CHILD SUPPORT
Who Contributes to Child Support
In Maryland both parents are expected to contribute to their child's care in proportion to how much they earn. Usually, the parent who sees the child less, overnights, pays all or part of their share to the other parent as child support, after child custody calculations (overnight calculations) are made.
Physical Custody and the Effects on Child Support
As of October 1, 2020 shared/joint physical child custody calculation have changed. A parent who has the minor child for at least 25% - 30% or at least 92 overnights per year, is in shared/joint custody and a shared custody guideline is used. This shared custody guideline gradually adjusts as the non-custodial parent gains more overnight access, so that the child support guidelines resemble a slope instead of a cliff.
Maryland Child Support Guidelines
A minor child is entitled to support until the child is either emancipated by judicial order, turns 18 years old, or turns 19 years old, if the minor is still in high school. In determining child support, the Courts use the Maryland Child Support Guidelines which consider a variety of factors including but not limited to:
- Each parent's "actual monthly income;"
- Work-related child care expenses;
- Health insurance expenses;
- Extraordinary medical expenses - such as orthodontist, asthma medication, physical or psychological therapy; and
- Each parent’s Financial Statement.