How is child support calculated?

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has adopted Guideline Child Support Orders including a worksheet for calculating the amount of a child support. Essentially, the court takes into consideration the gross income of both parties, subtracting costs for health insurance, dental insurance, child care, and other child support orders, and calculates an amount of support based on the number of children and amount of time the payor spends with the children. There are special considerations for second jobs and overtime, high wage earners, children in college and other special circumstances.