Child Support Guidelines
At the Law Offices of Ellen L. Lee, we understand that a divorce is an emotional time for all the family members involved, particularly children. Determining the amount of child support to be awarded can often prove a significant hurdle in the way of a satisfactory resolution to the case. We have in-depth experience and expertise in calculating support amounts, resolving any issues surrounding the support order, and informing clients of changes in Maryland child support laws that may affect their case.
Maryland Child Support Guidelines
Maryland law contains complex rules regarding the determination of the proper amount of child support. The principal statutes pertaining to child support are Maryland Code Family Law Sections 12-201 through 12-204, which can be found here.
The main purposes of child support are to provide for the children's expenses for food, shelter, clothing, education, and medication needs. Courts will consider several factors in determining the amount of child support to award. These factors generally include: the incomes of the spouses, the age of the children, the number of children the parties have, childcare expenses, healthcare costs, and any special medical needs of the children.
An experienced family law attorney can help you calculate the amount of child support you may be ordered to pay or that you may be able to receive. Parents should keep in mind that although Maryland has online child support worksheets to assist parents in calculating the child support obligation, according to Maryland Code Family Law Section 12-202, the court may deviate from these guidelines if there is evidence that shows the application of the guidelines would be unjust or inappropriate in a specific case.
Changes in Child Support Laws in Maryland
Maryland is unique in that the state’s child support laws are often changing, and proposals to change those laws are made on a frequent basis. For example, Senate Bill 70, Law 508, titled "Child Support Enforcement--Medical Support for Children," became effective October 1, 2008. This law requires, under certain circumstances, for one or both parents to pay health insurance costs for their children. These costs will be added to the basic child support obligation and divided by the parents in proportion to their adjusted actual incomes. The benefit of this approach is that the parent paying for the healthcare insurance will receive a "credit" towards his or her general support obligation.
Changes to the Maryland Child Support Guidelines have also been proposed. House Bill 1401 was introduced in the Maryland legislature around early 2009, and would have made several changes to the guidelines, including:
- Revising the current guidelines to reflect the latest estimates of child-rearing expenses;
- Expanding the guidelines to include monthly incomes of up to $30,000;
- Changing the definition of "actual income" and "extraordinary medical expenses;" and
- Authorizing the court to consider the entire income and assets of each parent in determining whether there should be a deviation from the guidelines in a particular case.
Even though this bill failed to pass, the House Judiciary Committee plans to study it in more depth, and it may be reintroduced in the near future. Overall, these proposed changes can have a significant impact on future Maryland child support obligations.
For an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer who can assist you with your divorce or child support matter, contact the Law Offices of Ellen L. Lee today for a consultation.
