In some shared child custody situations, a parent with full or primary custody might receive support payments from the noncustodial parent. If you’re required to pay or receive child support payments in Massachusetts, you might have wondered how child support is calculated. The courts take many factors into consideration when determining child custody and child support, but a parent’s remarriage usually doesn’t impact the calculations. Looking for more information? Our knowledgeable law firm has all the answers you need! Continue reading to find out how one of our Child Support Lawyers in Bristol County, MA can provide individualized legal counseling.
WILL REMARRIAGE IMPACT MY CHILD SUPPORT PAYMENTS?
Most of the time, remarriage won’t affect child support payments. Child support is calculated on a case-to-case basis, and the amount owed is supposed to provide the child with a higher standard of living (if possible). The calculation is mostly dependent on each parent’s income, the child’s needs, and how many days per year each parent has custody of the child. Child support payments are required until the child
WHAT IF THE OBLIGOR REMARRIES?
The obligor is the person that pays child support to the custodial parent, and the recipient is the custodial parent that receives the child support payments. If an obligor remarries, they will most likely continue paying the same amount for child support. This is because their new spouse has no obligation to contribute support for the child. However, an exception would be if the obligor marries someone who greatly increases their net household income. In this case, the recipient could request modifications to increase child support payments since the obligor has more assets they could provide for their child.
WHAT IF THE RECIPIENT REMARRIES?
If the parent who receives child support remarries, it’s even less likely that the amount of child support would change. It’s important to note that in Massachusetts, at least three months should have passed since the initial child support order before you can request modifications. You’ll need court approval before you can adjust the child support amount, and you’ll need to prove that the change is in the child’s best interest.
Are you a Massachusetts parent who is required to pay child support? Do you aim to change your child support agreement? You might want to speak with a dedicated family law attorney who can help you determine your best options. Thankfully, the Law Offices of Cynthia L. Hanley are on your side! Contact our highly experienced team today for an initial consultation.
