If you are a parent seeking child support in Massachusetts and do not already have an established child support order, there are several steps you can take to get the process started.
First, you can contact the Massachusetts Department of Revenue’s Child Support Enforcement Division (DOR/CSE) to initiate a child support case. The DOR/CSE can help you establish paternity, if necessary, and calculate the appropriate amount of child support based on the Massachusetts child support guidelines. They can also help you enforce the payment of child support if necessary.
You can also contact a private attorney who specializes in family law to help you with the child support process. An attorney can provide legal advice and representation throughout the process, including helping you to establish paternity and calculate the appropriate amount of child support.
If you are already receiving public assistance, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Medicaid, the state may automatically open a child support case on your behalf. In this case, the DOR/CSE will handle the process of establishing paternity and calculating the appropriate amount of child support.
It is important to note that in Massachusetts, both parents have a legal obligation to financially support their minor children, even if they are no longer together. If you are a parent seeking child support, it is important to take steps to establish and enforce a child support order to ensure that your child has access to the financial resources they need to thrive.