Athol, MA asked in Family Law and Child Support for Massachusetts

Q: What, if any, are the legal repercussions of a person rescinding on informal child support in Massachusetts?

After my ex and I split, we both agreed on an informal child support agreement. He'd continue giving me access to his vehicle and keep my phone on his cell phone plan. After a few personal disputes, he's threatening to take them back knowing it'll affect our kids, ie getting to drs appts and school. Every time we fight, he threatens to take them away or he snoops through my phone saying it's still his property. After repaying thousands of dollars in debts he accrued and after paying almost $5k on repairs to his vehicles, I'm afraid I'll be left with nothing and he threatens me if I mention formal child support. What should I do to protect my kid's best interests?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Scott F Bocchio
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Answered
  • lawrence, MA
  • Licensed in Massachusetts

A: It almost always protects the children more if there is a formal child support agreement in place with the Court as it can be enforceable through the Department of Revenue.

It can also be arranged by the Court to take child support straight from his paycheck. This helps in matters where the parties are at odds.

You should come in and get a formal child support calculation run on your two incomes and see what the weekly child support amount should be.

I encourage you to come in for a consultation and explore your options.

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