In Massachusetts, child support is a financial obligation one parent pays to the other to help cover the expenses of raising their shared children. It is typically paid by the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent and is calculated using the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines, which consider both parents’ income, the number of children, and other relevant factors.
Alimony, on the other hand, is financial support paid by one spouse to another after a divorce or legal separation. It aims to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a standard of living similar to that during the marriage. Alimony in Massachusetts can take several forms—general term alimony, rehabilitative alimony, reimbursement alimony, or transitional alimony—and is governed by the Massachusetts Alimony Reform Act of 2011 (M.G.L. c. 208, § 34 and § 48–55).
Navigating the complexities of child support and alimony laws in Massachusetts can be challenging. An experienced attorney can:
At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we specialize in Massachusetts family law, offering personalized and dedicated legal services. Our deep understanding of the state’s child support and alimony laws ensures that we can effectively advocate for your interests, whether you’re seeking support, contesting an obligation, or requesting a modification.
Experienced Family Law and Divorce Lawyers Ready to Protect Your Rights
Boston Office
55 Union Street, Suite 400 Boston, MA 02108
617-295-7500
Salem Office
15 Church St, Suite 105 Salem, MA 01970
978-607-0034
Office Hours
Mondays – Fridays
24/7 Support
Saturdays – Sundays
10:00am – 2:00pm
The legal landscape of child support and alimony in Massachusetts is intricate and ever-evolving. Trust the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson to guide you through every step, ensuring clarity, fairness, and peace of mind.
Child support is calculated based on the 2023 Child Support Guidelines, considering factors like both parents’ incomes, custody arrangements, and other relevant expenses.
Yes, if there’s a significant change in circumstances, such as a change in income or employment status, you can request a modification of the alimony order.
For divorce agreements executed after December 31, 2018, alimony payments are neither deductible by the payer nor taxable to the recipient.
The duration depends on the length of the marriage. For instance, for marriages of 5 years or less, alimony can’t exceed 50% of the number of months married.
Yes, if there’s a substantial change in circumstances, such as income changes or custody modifications, you can request a review and adjustment of the child support order.
Experienced Family Law and Divorce Lawyers Ready to Protect Your Rights
Boston Office
55 Union Street, Suite 400 Boston, MA 02108
617-295-7500
Salem Office
15 Church St, Suite 105 Salem, MA 01970
978-607-0034
Office Hours
Mondays – Fridays
24/7 Support
Saturdays – Sundays
10:00am – 2:00pm
The Right Strategy to Win Your Criminal Case
Disclaimer: Although I am an attorney, I am not your attorney. Please do not rely on anything on our website as legal advice because any specific advice would depend on your situation. Any results posted on this page are not guarantees of outcomes in your case.
Our Locations
Boston Office
(Cheap parking! We validate parking at 136 Blackstone St, Boston, MA 02109 (Haymarket, Parcel 7 parking garage), $3 for three hours.)
Salem Office
Quick Links
The Right Strategy to Win Your Criminal Case
Disclaimer: Although I am an attorney, I am not your attorney. Please do not rely on anything on our website as legal advice because any specific advice would depend on your situation. Any results posted on this page are not guarantees of outcomes in your case.
Our Locations
Boston Office
(Cheap parking! We validate parking at 136 Blackstone St, Boston, MA 02108 (Haymarket, Parcel 7 parking garage), $3 for three hours.)
Salem Office
Quick Links