Being the primary custody holder of one’s children can leave one financially strapped. Child support is generally ordered to make sure children’s needs continue to be met when parents split up. How should support-receiving parents in Massachusetts expect to get their funds?
In Massachusetts, child support has to be paid in one of two ways: direct deposit or debit card. Those ordered to pay cannot just give cash or checks directly to the receiving parent. The primary reason for this is to prevent payment disputes.
There are a lot of benefits to using direct deposit or the state offered debit care. Checks cannot get lost or stolen, for one. Money is immediately available upon deposit. If the receiving parent moves, the change of address will not interrupt payments. Finally, there are no fees for either of these services.
Now, there are those who may wish to receive paper checks. Only those who meet the qualifications for an exemption have this option. In other words, it is possible but not likely for most individuals.
The state of Massachusetts has set direct deposit and debt card options for paying child support as a way to ensure children get the funds they need when they need it. It helps the state keep paying parents responsible and it helps prevent payment disputes. Those who are going through the divorce process, separating or simply looking for child support can turn to their family law attorney for more information about how child support payments work. Help can also be provided in achieving a fair support order.
Source: mass.gov, “Learn about your options for receiving your child support payments“, Accessed on Jan. 8, 2018
