1 Child
~20%
of income
Data updated May 2026
2021 guideline data Income Shares model OCSE FY2023 source
Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines
Massachusetts runs the Income Shares model, with no statutory income cap and a parenting-time credit - see the base percentages and OCSE FY2023 enforcement figures below.
By PlainChildSupport Editorial · · Source: Massachusetts Revised Statutes · Last updated: 2021
Income Shares
2 Children
~28%
of income
3 Children
~35%
of income
4 Children
~40%
of income
Income Cap
None
uncapped
Child Support Snapshot: Massachusetts
Massachusetts operates under the Income Shares model, one of 43 U.S. states using this framework. For a parent supporting one child, the base guideline applies roughly 20% of income, scaling to 28% for two children and 35% for three. That places Massachusetts at rank #4 of 51 states by single-child base percentage. Unlike capped states, there is no statutory income ceiling, the formula applies to the full reported income before deductions. Median household income here runs $89,026/yr.
Massachusetts ranks #8 of 51 reporting states on OCSE collection efficiency and #26 by caseload volume, see the case counts, collection rate, and paternity-establishment figures in the enforcement breakdown below.
Massachusetts allows a parenting time adjustment, which can materially reduce the base obligation when the non-custodial parent exercises substantial overnight time. A percentage figure alone doesn't determine the dollar amount, see how Massachusetts compares to other guideline models →
How Massachusetts Calculates Child Support
Massachusetts uses the Income Shares model. Both parents' incomes are combined, the total obligation is looked up from a schedule, then split proportionally based on each parent's income share. Its one-child base rate is in line with the national middle range.
Income Shares model. Combined income approach with parenting time adjustment.
Guideline Details
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Formula Model | Income Shares |
| Income Floor | None |
| Income Ceiling | Uncapped |
| Parenting Time Adjustment | Available |
| Median Household Income | $89,026/yr |
| Single-Child Base | 20% (rank #4 of 51) |
Disclaimer: This page provides estimates for informational purposes only. Actual child support amounts may differ based on judicial discretion, deviation factors, and current Massachusetts guidelines. Consult a family law attorney in Massachusetts for legal advice.
Massachusetts Child Support Enforcement
180,000
Active Cases
$510M
Annual Collections
65.9%
Collection Rate
81.4%
Cases with Orders
96.5%
Paternity Established
Massachusetts vs national average (51 reporting states)
Collection rate 65.9%
national
65.9% of assessed support collected; national average 60.6%.
Paternity established 96.5%
national
96.5% of cases have legal parentage established; national average 94.9%.
Cases with orders 81.4%
81.4% of the caseload has a formal child support order in place.
Source: OCSE FY2023 preliminary report OCSE FY2023 preliminary report
Interactive Calculator for Massachusetts
The Massachusetts interactive calculator is being finalized. Use the official state calculator below for your estimate.
Official MA CalculatorOther Income Shares States
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of income goes to child support in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, approximate guideline percentages are 20% for 1 child, 28% for 2 children, 35% for 3 children, and 40% for 4 children. Actual amounts depend on the income level and any applicable deviation factors.
Does parenting time affect child support in Massachusetts?
Yes. Massachusetts provides a parenting time adjustment when the non-custodial parent exercises significant overnight time (typically 40% or more). This credit reduces the base child support obligation proportionally.
Every figure on PlainChildSupport is rendered directly from official state guidelines and federal enforcement data, no number is typed in by an editor. This page draws directly on official state guidelines and federal enforcement data, no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Data sources
Data sourced from official federal and state child-support agency records (NCSL, state statutes, ACS). See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainChildSupport Editorial
