Massachusetts Child Support Calculator (2026)
In Massachusetts, child support is based on both parents' combined income and the number of children. The total is split between you based on how much each parent earns, and parenting time can change the amount. Use the free calculator below for an instant estimate.
Calculate Your Massachusetts Child Support
Free estimate — official Massachusetts guidelines
Include wages, salary, bonuses, and other income
How Much Is Child Support in Massachusetts?
If you make $60,000 a year in Massachusetts, child support for 1 child is estimated at $1,056 per month ($12,672 per year). This assumes the other parent earns approximately $36,000/year. Actual amounts depend on both parents' incomes, custody time, and add-on expenses (child care, health insurance).
$1,000/week ($52,000/year): approximately $936/month for 1 child.
Massachusetts Child Support Estimates by Income (2026)
| Annual Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000/yr | $726/mo | $1,016/mo | $1,219/mo |
| $50,000/yr | $902/mo | $1,263/mo | $1,515/mo |
| $60,000/yr | $1,056/mo | $1,479/mo | $1,774/mo |
| $70,000/yr | $1,207/mo | $1,690/mo | $2,027/mo |
| $80,000/yr | $1,346/mo | $1,884/mo | $2,261/mo |
| $100,000/yr | $1,583/mo | $2,217/mo | $2,661/mo |
| $120,000/yr | $1,800/mo | $2,520/mo | $3,024/mo |
Estimates assume the other parent earns 60% of your income. Actual amounts vary. Compare all states →
How Child Support Is Calculated in Massachusetts
Factors That Affect Child Support in Massachusetts
Technical details and legal basis
Massachusetts uses the Income Shares model (MA Guidelines (MA General Laws Ch. 208 § 28)) to calculate child support. This model combines both parents' incomes to determine the total obligation, then divides it proportionally based on each parent's share.
Important Notes for Massachusetts
- • Massachusetts uses the Income Shares model, combining both parents' gross incomes to determine the total child support obligation. The 2025 Guidelines are effective December 1, 2025 (quadrennial review).
- • The 2025 Guidelines raised the income cap to $450,000/year (from $400,000), increased the minimum order to $15/week (from $12), and updated low-income thresholds to $301/week (100% FPL) and $391/week (130% FPL).
- • Child adjustment factors (Table B) for multiple children are unchanged: 1.40 (2 children), 1.68 (3), 1.85 (4), 1.94 (5). Child care cost benchmark is $430/week per child.
- • Massachusetts guidelines include specific provisions for parenting time adjustments when the payor has the children at least one-third of the time.
- • The 2025 Guidelines recognize income from digital assets and specifically address cases with more than two legal parents.
Example Calculation
Scenario: Parent A earns $5,000/month, Parent B earns $3,000/month, 2 children.
Step 1: Combined income: $8,000
Step 2: Parent A's share: $5,000 / $8,000 = 62.5%
Step 3: Look up basic obligation for $8,000 combined and 2 children.
Step 4: Multiply by Parent A's share (62.5%).
Adjustments for health insurance, child care, and parenting time may apply.
Key Facts: Child Support in Massachusetts
- Massachusetts uses the Income Shares model, basing child support on both parents' combined gross income. The 2025 Guidelines are effective December 1, 2025.
- The income cap was raised to $450,000/year (from $400,000). The minimum order is $15/week ($65/month). Low-income thresholds are $301/week (100% FPL) and $391/week (130% FPL).
- Each parent pays their proportional share based on their percentage of the combined gross income. For 1 child, the basic obligation ranges from ~$104/month at $1,500 combined income to ~$5,083/month at $37,500.
- A parenting time adjustment may apply when the payor parent has the children at least one-third of the time.
- Massachusetts may extend child support to age 21 or even age 23 if the child is enrolled in college.
Massachusetts Child Support FAQ
How is child support calculated in Massachusetts?
What income counts for Massachusetts child support?
Does parenting time affect child support in Massachusetts?
What is the maximum child support in Massachusetts?
How long does child support last in Massachusetts?
About This Calculator
Uses the official MA Guidelines (MA General Laws Ch. 208 § 28) (2025 guidelines). Last verified: 2026-05-30.
Disclaimer: Estimates only, not legal advice. Actual amounts are set by Massachusetts courts. Full disclaimer.
Methodology: Income Shares model per MA Guidelines (MA General Laws Ch. 208 § 28).