CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES

a series of mathematical formulas that help derive the proper amount of child support that should be awarded.

State guidelines requiring the non-custodial parent, under normal circumstances,to pay child support based on a percentage of income. The federal government mandates that all states establish guidelines for child support. The battle ground in many cases is the definition of "income," especially "in-kind" compensation such as a company car. Contact your state’s child support enforcement office as set forth in the State-by-State Resrouce Center.

State guidelines requiring the non-custodial parent, under normal circumstances, to pay child support based on a percentage of gross income. The guidelines in Massachusetts are among the highest in the country.