Massachusetts uses the 2025 Child Support Guidelines, effective December 1, 2025, implemented through worksheet CJD-304 — this calculator’s math is checked directly against the Trial Court’s own electronic version of that worksheet. Where both alimony and child support are at issue, Massachusetts law under Cavanagh v. Cavanagh, 490 Mass. 398 (2022), requires comparing an alimony-first scenario against a child-support-first scenario, and this tool includes an optional comparison of both. After-tax figures use 2026 federal and Massachusetts tax parameters.
Key facts
| Model | Massachusetts Child Support Guidelines, 2025 edition (eff. 2025-12-01) |
|---|---|
| Worksheet | CJD-304 (12/1/25) |
| Alimony interplay | Cavanagh v. Cavanagh, 490 Mass. 398 (2022) — compares alimony-first and child-support-first scenarios |
| Tax parameters | 2026 federal and Massachusetts figures |
Official source: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/child-support-guidelines
Custody arrangements covered
- Sole, shared, and split custody arrangements per the CJD-304 worksheet
Frequently asked questions
What edition of the Massachusetts guidelines is current?
The 2025 Child Support Guidelines, effective December 1, 2025, implemented through worksheet CJD-304.
What is the Cavanagh comparison in Massachusetts?
Under Cavanagh v. Cavanagh, 490 Mass. 398 (2022), when both alimony and child support are at issue, Massachusetts requires comparing an alimony-first order against a child-support-first order — this calculator offers that comparison as an optional feature.
What tax year does this Massachusetts calculator use?
2026 federal and Massachusetts tax parameters for its after-tax estimates.
Is this the official Massachusetts worksheet?
No — it’s an independent tool verified against the Trial Court’s own CJD-304 electronic worksheet, not a substitute for filing the actual form or for legal advice.
Update history
- — Massachusetts launched on the 2025 Child Support Guidelines (effective 2025-12-01), verified against the Trial Court's CJD-304 electronic worksheet, with after-tax estimates using 2026 federal and state tax parameters.