Massachusetts Statutory Child Support Calculator
Massachusetts applies an Income Shares Model that calculates child support based on the combined gross incomes of both parents and the number of children. In shared physical custody (121 to 183 overnights, or 33% to 50%), the court applies a reciprocal offset calculation. Official statutory authority: Mass. Trial Court Child Support Guidelines (2021/2023 Rules).
Statutory Case Parameters
Massachusetts (MA)Consult a Local Family Law Attorney to Review Deviation Factors
Judges in Massachusetts routinely depart from statutory guideline math when specific deviation factors exist (unusual travel costs for visitation, private school tuition, extraordinary medical needs, or dual-household expenses).
- ■Evaluate discretionary deviation thresholds for your specific judge
- ■Verify allowable self-employment deductions & net resource offsets
- ■Draft enforceable court-ready stipulations without trial delay
Confidential inquiry. No attorney-client relationship is formed until a formal retainer agreement is executed with licensed counsel.
Massachusetts Legal Mechanics & Court Standards
Legislative Formula & Terminology
Both parents’ incomes are combined, basic support is determined from the statutory economic table, prorated by income shares, adjusted for health insurance/childcare, and cross-credited if parenting time exceeds 33%.
- Custodial Parent Term: Recipient / Primary Physical Custodian
- Obligor Parent Term: Payor / Support Obligor
- Shared Custody Regime: Shared Physical Custody (33% - 50% Time)
- Official Court Form: Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (CJD-304)
Key Statutory Thresholds (2024/2025)
Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines FAQ
How does Massachusetts handle 50/50 physical custody?
Under Section II.D of the MA Guidelines, when parents share custody between 33% and 50% of the time, the court calculates child support twice: first assuming Parent A is the recipient, then assuming Parent B is the recipient. The payor pays the net difference between the two calculated amounts.
What happens if combined income exceeds $400,000 per year?
For combined parental gross income exceeding $400,000 annually ($33,333/month), the statutory guidelines apply to the initial $400,000. Above $400,000, the court exercises judicial discretion based on the circumstances of the family, child’s actual needs, and standard of living.
How are health insurance premiums credited in Massachusetts?
The parent paying out-of-pocket health insurance premiums for the children receives a credit. The cost is apportioned between the parents in proportion to their gross incomes, ensuring the paying parent is reimbursed for the other parent’s percentage share.
What is the minimum child support order in Massachusetts?
The statutory minimum child support order in Massachusetts is $80 per month ($20 per week) for low-income payors earning between $0 and $210 per week.