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When spouses separate, they often need to negotiate the custody of their children. A parent may worry that income, whether high or low, can influence the court to make certain decisions in its custody order. While Massachusetts law requires income information from both parents when determining child support obligations, the court separates the question of custody and visitation from its calculation of child support. Parents should research both types of legal proceedings in the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court.
A court may order a parent to pay child support, despite a joint custody award. According to the American Bar Association (ABA), "Courts reason that major expenses for the benefit of the child--rent, mortgage, utilities, clothes and insurance have to be paid, whether the child is with the custodial parent or not." However, joint custody and child support payments are completely dependent on state laws.
In general, custodial parents have the right to receive child support. However, sometimes a court grants joint custody to the parents. In a joint custody arrangement, a court may order both parents to pay each other child support, based on the amount of time spent with the child. Along with paying child support while caring for a child, a custodial parent will share rights and responsibilities with another parent.
Becoming a stepparent is often marked by unease from the start, especially if the stepchild is older and dealing with his own emotions resulting from his parents' breakup. Whether it is an easy road or not, there are certain rights and responsibilities for stepparents.
