A to Z of divorce: C for Child support payments

Child support payments in Massachusetts are based on guideline amounts for payors who have annual income up to $100,000. The guidelines allow for an increased amount for children over the age of ten (10) years. The amount payable would be calculated based on the number of children of the marriage. If the income of the parent with whom the children live with is over $20,000 annually, it reduces the payor's amount. The parent who provides health insurance also receives a reduction from their share of child support. Support payments can be made by wage garnishment payable to the state Department of Revenue, but starting this process takes time. Before the wage garnishment can take effect, payments can be made personally to the parent with the children. The parties to a divorce can also opt out of wage garnishment and elect for making voluntary payments.

This is not legal advice. Please seek the expertise of an attorney near you in order to answer questions specific to your legal situation.

A to Z of divorce: B for Benefits

Benefits, including medical insurance, are an asset divided between spouses at divorce. Usually, one spouse covers the other through their insurance plan. After divorce, the insurance plan administrators would no longer consider the covered person as a spouse, so that person would have to pay an extra premium if they wished to remain in that plan. If that person has employment themselves, they should qualify for their own company's benefits, which they might not have had to make use of before. The children of the marriage are usually covered by the parent who has the better insurance coverage. That parent would then get a reduction from their share of child support owed.

This is not legal advice. Please seek the services of an experienced attorney if you need help with your legal situation.