In Massachusetts, both parents have an obligation to financially support their children upon a separation or divorce.  This obligation is subject to a formula, enumerated in the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines, which takes into consideration both parties' incomes, the number of children, and contributions by either or both parties to medical and dental insurance and child care.  

Some issues that may arise in a dispute over child support include:

·         The payment of temporary child support while divorce or paternity proceedings are pending

·         Special circumstances that may require deviation from the Child Support Guidelines

·         Child support in high-income cases where one or both parents earn in excess of the amounts provided for by the Child Support Guidelines

·         Attribution of income where either parent unreasonably remains unemployed or underemployed

·         Enforcement of child support orders against a parent who fails to pay

·         Modification of child support orders where circumstances have changed 

We help clients understand their child support obligations.  If you are facing child support issues in the context of a divorce or separation, Kerstein, Coren & Lichtenstein is ready to represent you.