Quincy Child Support Attorney

 ​At Sweeney & Associates, LLC, our Quincy family attorneys help clients address various challenging family law issues, understanding the importance of efficiency and compassion necessary in handling these cases. Child support is a significant issue. Our state's laws guide it, and Massachusetts has developed Child Support Guidelines that govern child support calculations.

Contact Sweeney & Associates, LLC today – our Quincy, child support lawyers are available 24/7! 

How Do the Guidelines Work?

Both parties' gross income is taken into account when calculating child support. Each parent pays for child care costs, health insurance, dental/vision insurance, or other child support obligations. The Probate and Family Court generally follows the calculation derived from applying the Child Support Guidelines. If the court decides to deviate from the Guidelines, the judge must make written findings of fact. Certain cases require a judge to deviate from the Guidelines.

For example, if a child has medical disabilities or mental disabilities that require expensive treatment not covered by insurance, the court can order a higher amount of child support. Generally, however, the court will order child support based on the Guideline's calculation, and it is essential to document the income and expenses of both parties properly.

Overtime wages, cash payments in some occupations, and expenses that you may not be aware of are essential issues to be covered before any hearing to ensure that the children receive legitimate support from their noncustodial parents.

Does Child Support Automatically Stop in Massachusetts?

In the state of Massachusetts, court-ordered child support payments generally continue until a child reaches the age of majority, which is eighteen years old. If a parent has not been formally dismissed from their court-ordered obligation to pay child support, it does not automatically stop on its own accord. The only way for a parent to be officially released from their obligation of payments is to request a modification or termination from the court.

Experienced Child Support Lawyer in Quincy

Please get in touch with our family law attorneys online today or by calling (617) 300-0212, so we can begin protecting your rights in child support proceedings. We offer free initial consultations to all clients, during which we will start to discuss the details of your case and the best way to proceed.