Summer Lovin' Series: How long can DOR collect child support for?

Summer is finally here. The air is humid, the sunblock is out, and it's finally time for vacations and school break. But enjoying summer too much has its consequences. Our Summer Lovin' series is about those consequences for Unmarried Parents in Massachusetts:

Summer Lovin' Series #6: How long can DOR collect child support for?

In Massachusetts, child support can continue until the child is twenty-three (23). Except for the absolute maximum of age twenty-three (23), child support does not end upon a specific age but rather when the child becomes "emancipated." Emancipation in Massachusetts is defined in M.G.L. ch. 208 s. 28.

In basic terms child support in Massachusetts stops when the child turns age:

18, unless the child is still principally dependent on the custodial parent (i.e. the child is no longer principally dependent if they've moved out of the home, except for college, is employed full time, is married, of has joined the military);
21, unless the child is enrolled in a full-time undergraduate college program;
23, no matter what.

Kelsey & Trask, P.C. is now offering flat fee representation at DOR support hearings for a flat fee of $750 in most cases. For teen parents under the age of 18, Kelsey & Trask, P.C. offers free representation for DOR support hearings.

For more information visit our webpage devoted specifically to DOR hearings.

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