Estimate Massachusetts child support under Mass. Child Support Guidelines (Trial Court, eff. Dec. 1, 2025) — Income Shares model, current caps and percentages, with a step-by-step worked example.
| Guideline model | Income Shares |
|---|---|
| Income basis | Gross (pre-tax) income |
| How it works | Both parents’ incomes are combined, a basic obligation is taken from the state’s official schedule, and each parent pays in proportion to their share of combined income. |
| Caps & limits | 2025 guidelines (effective Dec. 1, 2025): combined available income capped at $450,000/yr ($8,654/wk, up from $400,000 in 2021); above the cap the $450,000-level order is the minimum presumptive amount |
| Statute / rule | Mass. Child Support Guidelines (Trial Court, eff. Dec. 1, 2025) |
| Parameters verified | 2026-07 |
Result: $1,479 per month
Massachusetts uses the income shares model under Mass. Child Support Guidelines (Trial Court, eff. Dec. 1, 2025): both parents’ incomes are combined, a basic obligation is determined, and each parent is responsible for their proportional share. Both parents’ incomes are combined, a basic obligation is taken from the state’s official schedule, and each parent pays in proportion to their share of combined income.
Massachusetts calculates support on gross (pre-tax) income as defined in Mass. Child Support Guidelines (Trial Court, eff. Dec. 1, 2025). 2025 guidelines (effective Dec. 1, 2025): combined available income capped at $450,000/yr ($8,654/wk, up from $400,000 in 2021); above the cap the $450,000-level order is the minimum presumptive amount.
Yes. The guideline amount under Mass. Child Support Guidelines (Trial Court, eff. Dec. 1, 2025) is presumptive, not absolute - courts may deviate with written findings for factors like extraordinary medical or educational needs, other children supported, or very high income beyond the guideline range.
Apply through the Massachusetts child support agency or the family court in your county. Existing orders can be modified on a substantial change in circumstances - typically a significant income change, job loss, or a change in custody. The official calculator/worksheet is linked on this page (www.mass.gov).
Estimate only — not legal advice. Based on Massachusetts guidelines (Mass. Child Support Guidelines (Trial Court, eff. Dec. 1, 2025)), last verified 2026-07. Courts may deviate. For an official figure use the official Massachusetts calculator.