In this article, you will discover:
- How parents’ income is determined in Maryland child support cases
- The role of healthcare and childcare costs in the determination of child support
- Mistakes to avoid when negotiating child support in Maryland
How Does The Court Determine Each Parent’s Income In A Maryland Child Support Case?
The court looks at the entirety of your income and your expenses. Typically, the parent with the higher income is required to pay child support.
The court will look specifically at your W-2 statements or any documentation you may have related to a business you own. They then use a formula to determine which parent is responsible for paying child support.
What Role Do Health Insurance And Childcare Costs Play In Maryland Child Support Calculations?
If you’re paying for support, you may be eligible for a credit if you pay for healthcare or childcare. As a result, the amount of child support the other parent receives will be decreased. Conversely, if they are paying for health care or childcare, they would receive more child support.
If you have a child with special needs and related medical expenses, these factors also play a role and are taken into consideration when calculating the formula.
Can Parents In Maryland Agree On A Child Support Amount Different From The State Guidelines?
You can agree on a different amount. As long as it’s within reason, the courts will allow it. For instance, you can say that instead of child support, you’ll cover insurance and all medical expenses. Medical expenses can reasonably equal the same amount as child support.
Attorney Andre Batson is a skilled lawyer based in Washington, D.C., who has helped numerous clients, just like you, navigate the complexities of child support law. With years of experience, he is prepared to assist you in your child support case, ensuring that your child's best interests are met with appropriate financial support.
Still have questions? Ready to get started? Contact the Law Office of Andre L. Batson today to schedule a free initial consultation.
What Are The Biggest Mistakes To Avoid When Calculating Or Negotiating Maryland Child Support?
Some people don’t factor childcare into child support. You drop your child off at daycare, thinking your child support payment will cover the expense, but you’re not considering how much daycare costs. Frequently, daycare will increase the amount of child support you get. Those who pay for daycare may be eligible for a credit.
Several factors must be taken into account when calculating child support. How much does daycare cost? Are you receiving health insurance from your employer? If so, is your family covered? How much of a rate increase would it be to add your children to your insurance?
Notes From The Field: How Do You Support A Parent Who Feels Overwhelmed Or Financially Strained By Their Child Support Obligations?
Suppose you agreed to a child support amount you can’t pay. Maybe you were expecting a promotion, but it didn’t happen. Now, your entire salary is going towards child support, and you have to borrow money to make ends meet. In that situation, you go to court to modify the child support. Hopefully, you will receive an early hearing date, rather than waiting two months.
From the opposite perspective, you might feel you’re not receiving enough child support. In such instances, you must consider the income of the parent paying child support. If they’re not earning enough, there’s nothing you can do.
If You Feel You’re Being Short-Changed On Child Support, Could You Restructure That Agreement?
If you have an agreement stating what you’re going to pay, you can always modify it. However, there’s no restructuring court order. You can go to court and seek a modification of the order.
Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?
For more information on child support laws in Maryland, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (202) 253-5922 today.
Attorney Andre Batson is a skilled lawyer based in Washington, D.C., who has helped numerous clients, just like you, navigate the complexities of child support law. With years of experience, he is prepared to assist you in your child support case, ensuring that your child's best interests are met with appropriate financial support.
Still have questions? Ready to get started? Contact the Law Office of Andre L. Batson today to schedule a free initial consultation.
