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Essex County Child Support Lawyer

Establishing, Modifying, and Enforcing Child Support Orders in MA

Rudolf A. Jaworski Jr. PC has helped hundreds of clients resolve child support cases in Massachusetts. We recognize the emotional and financial difficulties attached to establishing, modifying, and/or enforcing a child support order, and we are committed to helping you create a support agreement or court order that is in the best interests of both you and your child(ren).

Call (978) 307-7087 for help with your child support case in Essex County!

What Is Child Support?

When parents no longer live together, Massachusetts requires that both parents continue to contribute financially to the child’s needs. Typically, the non-custodial parent is ordered to pay child support to the custodial parent. The custodial parent is the parent with whom the child lives most of the time.

How Is Child Support Calculated in MA?

Child support is determined based on both parents’ income, using the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines to establish the amount of child support that will be paid, and by whom. The amount of child support will be determined by factors that include:

  • The total and gross weekly income of each parent
  • The number of children involved
  • Expenses that support the health and wellbeing of the children, e.g. health insurance, dental and vision insurance and the cost of childcare to enable a parent to work

Typically, parents make child support payments directly to the other parent, by check, payroll deduction or automatic deposit. When necessary, the Massachusetts Department of Revenue Child Support Enforcement (DORCSE) will enforce child support payments. DORCSE will order that these payments are taken directly from the paycheck of the non-custodial parent and sent to the DORCSE through a process referred to as “wage assignment.” DORCSE then sends the child support payment to the custodial parent.

Modifying Support Orders

Did you know that even if you make an informal agreement with your spouse to reduce Court ordered child support payments, you can still be held in contempt of court for not paying the amount established in your formal child support agreement? That’s because the state does not allow for impromptu modifications. A child support order can only be effectively changed after evidence for doing so is formally presented and approved by the judge.

If a promotion, job loss, child’s needs, or other extenuating circumstance has impacted your ability to pay or collect upon your current child support agreement, it’s important to work with an attorney on modifying the terms of your agreement to better reflect your current needs and abilities.

When to Seek Child Support Modification

Filing a complaint for modification may be necessary when the original child support order no longer serves the best interests of the child or there has been a substantial change in circumstances rendering the original order unfair or unworkable.

There are specific circumstances under which the Massachusetts courts are likely to grant a modification, including:

  • A substantial change of income for either parent
  • Serious injury or illness of a parent resulting in long-term or permanent disability
  • Unforeseen healthcare or academic needs of the child
  • Substantial college expenses

Please note: Seeking modification as soon as possible after the loss of your job or other substantial change in circumstance can prevent enforcement actions against you.

Who Can Seek a Child Support Modification?

custody dispute​​​Either parent can file a Complaint for Modification and request that the court modify the existing child support order. Additionally, a parent can seek support for college or other educational expenses if the child is living under their roof while attending school and is between the ages of 18 and 23.

Our Essex County Child Support Attorneys Are Here to Help

The team at Rudolf A. Jaworski Jr. PC has the experience and skill to guide you through the process of resolving child support issues to ensure the best interests of you and your children remain protected.

Helpful Resources:

Fill out our online contact form or call the office at (978) 307-7087 to schedule a free consultation with our Essex County child support lawyers.

Hear What Our Clients Have to Say

Stories From Our Happy Clients
  • “He explained what we were doing all throughout and even waited in that long line at court to get us checked in. He was great to work with.”

    - Margaret
  • “Rudy was worth every penny. He is also warm and compassionate, and easy to talk to.”

    - David
  • “I felt extremely comfortable knowing that Rudy has the experience and expertise to guide me.”

    - Diana
  • “I never felt left out in the dark with the status.”

    - Jim
  • “Rudy earned his respect and trusted by the local courts with the result that he does have to not engage in lengthy court sessions.”

    - Ullrich

What Makes Us Different

  • Results You Can Count On

    We will work tirelessly to get the best possible outcome for your case.

  • Trustworthy Attorney

    Our core principles are to provide honesty, integrity, and compassion to every client.

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    We create a comfortable atmosphere by providing personalized service to each case.

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