Struggling with Child Support or Alimony in Massachusetts? A Trusted Divorce Attorney Is Here to Help
At the Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson, we understand how emotionally and financially complex family law matters can be—especially when it comes to Child Support and Alimony. With established offices in both Boston and Salem, our team of experienced divorce attorneys is here to provide clear legal guidance to families throughout Eastern Massachusetts. Whether you’re based in Boston, Brighton, West Roxbury, Chelsea in Suffolk County, or in Salem, Lynn, Swampscott, Peabody, Saugus in Essex County, we are ready to help you protect your rights and reach a resolution that works for your future.
Comprehensive Legal Support in Child Support and Alimony Matters
Navigating the legal system for child support or alimony in Massachusetts can be overwhelming. As a trusted divorce attorney, our role is to help you understand your rights and responsibilities based on Massachusetts law, not assumptions or guesswork.
Massachusetts laws on child support and spousal support (alimony) are outlined under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 208. These laws set the framework for determining how much support should be paid, how long it should last, and when it can be modified. Our team of family law attorneys is committed to ensuring that these laws are applied fairly and consistently in your case.
Child Support: Understanding Your Obligations and Rights
In Massachusetts, child support is calculated using the Child Support Guidelines, which consider both parents’ income, the number of children, parenting time, and certain expenses like health insurance and child care. The goal is to maintain a standard of living for the child that is as close as possible to what they would have had if the parents had lived together.
Whether you’re the custodial parent seeking financial support or the non-custodial parent trying to understand your obligations, our attorneys can guide you through:
- Calculating child support based on the state formula
- Requesting or contesting a child support modification
- Enforcing existing child support orders
- Addressing cases involving shared or split custody
Each case is different, and the court looks at multiple factors. We take time to understand your specific situation so we can offer practical, clear, and informed legal advice.
Alimony in Massachusetts: What You Need to Know
Alimony—sometimes called spousal support—is not automatically awarded in every divorce case. According to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 208, Section 34, the court evaluates several factors to decide whether alimony is appropriate, including:
- Length of the marriage
- Age and health of both parties
- Income and employment history
- Economic and non-economic contributions to the marriage
- Standard of living during the marriage
There are different types of alimony in Massachusetts—general term, rehabilitative, reimbursement, and transitional—each serving a unique purpose and timeline. Our Massachusetts divorce attorneys help clients pursue or respond to alimony requests, whether you’re seeking fair support or protecting yourself from paying an unreasonable amount.
We're Here for You—From Filing to Final Orders
At every step, we remain focused on helping you move forward. We don’t just draft paperwork—we help you create a legal strategy that aligns with your long-term goals. If you’re trying to resolve a family law matter involving Child Support and Alimony, reach out to us to set up a legal strategy session tailored to your case. This is especially crucial if you already have a court date or pending deadlines.
We Serve Families Across Eastern Massachusetts
Whether you are just beginning the divorce process or dealing with a post-divorce dispute about Child Support and Alimony, our team provides reliable, consistent, and focused representation. Families in Boston, Brighton, West Roxbury, Chelsea, Salem, Lynn, Swampscott, Peabody, Saugus, Cambridge, Somerville, Newton, Brookline, Dedham, and Quincy. Trust us to help them navigate these sensitive legal matters with confidence.
We understand that every family is different, and so is every case. You deserve a trusted divorce attorney who listens, prepares thoroughly, and represents your interests with skill and integrity. With deep experience in family law, including Child Support and Alimony, we’re prepared to support your journey toward stability.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Legal matters involving your children or financial stability are never simple—but you don’t have to face them alone. The Law Office of Matthew W. Peterson provides clear, actionable support for clients across Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, and Norfolk Counties. Contact us now to set up a legal strategy session. Our divorce attorneys are ready to help you move forward with strength and clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is child support calculated in Massachusetts?
Child support is determined using a formula set by the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines. It takes into account each parent’s gross income, number of children, cost of health care, child care, and parenting time arrangements.
Can child support be modified if my income changes?
Yes. You can request a modification if there is a significant change in circumstances, such as job loss, increased income, or changes in custody. The court will review updated financial information to decide whether a change is appropriate.
Is alimony always awarded in a Massachusetts divorce?
No. Alimony is not guaranteed. The court evaluates several factors, including the length of the marriage, the need for support, and the ability to pay, before deciding.
How long does alimony last in Massachusetts?
The duration of alimony typically depends on the length of the marriage. For example, for marriages less than 20 years, alimony is generally limited to a percentage of the length of the marriage. Long-term marriages may result in longer-term or indefinite alimony, depending on the circumstances.
What happens if a parent doesn’t pay child support?
Failure to pay child support can lead to serious consequences such as wage garnishment, tax refund intercepts, license suspension, and even court sanctions. It is critical to take legal action to enforce the order through the courts if payment is not being made.