Child Support ALERT!

CHILD SUPPORT ALERT

On August 1, 2013, new child support guidelines went into place in Massachusetts.  The new guidelines make both large and small changes to the child support landscape. 


(Photo credit: oregonchildsupport.gov)

What does this mean to you?  If you are paying or receiving child support, the amount you pay or receive might be able to be changed depending on your circumstances. For example, a Payor making $1,200 per week and Recipient making $400 per week would normally have a $352 child support payment per week. (This assumes no other income or deductions and is for example only).  Under the new guidelines, the child support figure drops to $253 per week.

Some notable changes are the following:

1.) Means-tested government income is NOT includes as income for calculating child support.  Means-tested income includes Social Security Income, SNAP benefits, and Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children.

2.) All, some, or none of income from second jobs or overtime may be considered by the court, regardless of whether this is new income or was earned prior to dissolution of the relationship/marriage.

3.) If a child is with the custodial parent for more than two-thirds of the time, a judge may allow even more child support than what the Guidelines suggest.

Here is a link to the new Guidelines http://www.mass.gov/courts/childsupport/2013-child-support-guidelines.pdf  It is only twelve pages, so it is worth a read if you are paying or receiving child support. 

Here is a link to even more information about this subject. http://www.mass.gov/courts/childsupport/index.html

If you have any questions regarding the new Child Support Guidelines and how they may affect alimony payments, do not hesitate to contact an attorney.

-- Geoffrey R. Farrington, Esq.

(413) 283-6455
http://www.lawyerspalmerma.com/