Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts

Re: How does it all work??

You have not given enough information.

If the court awards joint physical custody, it could still award some child support based on what you said.

If you are filing for divorce or for separate support, there are some legal issues for which you may well need legal advice. From your questions, you are heading in the right direction.

The legal process could be complex, depending on the legal and factual issues raised by the parties.

You can go to your local law library and get a consumer text dealing with divorce and/or separation.

You can seek consultation with an attorney to provide you with an overview of what going to court is and what your options may be.

If you need assistance or have questions, contact me.

Re: How does it all work??

Assuming your case will be in Massachusetts, the child's father will be required to pay child support, despite the fact that he voluntarily buys diapers or formula (likely the same in Connecticut). The amount of child support will likely be diminished from the strict guideline amount by the fact that he sees the child nearly every day.

He might be able to have joint physical custody, but that does not mean anything in particular would be different in the day-to-day location of your child. There are many circulstances that go into such a decision that must be spoken about at length.

In your case, it is preferable to have a lawyer, especially since this is likely not a strict "Guideline case."