promulgated, taking into consideration a number of factors which effect the majority of families today.  The guidelines apply to parents who are getting divorced, as well as those who were never married.  The essential policy goals under the guidelines are to minimize the economic impact on the child(ren) when the parents live separately, and, if applicable, to ensure that the child(ren) share in the higher standard of living of one or both parents.

The considerations or possible deviations that can be considered when determining a child support order are numerous and should be reviewed with a knowledgeable attorney.  Whether you’re establishing a new child support order or looking to modify a current child support order, contact the Family Law Group at Conn Kavanaugh.

>>Please contact us with any questions or for an assessment about child support.