Calculation of Child Support
The calculation of child support can be one of the most confusing aspects of a Massachusetts divorce case. Many factors go into calculating how much support a child requires, and there is also a general misunderstanding of the purpose of child support that can add to the confusion. At the Law Office of Rachel M. Matos in New Bedford, our team of legal experts will protect your financial interests and ensure that your child is receiving exactly the amount of support he or she needs to live a full and happy life. To learn more about our top-tier legal representation, call or contact our office today to schedule an evaluation of your case.
The Purpose of Child Support
The purpose of child support is to maintain your child’s standard of living after a divorce, regardless of the parent with whom the child lives. The quality of life should not change if the child stays at the custodial or noncustodial parent’s home. Many people believe that child support is simply another form of alimony for a parent, but that is not the case. Child support can only be used to pay for the needs of the child, such as for schooling, medical care, and extracurricular activities.
How to Calculate Child Support
Calculating child support begins with determining the gross income of both parents and determining the proportionality between them to cover the child’s expenses. A long list of factors also go into the calculation of child support, including the total number of children being supported, the amount of parenting time for the custodial and noncustodial parent, childcare costs, the age of the children, healthcare coverage, and more. It is important to note that a parent cannot avoid paying child support by quitting his or her job, voluntarily remaining unemployed, or by reporting a smaller income than actually received. The court can order that child support payments continue, and a parent can be found in arrears if child support payments are not made on time.
Zealously Advocating or You and Your Child
Our team of experts will review the specifics of your case and aggressively advocate for the needs of you and your child. Our office resources include the use of forensic financial experts, private investigators, and top quality legal representation to ensure that the child support paid in your case is not more, or less, than it should be. If the parent of your child refuses to pay court-ordered child support, we are not afraid to take him or her to court and use all available resources to get you the money you need for your child. If you suspect that the child support you pay is not being used properly to provide for your child’s needs, our office is unafraid to hold that parent accountable in court.
Talk to Our Office Now
If you would like to speak with an expert in child support law, call or contact the Law Office of Rachel M. Matos in New Bedford today to schedule a consultation of your case.