Everything you need to know about child support laws in Massachusetts.
Last verified: February 2026
Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines require parents to provide support and maintenance until a child turns 18, with possible extensions to age 23. The state’s guidelines were significantly revised in 2017 and took effect in 2018, introducing important changes to how support is calculated.
- Massachusetts uses an income shares model
- Minimum child support: $25 per week
- Support ends at age 18, or up to 23 if the child is dependent or in college
- College contribution capped at 50% of UMass Amherst in-state costs
- No statute of limitations on child support arrears
- No formal emancipation procedure in the state
Table of Contents
- Massachusetts child support guideline revisions (2017)
- How is child support calculated in Massachusetts?
- How to use the Massachusetts child support worksheet
- What counts as income?
- How to apply for child support
- How to modify child support
- What happens if you do not pay child support?
- Child support arrears and forgiveness
- When does child support end?
- Support for children in college
- Termination of parental rights
- Frequently Asked Questions
If after reading this you have further questions and would like a consultation, you can get a free case consultation from a local lawyer here.
Massachusetts child support guideline revisions (2017)
In September 2017, Massachusetts revised its Child Support Guidelines. The changes took effect in 2018. Key revisions include:
- Minimum support changed: From $80 per month to $25 per week
- Young adult calculation: New provisions for children ages 18 to 23
- Health insurance costs: The cost of “reasonably necessary” dental, vision, and health insurance is shared proportionally via a two-step calculation
- Extended parenting time adjustments: New calculations for parents with more than one-third but less than half of total parenting time
- College contribution cap: Each parent’s maximum contribution is 50% of the undergraduate in-state resident cost of UMass Amherst, unless the court determines a parent can pay more
How is child support calculated in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts uses a version of the “Income Shares Model” that assumes the child should receive the same level of support they would have received if the parents stayed together.
The state’s child support formula considers:
- Gross incomes of both custodial and non-custodial parents
- Age of the children
- General child care costs
- Health insurance expenses
- Parenting time arrangements
Contact the Child Support Enforcement Division (CSE) or call (800) 332-2733 to apply for services.
Download all necessary court forms here.
How to use the Massachusetts child support worksheet
Unlike many states, Massachusetts does not provide an official online calculator. However, the state provides a fillable Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (PDF).
Note: Use Adobe Reader to view and complete the worksheet.
Information needed to complete the worksheet:
- Gross combined weekly income of both parents
- Child care payments
- Health care, dental, and vision insurance payments
- Other support payments
- Number of children subject to the order
- Support for children ages 18 to 23
- Contribution to post-secondary educational expenses
Download worksheet instructions here.
The law requires judges to use this worksheet when determining child support orders. However, the final amount depends on the accuracy of information provided.
What counts as income?
Massachusetts law defines parental income as “gross income from whatever source.” This includes:
- Salaries and wages
- Self-employment income
- Bonuses and commissions
- Dividends and interest
- Rental income
- Social Security benefits
- Disability payments
- Unemployment benefits
Income may be imputed (estimated) when:
- A parent has undocumented or unreported income
- A parent has unreported income from any source
- A parent receives expense reimbursements, in-kind payments, personal use of business property, or payment of personal expenses by a business that reduces their living costs
How to apply for child support
You typically apply for child support during the divorce filing process. Include the completed Child Support Guidelines Worksheet with your divorce papers.
If you are not married to your child’s other parent, apply for child support services through the Department of Revenue (DOR). The DOR can also help establish legal parentage if needed.
How to modify child support
Massachusetts allows modification when circumstances change. Under the 2017 revised guidelines, modification may be granted if:
- There is a substantial change in circumstances
- Previously ordered health care coverage no longer exists
- There is an inconsistency between the existing order and current guideline calculation
- Previously unavailable health care coverage has become available
- Previously ordered health coverage is no longer available at reasonable cost
Situations that may justify modification:
- Extraordinary health coverage expenses for parent or child
- Extraordinary parenting-related travel costs
- Incarceration, unemployment, or involuntary job loss
- Ongoing mental, physical, or developmental issues (parent or children)
Each case is handled individually. Consult with a family court attorney in your area.
