Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts
Termination of Child Support
What is the proper procedure for termination of child support in Massachusetts? Although the MASSDOR is very helpful in securing support for women, they are not so helpful in unsecuring the support. Is an appearance and a complaint necessary or will MASSDOR simply cease the withholding after I provide them with documentation?
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Termination of Child Support
Child support presumptively continues until the child is emancipated as defined by law or by an agreement incorporated into a judgment. If you believe that emancipation has occurred and DOR/CSE has not stopped taking money, FILE YOUR COMPLAINT FOR MODIFICATION AND GET IT SERVED RIGHT AWAY.
Re: Termination of Child Support
Most of the time, the DOR will not stop collecting child support unless you tell them to do so. If asking them does not work or if you can't reach anyone, then you must file a Modification action.
Re: Termination of Child Support
Retain an attorney to file a complaint for modification which can be granted retroactive to the date of service of the complaint. Good Luck!