Can You Deviate From the Child Support Guidelines in Massachusetts?

On Behalf of | Aug 12, 2015 | Child Support |

If you’ve done some research, you probably know that child support in Massachusetts is calculated by using a set of guidelines prepared by state officials. These guidelines rely on a formula to balance income and expenses and then apportion the costs of raising the child fairly between the parents. However, the formula may not produce a number that suits your particular situation and/or the parents may want to mutually agree upon a different number from that calculated by the guidelines. If that happens, can you deviate from child support guidelines?

The short answer is “maybe”. The guidelines are widely used and are designed to lead to more consistent child support awards, thus doing away with the risk of widely diverging results and unfair decisions. However, the guidelines were never intended to be hard and fast rules, and the Court will usually allow parents to alter the amount of child support if they can show a good enough reason exists to do so.

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Perhaps you have not as yet finalized your divorce and are seeking to get child support while your divorce is pending. Whatever the case may be, call to get your situation evaluated by Attorney Renee Lazar who will help to ensure that your children obtain the support that they require.

For your child support related issues, contact Attorney Renee Lazar either through email or telephone 978-844-4095 to schedule a FREE one hour consultation to evaluate your particular situation.

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