Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts

My wife and I have been legally seperated for many years, we have one child together but no property. I have for many years been paying child support, an amount more than I've been legally obligated to. Our child is now 18 and the state has stopped taking money out of my check and I recieved a letter stating I am no longer legally obligated to pay child support. I do give my child money occationally on the side as I always have when he has needed it. Since the support payments have stopped my wife whom I am seperated from that has grown comfortable with the extra money I have been giving her all theses years has become very upset about it. Our child, that is of legal age, has no job and still lives with her. She has been trying to get money from me still and puts me on a guilt trip until I give her money which since the payments stopped several weeks ago I have been giving her money out of the kindness of my heart even thought I cannot really afford it. What are my legal rights? Am I still obligated to give her money?


Asked on 1/05/14, 7:05 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Alan Pransky Law Office of Alan J. Pransky

If your wife goes to court, you may be obligated to pay child support or even alimony. It is very difficult to analyze your situation with limited information provided through internet questions. You should consult a lawyer to discuss the specifics of your situation. In Massachusetts, if the child is over 18 but under age 21 and principally dependent on a parent for support, then the other parent may have to pay child support.

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Answered on 1/06/14, 7:51 am


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