Massachusetts Child Support
Calculator (2026)
Massachusetts uses an income shares model with guidelines updated effective December 1, 2025. Combined income is used up to a cap. Percentages are applied based on the number of children.
Calculate Your Child Support →$49 one-time · No account needed · Report by email in 5 minutes
Free Child Support Calculator — Massachusetts
How Child Support Is Calculated in Massachusetts
Massachusetts calculates child support using the Income shares model established under MA Child Support Guidelines. This is a statutory formula that leaves limited room for judicial discretion on the base calculation amount, ensuring consistency and predictability for families across the state.
The Formula
Basic obligation based on combined income and number of children. Each parent's share = pro rata based on income percentage.
The calculation begins with determining each parent's net disposable income, which includes virtually all sources of income minus taxes, mandatory payroll deductions, and certain hardship deductions. The court then applies the statutory formula using the time each parent has primary physical responsibility for the children and the applicable income allocation brackets.
Beyond the base formula amount, Massachusettsrequires additional contributions for mandatory add-on expenses. These typically include childcare costs necessary for the custodial parent's employment or education, uninsured healthcare expenses for the children, and in some cases, educational and travel costs. These add-ons are split between parents in proportion to their respective incomes.
Primary statute: MA Child Support Guidelines
Key Child Support Rules in Massachusetts
Combined income cap: $450,000/year ($37,500/month) — 2025 increase from $400,000.
Approximate percentages: 1 child = 17%, 2 = 24%, 3 = 28%, 4 = 32%, 5+ = 35%.
Property cutoff = service of divorce complaint.
Add-ons: health insurance, childcare, extraordinary expenses.
What Makes Massachusetts Child Support Unique
Massachusetts is an "ALL PROPERTY" state — all property is divisible, including premarital assets.
FAULT IS A FACTOR in property division and alimony.
Recent Legislative Changes
Guidelines updated effective December 1, 2025: combined income cap raised to $450,000/year.
Calculate Your Massachusetts Child Support
Answer a few questions about your income, custody, and children. Get your personalized estimate.
Massachusetts Divorce Procedure at a Glance
Residency Requirement
12-month residency requirement
Mandatory Waiting Period
No mandatory waiting period for no-fault divorce
No-Fault Ground
Irretrievable breakdown
State Income Tax
Flat 5%
In-Depth Massachusetts Divorce Guides
More Massachusetts Divorce Calculators
Massachusetts Spousal Support Calculator
Alimony eligibility, amount, and duration
Massachusetts Property Division Calculator
No presumption — ALL PROPERTY is divisible (nationally unique "all property" / "kitchen sink" state)
Massachusetts Divorce Settlement Calculator
Complete 8-chapter divorce analysis for Massachusetts
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts Child Support
How is child support calculated in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts uses the Income shares model under MA Child Support Guidelines. Massachusetts uses an income shares model with guidelines updated effective December 1, 2025. Combined income is used up to a cap. Percentages are applied based on the number of children.
What factors affect Massachusetts child support amounts?
Key factors include both parents' income, the number of children, custodial time share, mandatory add-on expenses (childcare, health insurance), and any applicable deductions. Combined income cap: $450,000/year ($37,500/month) — 2025 increase from $400,000.
Can Massachusetts child support be modified after the divorce?
Yes. Either parent can request a modification if there has been a material change in circumstances, such as a significant change in income, custody arrangements, or the needs of the child. The court will recalculate support using the same statutory formula.
What is the Massachusetts child support formula?
Basic obligation based on combined income and number of children. Each parent's share = pro rata based on income percentage.
Know Your Massachusetts Child Support Number
Get a personalized child support calculation based on Massachusetts's actual statutory formula.
Start My Free MassachusettsEstimate →This tool provides educational estimates based on Massachusetts family law and does not constitute legal advice. Child support calculations are approximations of the statutory formula and may differ from court-ordered amounts. Consult a licensed Massachusetts family law attorney before making decisions. Primary statute: MA Child Support Guidelines.