Massachusetts Child Support Calculator

How is Child Support Calculated in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts calculates child support by first determining your and the other parent's combined gross income. Governed by Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 208, § 28, the court then uses this combined income and the number of children to find a base support amount from the official guidelines table. This amount is then divided between you based on your proportional share of the combined income.

Understanding Shared Custody and Support Adjustments

In Massachusetts, if a parent has the children for approximately one-third to one-half of the time, the court uses a different 'cross-credit' calculation to reflect shared parenting responsibilities. This adjustment, triggered when a parent cares for the children for at least 121 overnights per year, is based on each parent's time and income and typically results in a lower support obligation than the standard formula.

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✓ Verified for 2026 Guidelines • Reviewed October 2026 by Harmoney

Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines at a Glance

Guideline Model Income Shares Model
Governing Legal Authority Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 208, § 28
Shared Custody Threshold 121 Overnights (Approx. 1/3 of parenting time)
Age Support Ends Age 18, but up to 21 if dependent, or 23 if enrolled full-time in college.
Modification Standard Inconsistency between the existing order and the current guideline amount.

MA Child Support FAQs: Key Questions Answered


At what age does child support end in MA?

Child support in Massachusetts typically ends when a child turns 18, but it can be extended to age 21 if the child is financially dependent, or to age 23 if enrolled in a full-time undergraduate program. This is mandated by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 208, Section 28, which outlines the court's authority to order support for adult children pursuing higher education.

How is child support calculated if one parent is unemployed in MA?

If a parent is unemployed or underemployed in Massachusetts, the court will typically attribute or 'impute' income to them based on their earning potential, work history, and skills. The Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines allow judges to impute income to prevent a parent from voluntarily earning less to reduce their support obligation.

How do I modify a child support order in MA?

You can modify a child support order in Massachusetts if there is an inconsistency between the existing order and the amount calculated under the current guidelines, or if there is a material and substantial change in circumstances. This standard allows for adjustments due to significant changes like job loss, a major increase in income, or changes in parenting time.

Does MA child support cover college expenses?

Yes, Massachusetts courts have the authority to order a parent to contribute to a child's college or post-secondary education expenses until the child reaches age 23. Under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 208, § 28, a judge can order support for educational costs after considering factors like the child's aptitude, the parents' finances, and the cost of the school.

How does MA handle health insurance and childcare costs?

In Massachusetts, the cost of children's health insurance and reasonable work-related childcare expenses are added to the base child support obligation and divided between the parents in proportion to their incomes. The Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines treat these necessary expenses as 'add-ons' to ensure both parents contribute fairly to the total costs of raising their children.