Welcome back to part 2 of our series on the new Child Support Guidelines (2017 version).  This section will address the increase to the minimum child support order.  If you missed our previous article, you can find it here, at:  New Guidelines Overview.

Increase of Minimum Child Support

One of the changes in the 2017 child support guidelines is a minimum amount of support that is ordered in cases.  The last change was made in 2002.  In 2002, that minimum child support order was increased to $18.46 per week.  The minimum support order has not changed since that time.  The new child support guidelines increase the minimum amount of support to $25.00 per week.  The increase is said to be “consistent with economic data on the increase in the overall cost of living in Massachusetts since 2002.”   In addition to this change, the guidelines chart has been adjusted to reflect a change in the presumptive minimum support order amount.  It now applies to combined income up to $115 per week.

What Does This Mean?

Let’s take a look at what these new guidelines mean in a practical manner.  If you are in a situation you have child support and the other party is unemployed, or earns a small amount of income, the Court will  order the minimum amount of support.  In the new Guidelines you will be awarded an increased amount of support than that awarded in the previous Child Support Guidelines.

Always remember that guidelines are just that – guides.  There are a number of factors that go into support and each case is unique and fact specific.  If you have questions about your case or are considering divorce, separation, modification of an existing court order or an appeal, please contact our office at: Contact Christine.  We will work directly with you for a solution that you can feel works the best for you and your child.