Trial Court issues new
child support guidelines
Trial Court Chief Justice Paula M. Carey this week announced the promulgation of revised child support guidelines to be effective on Oct. 4, 2021, based on a comprehensive review by the 2020-2021 Child Support Guidelines Task Force. The task force that conducted the review, which is required every four years, was chaired by Probate and Family Court Chief Justice John D. Casey and Hon. Katherine Field.
The child support guidelines are used by Trial Court judges in setting orders for child support, in deciding whether to approve agreements for child support, and in deciding cases that are before the court to modify existing orders.
“I am very appreciative of the work that this Task Force did in reviewing every facet of the child support guidelines,” said Carey. “These guidelines address a number of issues concerning child support and are responsive to the feedback that the Task Force received from judges, attorneys, and the public.”
The task force recommended a number of changes. Some changes are minor, while others represent new or modified provisions. The most significant changes are outlined here. Extensive information about all the provisions of the child support guidelines can be found in the commentary that is included in the guidelines.
Additional information on the quadrennial review of the child support guidelines can be found on the court’s website.
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Apply for appointment to the Standing Advisory Committee on Professionalism
The justices of the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) invite interested attorneys to apply for appointment to the Standing Advisory Committee on Professionalism.
The committee oversees the implementation of SJC Rule 3:16, which mandates that all lawyers take a course on professionalism within 18 months of admission to the Massachusetts bar. The committee's duties and responsibilities include designating and evaluating approved course providers, assessing whether the course is accomplishing its intended goals and outcomes, and overseeing the administration of all aspects of SJC Rule 3:16.
The justices will be making four appointments to the committee. Appointees will serve three-year terms. The justices seek applicants who:
- Both graduated from law school and were admitted to the Massachusetts bar within the last five years; and/or
- Have taken the Massachusetts Practicing with Professionalism Course within the last three years.
The justices strongly encourage attorneys with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.
Interested applicants should send a letter describing their experience and interest and a one-page resume to Anna Rachel Dray-Siegel, assistant legal counsel, Supreme Judicial Court, at anna.dray-siegel@jud.state.ma.us. The application deadline has been extended to Aug. 20. If you previously applied, there is no need to resubmit your application. Contact Dray-Siegel with any questions about the application process or the position.