The Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines Section 2 (I): Other Orders and Obligations

The Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines effective January 1, 2009, have supporters and opponents. Payor’s argue that after payment of child support there is not enough money left for his or her own needs and the payees argue that they need additional money to support the child(ren). For both the payee and the payor a positive aspect of the MA Child Support Guidelines
is that there are seven pages of narrative that provide legislative intent and reasons for deviations. Although there is a basic child support calculator, the guidelines provide 11 categories that can determine the child support amount. Let’s take a look at Section 2 (I):  Other Orders and Obligations.

The Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines Section 2 (I):  Other Orders and Obligations provides reasons for deviating from the guidelines. This section allows the payor to reduce his or her gross income for his or her child(ren) that he or she is financially responsible for that are not covered by the order. This is a section of the Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines that are frequently underutilized by the payor to reduce his or her gross income. If you plan on using this section to reduce your child support order, make sure you have proof of support to the other child(ren).