Massachusetts Child Support Calculator (2026)

Estimate your child support payments in Massachusetts using our free calculator based on the official MA Guidelines (MA General Laws Ch. 208 § 28). Enter your income details below to get an instant estimate.

Massachusetts Child Support Calculator

Based on Massachusetts's 2024 MA Guidelines (MA General Laws Ch. 208 § 28)

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This is an estimate only. See our full disclaimer.

Key Facts: Child Support in Massachusetts

  • Massachusetts uses the Income Shares model, basing child support on both parents' combined gross income.
  • The basic child support obligation for 1 child ranges from approximately $225/month at $1,500 combined income to $1,908/month at $30,000 combined monthly income.
  • Each parent pays their proportional share based on their percentage of the combined gross income.
  • A parenting time adjustment may apply when the payor parent has the children at least one-third of the time.
  • Massachusetts may extend child support to age 21 or even age 23 if the child is enrolled in college.

Source: MA Guidelines (MA General Laws Ch. 208 § 28) • Last verified: 2026-05-30

How Much Is Child Support in Massachusetts?

If you make $60,000 a year in Massachusetts, child support for 1 child is estimated at $765 per month ($9,180 per year) based on the MA Guidelines (MA General Laws Ch. 208 § 28). This assumes the other parent earns approximately $36,000/year. Actual amounts depend on both parents' incomes, custody arrangements, and additional expenses.

If you make $1,000 a week ($52,000/year) in Massachusetts, child support for 1 child is approximately $700/month.

Massachusetts Child Support Estimates by Income (2026)

Annual Income 1 Child 2 Children 3 Children
$40,000/yr $581/mo $756/mo $850/mo
$50,000/yr $681/mo $886/mo $998/mo
$60,000/yr $765/mo $994/mo $1,119/mo
$70,000/yr $830/mo $1,079/mo $1,214/mo
$80,000/yr $882/mo $1,146/mo $1,291/mo
$100,000/yr $956/mo $1,244/mo $1,400/mo
$120,000/yr $1,009/mo $1,311/mo $1,476/mo

Estimates assume the other parent earns 60% of your income. Actual amounts vary based on both parents' incomes, custody time, and adjustments. Compare all states →

How Child Support Is Calculated in Massachusetts

Massachusetts uses the Income Shares model to calculate child support obligations. This model combines both parents' incomes to determine the total child support obligation, then divides it proportionally based on each parent's share of the combined income.

Factors That Affect Child Support in Massachusetts

Both parents' gross weekly incomes
Number of children
Health insurance and dental insurance costs for the children
Child care costs necessary for employment or education
Parenting time schedule
Other child support obligations
Age of the children
Child's special needs or extraordinary expenses

Important Notes for Massachusetts

  • Massachusetts uses the Income Shares model, combining both parents' gross incomes to determine the total child support obligation.
  • Each parent's share is proportional to their percentage of the combined gross income.
  • Massachusetts guidelines include specific provisions for parenting time adjustments when the payor has the children at least one-third of the time.
  • The court considers health insurance, child care costs, and other child-related expenses in determining the final support amount.

Example Child Support Calculation in Massachusetts

Scenario: Parent A earns $5,000/month, Parent B earns $3,000/month, 2 children.

Step 1: Combined monthly income: $5,000 + $3,000 = $8,000

Step 2: Parent A's income share: $5,000 / $8,000 = 62.5%

Step 3: Look up basic obligation from the guidelines schedule for $8,000 combined income and 2 children.

Step 4: Multiply the basic obligation by Parent A's share (62.5%) to determine their payment.

Note: Additional adjustments for health insurance, child care, and parenting time may apply.

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts Child Support

How is child support calculated in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts uses the Income Shares model. Both parents' gross incomes are combined, and a basic support obligation is determined from the guidelines. Each parent pays their proportional share based on their percentage of the combined income. Adjustments are made for health insurance, child care, and parenting time.
What income counts for Massachusetts child support?
Massachusetts uses gross income from all sources, including wages, salaries, tips, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, interest, dividends, rental income, pensions, Social Security benefits, workers' compensation, and unemployment benefits. The court may impute income to a voluntarily unemployed or underemployed parent.
Does parenting time affect child support in Massachusetts?
Yes, Massachusetts guidelines provide a parenting time adjustment when the payor parent has the children at least one-third of the time (approximately 33% or more). This adjustment recognizes the increased direct costs the payor bears during parenting time.
What is the maximum child support in Massachusetts?
The Massachusetts guidelines schedule covers combined gross incomes up to $30,000 per month. For incomes above this amount, the court uses discretion to determine an appropriate support amount, considering the child's needs and the parents' standard of living.
How long does child support last in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, child support generally continues until the child turns 18, or until age 21 if the child is still living with a parent and is principally dependent on that parent for support. Support may extend to age 23 if the child is enrolled in an undergraduate program.

About This Calculator

This calculator uses the official MA Guidelines (MA General Laws Ch. 208 § 28) (2024 guidelines) to estimate child support in Massachusetts. Calculations were last verified against the official source on 2026-05-30.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only and does not constitute legal advice. Actual child support amounts are determined by Massachusetts courts and may differ based on factors not included here. For legal advice, consult a Massachusetts family law attorney.

Our methodology: Based on the Income Shares model as defined in the MA Guidelines (MA General Laws Ch. 208 § 28). Updated for 2026.

Child Support Calculators for Other States

Alabama Income Shares model Alaska Percentage of Income model Arizona Income Shares model Arkansas Income Shares model California Algebraic Formula (§ 4055) model Colorado Income Shares model

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