Massachusetts Child Support Calculator (2026)
Massachusetts calculates child support under income-shares guidelines (M.G.L. c. 208, § 28 (and M.G.L. c. 209C, § 9 for unmarried parents) — Chief Justice of the Trial Court's authority to issue the guidelines). Estimate the guideline amount below.
Income basis: combined weekly available income of both parents (gross income after limited statutory deductions).
Enter the income above to see the guideline estimate.
Simplified guideline estimate, interpolated from the official schedule — before health-insurance, childcare, and parenting-time adjustments. For the exact figure use the official Massachusetts calculator.
Your Case Details
Answer a few questions to see your estimated range.
Approximate gap between higher-earner and lower-earner.
Estimated Monthly Support
$840 — $1,560
State formulas vary significantly. This estimate uses national averages — your state's guidelines may produce a different number.
Editorially Reviewed — Content reviewed for accuracy using published legal research, government data, and verified court records. See our methodology
Reviewed by Leonard Goldberg, Editor · Last updated
Massachusetts uses the income-shares model: both parents' incomes are combined, the official schedule sets a basic support obligation, and each parent owes their proportional share (M.G.L. c. 208, § 28 (and M.G.L. c. 209C, § 9 for unmarried parents) — Chief Justice of the Trial Court's authority to issue the guidelines). The calculator above interpolates the official schedule for a quick estimate — health-insurance, child-care, and parenting-time adjustments come on top.
How Massachusetts Calculates Child Support
Massachusetts calculates child support under the income shares model based on the parents' combined WEEKLY available income. Table A of the guidelines worksheet yields the base amount for one child (top marginal rate above the highest listed income tier: 10%), and Table B multiplies that base for additional children (×1.4 for two, ×1.68 for three children). Official form: Probate and Family Court Guidelines Worksheet CJD 304. Most recent revision: the 2025 Child Support Guidelines, in effect since December 1, 2025 (previous revision: 2023) — including raising the income ceiling from $400,000 to $450,000/year.
Statutory basis: M.G.L. c. 208, § 28 (and M.G.L. c. 209C, § 9 for unmarried parents) — Chief Justice of the Trial Court's authority to issue the guidelines. Exact figure: official Massachusetts calculator.
Official Schedule — Excerpt
Basic support obligation at selected combined incomes (combined weekly available income of both parents (gross income after limited statutory deductions)), from the official Massachusetts schedule:
| Combined income | 1 child | 2 children | 3 children |
|---|---|---|---|
| $771 | $170 | $238 | $286 |
| $1,155 | $253 | $354 | $425 |
| $1,731 | $370 | $518 | $622 |
| $2,309 | $474 | $664 | $796 |
Worked Example
Two children, combined weekly available income $1,731 (~$90,000/year): Parent A (primary caregiver, ~2/3 of parenting time) earns $1,000/week, Parent B (the payor) $731/week. Per the official 2025 chart, $1,731/week corresponds to a base amount of $370/week for ONE child. Table B factor for two children ×1.4 → total support amount $518/week. Parent B's share of combined income: $731/$1,731 = 42.2%. Parent B's obligation: $518 × 42.2% ≈ $219/week (≈ $949/month).
When Courts Deviate From the Guideline
- Combined income exceeds $450,000/year — court may deviate above the ceiling (Section II)
- Extraordinary child-care costs (Section IV.B.7)
- Parenting time substantially below one-third — upward adjustment possible (Section IV.B.8)
- Parenting time between one-third and one-half — discretionary adjustment possible (Section IV.B.9)
- Children with more than two legal parents — court determines an equitable allocation (Section IV.B.10)
- The presumptive amount would push the payor's income below subsistence level or claim more than 40% of their income (Section IV.B.12–13, 'substantial hardship')
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an income ceiling for the Massachusetts child support guidelines?
Yes. Since the revision effective December 1, 2025, the guidelines apply to combined available income up to $450,000/year (previously $400,000 under the 2023 guidelines). Above that level, the court sets the amount in its discretion, using the guideline amount on the first $450,000 as the starting point.
What counts as income for Massachusetts child support?
The definition is very broad: wages, overtime, tips, self-employment income, commissions, bonuses, severance, Social Security retirement/disability (not the child's own benefit), non-means-tested veterans' benefits, military pay, pensions, capital income, rental income, stock options, spousal support received, and digital assets/non-traditional compensation. Means-tested benefits (TAFDC, SNAP, SSI) expressly do NOT count as income.
How does 50/50 parenting affect the support amount?
The worksheet recognizes three parenting arrangements: 'primary/secondary' (~2/3–1/3), 'shared' (approximately 50/50), and 'split' (with multiple children, at least one child lives primarily with each parent). With roughly equal incomes and true 50/50 parenting, support can be $0. Where parenting time falls between one-third and one-half, the court may adjust in its discretion — the 2025 revision deliberately declined to prescribe a fixed formula.
Until what age does child support run in Massachusetts, and does it cover college?
Generally until the 18th birthday, extended through high school graduation if the child is still enrolled at 18. For children living with and principally dependent on a parent (e.g., during an undergraduate program), the court can order support up to age 23 (M.G.L. c. 208 § 28) — with a 25% reduction per Table C from age 18 (unless still in high school). College-cost contribution is a SEPARATE, discretionary order, presumptively capped at 50% of the in-state cost (tuition, room, board) of UMass Amherst unless the court makes written findings of greater ability to pay.