When is There No Child Support in Massachusetts?

Can there be a situation in Massachusetts in which there is no child support due? Today, it seems like the payment of child support is almost a forgone conclusion when two people get divorced. It is also a notable point of contention between spouses. The concerns surrounding child support are understandable, especially in certain circumstances. Why should one spouse have to make payments to another spouse when both are playing an equal role in the upbringing of the children? Should a spouse really be excessively punished because they earn a higher income than their former partner?

These are all important questions to ask as you approach a divorce in Massachusetts. If you want to know whether you might be required to pay child support in the Bay State, it is always a good idea to reach out to an experienced family law attorney. These legal experts can explain how child support is handled by courts in Massachusetts. They can also help you employ strategies to significantly reduce your child support payments if they are required.

How is Child Support Payment Calculated in Massachusetts?
While both parents have a legal duty to support their children, only the noncustodial parent has to make child support payments. How much responsibility should a noncustodial parent shoulder for the financial care of their children? This is calculated by looking at the incomes of both spouses. If one spouse earns $8,000 per month, for example, while the other spouse earns $2,000 per month, the higher-earning spouse is 80% responsible for the financial care of their child.

Even if both parents share equal parenting time, the parent with the higher income pays the difference. Using the above example, the higher-earning parent would be required to pay the other spouse $3,000. This would mean that they now have equal funds to spend on the child.

The Only Situation in Which Child Support is Not Required
So, is there any situation in which child support payments might not be required from either spouse? Yes, there is one situation in which this might happen, although it is quite rare. For courts in Massachusetts to dismiss the need for child support payments, two factors must exist:

● Both spouses must be earning approximately identical incomes
● Both parents share equal parenting time

With all that said, situations such as these are becoming more and more common. Modern families often involve two spouses that are both working professionals. Spouses also often agree that equal parenting time is in the best interest of their child.

Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you are concerned about paying child support in Massachusetts, you should reach out to a qualified, experienced family law attorney as soon as possible. Contact the Law Offices of Johnson, Sclafani & Moriarty at your earliest convenience, and we can help you approach this situation in an efficient manner. While you might not be able to avoid paying child support in
many instances, you can avoid unnecessarily large payments. Schedule a consultation today, and we can develop an action plan together. Contact us now at 413-732-8356