Out-of-court agreements
While parents may reach agreements outside court, the judge has final say on approval. The law requires the amount to be fair, reasonable, and in the child’s best interests.
Important: Do not sign legal documents outside court without fully understanding what you are agreeing to.
What happens if you do not pay child support in Massachusetts?
Failure to comply with a child support order is a punishable offense. When the receiving parent notifies the CSE or returns to court, enforcement actions begin.
Available enforcement actions include:
- Interest and penalties on unpaid amounts
- Driver’s, professional, and recreational license suspension
- Wage or salary withholding
- Liens on personal property or real estate
- Seizure of private property
- Credit bureau reporting
- Tax refund interception
- Bank account seizure
Contempt of court
When facing contempt charges, the parent must defend their position in court. If the excuse for nonpayment is not valid, the judge may use any enforcement action available under the guidelines.
Download contempt action forms here. There are no filing fees, but deputy sheriffs charge up to $40 to serve summons and complaints.
Child support arrears and forgiveness
The CSE can only reduce amounts owed to the state, not amounts owed to the child.
Under G.L. c. 119A s.13 (a):
“Any payment or installment of support under any child support order… shall be on or after the date it is due, a judgment by operation of law… said judgment shall not be subject to retroactive modification except for any period during which there is pending a complaint about modification, but only from the date that notice of such complaint has been given.”
This means retroactive modification is generally not permitted. Contact an attorney immediately if you lose your job, become incarcerated, or face circumstances preventing payment.
No statute of limitations
There is no statute of limitations on child support in Massachusetts. The state can pursue collection at any time.
When does child support end?
Child support officially terminates when the child reaches 18. However, Massachusetts may extend payments:
- Until age 23 if the child is dependent and lives with one parent
- Indefinitely if the child is mentally or physically disabled
Support for children in college
Yes, Massachusetts courts can extend child support until age 23 if the child is enrolled full-time in a college, university, or post-secondary educational institution.
Under the 2017 guidelines, each parent’s maximum contribution to post-secondary education is capped at 50% of the undergraduate in-state resident cost of UMass Amherst, unless the court determines a parent can pay more.
Termination of parental rights
If a child is being adopted, parents must complete the “Voluntary and Unconditional Surrender of Parental Rights” form (M.G.c.210, 2).
Surrendering parental rights:
- Strips you of any say in the child’s upbringing
- Removes all legal responsibility toward the child
- Is final and irreversible
Warning: Do not make this decision impulsively.
Involuntary termination may occur if:
- A parent is convicted of a violent crime
- The court establishes that a parent is unfit
- The child is abandoned, neglected, or abused
Emancipation in Massachusetts
Massachusetts considers you a child until you turn 18. There is no formal emancipation procedure in the state.
However, if the home is an unsafe environment, the court may terminate parental rights, resulting in:
- Adoption
- Guardianship
- Permanent placement with a relative
- Temporary placement in foster care
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Massachusetts have an online child support calculator?
No. Massachusetts does not provide an official online calculator. You must use the fillable PDF worksheet to calculate support.
What is the minimum child support in Massachusetts?
The presumptive minimum is $25 per week, established in the 2017 guideline revisions.
How long does child support last in Massachusetts?
Support typically ends at age 18, but can extend to age 23 if the child is dependent, living with a parent, or enrolled full-time in college. Support may continue indefinitely for disabled children.
Can child support be modified retroactively?
Generally no. Retroactive modification is not permitted except from the date notice of a modification complaint was served. Act quickly if your circumstances change.
What if I cannot afford to pay?
Contact the DOR or your local family court immediately. You may be able to request a modification, but support obligations continue to accrue until a new order is issued.
If you have additional questions about child support laws in Massachusetts, contact a local attorney for a free case consultation.
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