Child support is a legal obligation for a parent to financially support their minor child. In Massachusetts, child support plays a crucial role in ensuring that children have access to the financial resources they need to thrive and reach their full potential.
Children have a right to be financially supported by both parents, even if the parents are no longer together. Child support helps to ensure that the child’s needs are met, including their basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as their educational and medical expenses, as mandated by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 208, Section 28.
Additionally, child support helps to reduce the financial burden on the parent who has primary custody of the child. This allows that parent to devote more of their time and resources to providing for the child’s needs, instead of struggling to make ends meet on their own.
Child support is determined by the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines, which take into account the income of both parents, the number of children being supported, and the amount of time each parent spends with the child. The court has the final say in determining the amount of child support that will be paid, as outlined in the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines Worksheet.
Enforcing child support payments can sometimes be difficult, but there are legal mechanisms in place to help ensure that children receive the financial support they are entitled to. The Massachusetts Department of Revenue Child Support Enforcement Division (DOR/CSE) can take several actions to enforce child support orders, including wage garnishment, intercepting tax refunds, or suspending driver’s licenses or professional licenses, in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 119A, Section 12.
In conclusion, child support is a vital aspect of ensuring that children have the financial support they need to grow and thrive. It is a legal obligation for parents to financially support their minor children, and the Massachusetts child support guidelines help to determine the appropriate amount of support. While enforcing child support payments can sometimes be challenging, legal mechanisms in Massachusetts, such as the DOR/CSE, are in place to help ensure that children receive the support they deserve.