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Frequently Asked Questions: Divorce And Family Law

How Is Child Support Determined?

Massachusetts has child support guidelines that determine the amount of child support on combined gross incomes of up to $250,000. The court is required to determine child support using the guidelines, and it may deviate from the guidelines only if the court finds that the guidelines amount would be unjust or inappropriate and makes written findings setting forth the specific facts of the case, which justify departure from the guidelines. In all cases where an order for child support is requested, a child support guideline worksheet must be completed and filed with the court. Where the combined annual gross income of the parties exceeds $250,000, the award of support at the $250,000 is the minimum presumptive order and additional amounts of child support may be awarded in the court’s discretion.

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