{"id":373942,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:35","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/massachusetts-law\/massachusetts-child-support-enforcement.html"},"modified":"2025-03-18T09:53:28","modified_gmt":"2025-03-18T14:53:28","slug":"massachusetts-child-support-enforcement","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/massachusetts-law\/massachusetts-child-support-enforcement.html","title":{"rendered":"Massachusetts Child Support Enforcement"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Massachusetts Child Support Enforcement<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

When parents divorce<\/a> or separate, they must decide on issues like child custody and child support. If they’re lucky, they can negotiate a fair child support agreement. Otherwise, they must go to court and allow a family law judge to decide.<\/p>\r\n

Once the family court judge signs a child support order<\/a>, both parties must follow it. The paying parent must make their child support payments on time. If they fail, the other parent can seek help from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue’s child support enforcement division.<\/p>\r\n

Here, we’ll explain what happens when a non-custodial parent<\/a> violates a child support court order and discuss what to do if your child’s other parent fails to meet their child support obligation on time.<\/p>\r\n

Asking the Court to Enforce Your Child Support Order<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

A child support order<\/a> is a legal obligation. You can take legal action if your kids’ other parent doesn’t pay on time. You can seek court enforcement if you already have a child support order. You can ask the Department of Revenue Child Support Enforcement Division<\/a> (DOR\/CSE) for help if you don’t have a court order.<\/p>\r\n

Once you request enforcement, your case manager at the DOR\/CSE will contact the NCP and let them know they are commencing enforcement action<\/a> against them. Your case manager will proceed with enforcement if this doesn’t motivate them to catch up on their arrears.<\/p>\r\n

If the non-custodial parent doesn’t pay their support payments<\/a>, the court can hold them in contempt, fine them, or send them to jail. The state may also suspend their driver’s licenses and other professional licenses they have.<\/p>\r\n

If nonpayment continues for an extended period, the court may file criminal charges<\/a> against the NCP. This is rare, but it can happen.<\/p>\r\n

Do I Have to Go Back to Court?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

You may have to return to court to enforce your child support order. If the other parent violates the child support order, you can file a "Complaint for Contempt<\/a>" with the court. After reviewing your case, the judge will likely grant your request and issue an order for contempt.<\/p>\r\n

Ideally, when the NCP learns you’re taking action, they’ll do the right thing and make their payments. They can appeal to the court to reduce their child support payments. But they must show enough hardship for the court to entertain their child support modification request<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

What Can DOR Do To Enforce a Support Order?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Under Massachusetts law, there are several things a parent can do to enforce a child support order. If you owe back child support<\/a>, you must know these things. It’s only a matter of time before you are the subject of child support enforcement activity.<\/p>\r\n

Some of the measures the court and DOR can take include:<\/p>\r\n