Free · Massachusetts · Current law
Based on Massachusetts's official Income Shares formula. Enter both parents' incomes and get an estimate in under a minute.
Before taxes — wages, self-employment, bonuses
A best estimate is fine for now
Taxes, mandatory retirement, union dues…
Work or school related
Estimated monthly support
The other parent pays you, the parent with primary timesharing.
Estimate only — based on a simplified reading of Massachusetts 2025 Child Support Guidelines, Table A (effective December 1, 2025). A judge can deviate. Not legal advice.
Get a plain-English copy of this estimate, the numbers used, and a short checklist for what to review before relying on it.
Massachusetts uses an Income Shares model. Child support is calculated by determining each parent's gross income, then making deductions for certain expenses to arrive at their available income. These available incomes are combined to determine a total support obligation based on the number of children and a schedule (Table A). This total obligation is then prorated between the parents based on their share of the combined available income. Adjustments are made for parenting time, child care costs, and health insurance premiums.
A substantial change in either parent's income — voluntary or involuntary — can trigger a modification.
Changes in childcare costs or the children's health insurance premiums directly adjust the support amount.
If the custody schedule changes significantly, support can be recalculated under Massachusetts guidelines.
Medical conditions, disabilities, or educational needs can justify a departure from the guideline amount.
Common questions
An uncontested divorce (1A) typically takes about 5-6 months from filing to finalization, including a mandatory waiting period. A contested divorce (1B) or fault-based divorce can take much longer, often a year or more, depending on court schedules and the complexity of the issues.
No, you are not required to have a lawyer to get divorced in Massachusetts. You can represent yourself (pro se), especially in a simple, uncontested divorce where both parties agree on all terms. However, consulting with an attorney is highly recommended for complex cases involving significant assets, child custody, or alimony.
Yes, Massachusetts allows for no-fault divorce based on an 'irretrievable breakdown' of the marriage. You can file jointly if you agree on all issues (1A) or individually if you don't (1B). Massachusetts also still allows for fault-based divorces on grounds such as adultery, desertion, or cruel and abusive treatment.
Massachusetts is an 'equitable distribution' state. This means that marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally (50/50). The court considers various factors, including the length of the marriage, the conduct of the parties, their ages, health, occupations, and income, when determining a fair division.
The Nisi period is a mandatory waiting period before a divorce becomes absolute (final). For an uncontested (1A) divorce, the judgment nisi enters 30 days after the hearing, and the divorce becomes absolute 90 days later (120 days total). For a contested (1B) or fault divorce, the divorce becomes absolute 90 days after the judgment nisi is entered.
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