How is Child Support Calculated in Maryland?

During a divorce or separation, one of your most important concerns is the well-being of your children. Here in Maryland, child support is designed to provide financial stability for children, allowing them to maintain a standard of living similar to what they would have if their parents lived together. If you’re currently involved in this process, it’s important to understand how child support is calculated.

Maryland uses specific guidelines to calculate child support. These guidelines are based on the Income Shares Model, which takes both parents’ incomes into consideration to determine the appropriate support amount. The idea is to divide the financial responsibility for raising children proportionally between both parents.

These guidelines are laid out in the Maryland Child Support Calculator. It’s important to remember, however, that every family situation is different, and factors like shared custody or extraordinary medical expenses can affect the final amount.

What are the key factors in child support calculations?

Several factors go into determining child support in Maryland. Let’s take a closer look.

The first step in calculating child support is determining each parent’s gross monthly income. This includes wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, and any income from self-employment. Rental properties, investments, or retirement benefits are also included.

If either parent has child support obligations for children from a previous relationship or alimony payments, these amounts are deducted from their gross monthly income before calculating child support.

The number of children involved directly affects the support amount. Maryland’s child support guidelines account for any additional financial needs associated with multiple children.

Work-related childcare expenses (like daycare or babysitting) and health insurance premiums for the child are also factored into the support calculation. These costs are usually divided pro rata to income between the parents.

If the child has special needs or educational expenses (like tuition or therapy costs), these also come into play.

Do you have an example of Maryland’s child support formula?

The state of Maryland offers a worksheet to simplify the child support calculation process. Here’s an example of how the formula might work.

Let’s say Parent A earns $4,000 per month, and Parent B earns $6,000 per month. Their combined income is $10,000. Parent A contributes 40% of the total income, while Parent B contributes 60%.

For one child, the Maryland Child Support Guidelines chart might suggest a total support obligation of $1,000 per month based on that total income of $10,000. Parent A would pay 40% of the $1,000 ($400), while Parent B would cover 60% ($600).

We’ll say childcare costs $500 a month, and health insurance is $200. These expenses are added to the base support amount and divided proportionally between both parents.

Can the court deviate from these guidelines?

Yes, in certain situations, the court can deviate from the standard guidelines. Common reasons for doing so include:

• If the combined parental income exceeds the maximum listed on the guidelines chart, the court may use its discretion to determine a more appropriate amount.
• Extraordinary medical or educational expenses may require additional support.
• When parents have nearly equal custody and incomes, the court may adjust the amount to reflect their shared financial responsibilities.

Can I modify child support in Maryland?

Life can change, and sometimes, your original child support order no longer fits your circumstances. If this happens, Maryland allows parents to request an order modification. To qualify, you must demonstrate what’s called a “material change in circumstances,” like:

• A drastic increase or decrease in income.
• Changes in child custody
• The increased financial needs of the child (like medical or educational expenses).

To modify an order, you must file a formal request with the court. It’s advisable to work with the experienced Columbia child support attorneys at McCabe Russell to ensure your case is handled properly.

How long does child support last?

Child support typically continues until your child turns 18. However, there are a few exceptions. If your child is still in high school, support continues until they graduate or turn 19, whichever happens first.

If your child has special needs, support may be extended indefinitely to accommodate ongoing care.

Can I avoid paying child support if I have joint custody?

Child support may still be required even in a joint custody arrangement. The court will consider each parent’s income and the time spent with the child to determine an appropriate amount.

What happens if a parent fails to pay child support?

Failure to pay child support can result in serious consequences, including wage garnishment, suspension of driver’s license, or even jail time. Maryland takes child support obligations seriously and can enforce payment. Talk to our Columbia child support attorneys to learn more.

How can your child support attorneys help?

The experienced child support lawyers at McCabe Russell can guide you through the legal process, whether you’re seeking support, defending against an unfair calculation, or requesting an order modification.

We understand that every family situation is unique, and we work closely with you to meet your child’s financial needs while protecting your rights.

At McCabe Russell in Columbia, our child support lawyers are committed to helping parents like you seek fair and equitable child support arrangements that prioritize your child’s needs. Whether you’re seeking to establish, modify, or enforce child support, we can guide you through every step of the way. Call our offices or fill out our contact form to schedule a meeting with a skilled lawyer. We also maintain offices in Fulton, Bethesda, and Rockville.