Child Support & Spousal Support

Boston Child Support and Spousal Support Attorney

The state of Massachusetts strives to ensure that its citizens are protected financially after divorce. To this end, courts may award child support and spousal support. As your attorney, I will explain how the court looks at your financial picture. I will also work with you to obtain the child support and/or spousal support you need. I can help you establish an initial child support or spousal support order, modify a temporary order or judgment, or seek enforcement of an established order (contempt).

Child Support

Child support in Massachusetts is governed by guidelines that consider the income of each party, the child custody arrangement, and the number of children. These guidelines are presumptive if the total earnings of both parents do not exceed $135,000 and the income of the non-custodial parent does not exceed $100,000. The courts may deviate from the guidelines if the parties have a nontraditional child custody arrangement, if the total income of both parents is greater than $135,000, or if it is in the best interests of the child.

The goal of child support orders is to ensure that your children are not financially disadvantaged by the divorce or separation. The court realizes, however, that two households cannot be run on the same amount of money as one.

As your lawyer, I can help you seek to obtain an initial child support order, obtain a modification of a temporary order or final judgment, implement or terminate a wage assignment, represent you in administrative proceedings with the Department of Revenue Child Support Enforcement Unit, secure health insurance and medical expense payments, and enforce orders to establish arrears through contempt proceedings.

Spousal Support/Alimony

Spousal support (also known as alimony) may be ordered in Massachusetts whether or not children are involved. It is based on the financial circumstances of the divorcing parties.

Massachusetts courts will consider a number of factors in determining whether one party will have to pay alimony to the other, how much alimony should be paid, and how long the payments should continue. These factors include the length of the marriage, the needs of the recipient spouse, and the ability of the paying spouse to pay. The court will also consider the assets that each party will have after the divorce is granted. If the court awards alimony or spousal support, and medical insurance coverage is available, the court can require the provision of insurance coverage.

As your lawyer, I can help you endeavor to establish an initial order for support and health insurance coverage, modify a temporary order or final judgment, and enforce an existing order through contempt proceedings.

To seek help regarding your financial needs following a divorce, contact Boston child support and spousal support lawyer Linda Sternberg.