What Is Child Support?

In Massachusetts and New Hampshire, both parents have an obligation to support their children. Both states have child support guidelines that apply to most matters related to the financial maintenance of children.

The laws of Massachusetts and the laws of New Hampshire are significantly different regarding child support. Clients who have questions about which state law applies to their case, should contact Attorney Pontisakos, who is licensed in both states, to determine where their case should be filed.

How is Child Support Calculated?

The parenting plan, income of each parent, child care costs, and costs of health, dental and vision insurance are all important factors in the guidelines’ formulas for calculating child support. Unless there are special reasons to deviate from the guidelines, the calculated figure will generally be what the payor parent must pay the recipient parent each week.

We Can Help You with Your Child Support Case

Attorney Demetra Pontisakos has over 30 years of experience in the areas of divorce and separation. She practices family law in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire. She can work with you to determine equitable child support and to decide what approach will help best to resolve your case. Attorney Pontisakos is a Certified Parenting Coordinator and a Certified Family Law Arbitrator, and also has extensive previous experience working for the Child Support Division of the Massachusetts Department of Revenue.

Alimony

When a married couple separates or divorces, one spouse may have to pay alimony (spousal support) to the other. Alimony is generally based on the need of the recipient spouse, and the ability of the payor spouse to contribute financially to those needs. Both the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the State of New Hampshire now have alimony laws that establish term lengths and guidance for the determination of appropriate alimony orders.  

What We Can Do for You

Attorney Demetra Pontisakos has over 30 years of experience in the areas of divorce, separation, child support and alimony. She can help you decide what approach would best resolve your case and can serve as a mediator, litigator or arbitrator. Attorney Pontisakos is a Certified Parenting Coordinator and a Certified Family Law Arbitrator.