How Massachusetts Calculates Child Support
Massachusetts uses the Income Shares model to determine child support obligations. This page explains the guidelines, formula, and key factors.
Model Type
Income Shares
Income-shares model based on combined gross income and number of children; each parent's obligation prorated by income share; adjusted for parenting time and add-ons (childcare, health insurance, dental/vision); uses Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines issued by the Trial Court.
Income Basis & Definitions
gross
Selects the base-support amount from the Massachusetts guidelines.
Source: Section I: Income Definition and Guidelines ScheduleParent A gross income (includes most sources of income).
Source: Section I.A: Gross income definitionParenting Time Handling
Calculator adjusts for parenting time arrangements.
Source: Section II.D: Parenting time adjustmentApproximate percentage of time or overnights with each parent.
Source: Section II.D: Parenting time formulaDeductions & Adjustments
Court-ordered support for other children deducted from income.
Source: Section I.B: Other support obligationsAlimony paid or received adjusts income.
Source: Section I: Alimony adjustmentAdd-Ons & Allocation
Childcare costs added and allocated between parents.
Source: Section II.B: Childcare costsHealth, dental, and vision insurance premiums and uninsured medical costs.
Source: Section II.C: Health insurance and medical costsCaps, Minimums & Deviations
Guidelines cap at combined income of $400,000; above-cap at court discretion.
Source: Income capDeviation allowed for specific criteria; requires findings.
Source: Section III: Deviation factors