Whether you expect to receive support or to pay it, we work to make sure the calculation uses accurate income figures and accounts for the real costs of raising your children.
How the Maryland guidelines work
Maryland uses an income shares model. In general terms, the guidelines combine both parents' adjusted incomes, look up a basic support amount for that income and the number of children, and divide that amount between the parents in proportion to their incomes. The number of overnights each parent has can also change the result.
Certain costs are added on top of the basic amount and shared in proportion to income, including:
- Work-related child care
- The children's health insurance premiums
- Extraordinary medical expenses
- In some cases, school and transportation expenses
Where disputes usually arise
Common issues include income that is hard to measure, such as self-employment, bonuses and commissions; a parent who is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed; and families whose combined income is above the guidelines schedule, where the court has more discretion.
Common questions about child support
Can a court order an amount different from the guidelines?
The guideline amount is presumed correct, but a court may depart from it if applying the guidelines would be unjust or inappropriate in a particular case, and it must explain why.
What if my income changes after the order?
Either parent can ask the court to modify support based on a material change in circumstances, such as a significant change in income or in the children's needs. Changes generally apply from the date the request is filed, so it is wise not to wait.
What happens if support is not paid?
Maryland has several enforcement tools, including wage withholding and contempt proceedings. We can help you pursue enforcement or respond to a claim against you.