Modifying Child Support Payments

More than any other term of your divorce agreement, the amount of child support over time, requires modification. This is especially true in the case of very young children. As children grow older, the amount of support will generally increase. Inflation alone will require an increase in child support. As a result, you may wish to consider a regular increase in child support consistent with the rate of inflation or other economic indicators; for example, the consumer price index. Or, you may consider a periodic review of child support in consideration of the actual expenses of the children, your income, and your former spouse's income. Whatever the case, you may wish to recalculate the guidelines on a periodic basis in order to keep pace. Generally speaking, Massachusetts courts have determined what child support "guidelines" are. When it comes to modification, the drama of your matter is much less contentious than at the beginning; basically, it's formula driven.