Maryland Child Support Lawyer | SRIS Law Offices, P.C.

Key Takeaways: Maryland Child Support

  • Maryland Child Support Guidelines: Child support is primarily determined by statutory guidelines in the Maryland Family Law Article, calculated based on parents’ incomes, custody arrangements, and specific expenses.
  • Modification & Enforcement: Support orders are not static; they can be modified if there’s a material change in circumstances and enforced through various legal mechanisms, including wage garnishment and contempt of court.
  • Complex Calculations & Deviations: While guidelines provide a framework, complex income structures, high-income cases, and requests for deviation from guidelines require seasoned legal insight.
  • Paternity & Support: Establishing paternity is a prerequisite for a child support order where parents are not married.
  • Duration of Support: Generally, child support continues until a child turns 18, or 19 if still in high school, with exceptions for disabled adult children.

Maryland Child Support Lawyer | Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.

As a senior attorney with over two decades of hands-on experience in Maryland family law, I understand the profound implications of child support decisions. These matters are not merely about numbers on a page; they directly impact a child’s well-being and a parent’s financial stability for years to come. In Maryland, child support is a fundamental right of the child, ensuring they receive financial provision from both parents, regardless of marital status.

Navigating the intricacies of Maryland child support law requires a deep understanding of the statutes, case precedents, and the practical application of guidelines. My role is to provide clear, authoritative guidance, helping you understand your rights and obligations, ensuring your child’s needs are met, and protecting your financial future. Whether you are establishing an initial order, seeking a modification, or facing enforcement actions, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers the seasoned legal counsel necessary to achieve a just and equitable outcome.

Consequences & Stakes of Child Support Matters

The failure to properly address child support can lead to severe financial and legal repercussions for parents, directly impacting a child’s quality of life and future opportunities.

Child support obligations in Maryland are legally binding and carry significant weight. The stakes are high for all parties involved: the child, the custodial parent, and the non-custodial parent. For the child, adequate support ensures access to essential needs like food, shelter, clothing, education, and healthcare. Inadequate support can lead to significant disadvantages and perpetuate financial instability.

For the parent receiving support, ensuring the order is fair and enforceable is critical for their ability to provide for the child. For the parent obligated to pay, understanding the calculation, adhering to the order, and knowing when modification is appropriate can prevent severe legal consequences. Maryland law, particularly under the Maryland Family Law Article, Title 12, provides clear mechanisms for both establishing and enforcing child support.

Consequences of Non-Payment

Failure to pay court-ordered child support in Maryland can lead to a cascade of serious enforcement actions. The Maryland Department of Human Services, Child Support Administration (CSA), or the court itself can initiate measures, including:

  • Wage Garnishment: A portion of your wages can be directly withheld by your employer and sent to the custodial parent or CSA.
  • Lien on Property: A lien can be placed on real estate or personal property, potentially leading to its sale to satisfy the debt.
  • Bank Account Freezes: Funds in your bank accounts can be frozen and seized.
  • Tax Refund Intercept: Federal and state tax refunds can be intercepted to pay child support arrears.
  • Driver’s License Suspension: Your driver’s license can be suspended.
  • Professional License Suspension: Professional licenses (e.g., medical, legal, contractor licenses) can be suspended.
  • Passport Denial: Your passport application or renewal can be denied if arrears exceed a certain threshold.
  • Contempt of Court: For willful failure to pay, a parent can be held in contempt, which may result in fines or even jail time until the arrears are paid or a payment plan is established.

Beyond these immediate legal ramifications, non-payment can severely damage parental relationships and create undue stress for the child. It is imperative to address any difficulties in meeting obligations proactively, ideally by seeking a modification through the court, rather than simply ceasing payments.

The process for establishing, modifying, or enforcing child support in Maryland typically involves court filings, financial disclosures, and potential hearings, often overseen by the Circuit Courts or the Child Support Administration.

Understanding the legal pathway is crucial for navigating child support matters effectively. The process generally begins with a petition filed in the Maryland Circuit Court for the county where the child resides or where the defendant resides. Alternatively, the Maryland Child Support Administration (CSA) can initiate actions on behalf of a custodial parent receiving public assistance or upon request.

Establishing an Initial Child Support Order

The first step is typically filing a Complaint for Child Support or a Complaint for Divorce (if support is part of a divorce proceeding) with the appropriate Circuit Court. This requires detailed financial disclosures from both parents, including income, health insurance costs, daycare expenses, and extraordinary medical expenses. The court will then apply the Maryland Child Support Guidelines, codified in the Family Law Article, § 12-201 et seq., to calculate a presumptive support amount. This calculation involves:

  • Determining each parent’s adjusted actual income.
  • Adding both parents’ adjusted actual incomes to find the combined adjusted actual income.
  • Consulting the basic child support obligation schedule based on the combined income and number of children.
  • Adding pro rata shares of health insurance, childcare, and extraordinary medical expenses.
  • Adjusting for certain factors like alimony or other support orders.

A hearing may be held where the judge reviews the financial statements and applies the guidelines. While the guidelines create a presumptive amount, the court has discretion to deviate if applying the guidelines would be unjust or inappropriate, considering the best interests of the child. This is where seasoned legal representation becomes invaluable, as we can present compelling arguments for or against deviation based on specific circumstances.

Modifying Existing Child Support Orders

Child support orders are not set in stone. Life circumstances change, and Maryland law recognizes the need for flexibility. To modify an existing order, a party must demonstrate a “material change in circumstances” since the date of the last order. This could include:

  • A significant change in either parent’s income (increase or decrease).
  • A change in the child’s needs (e.g., new medical condition, special education requirements).
  • A change in the custody arrangement.
  • A change in health insurance or daycare costs.

A Petition to Modify Child Support must be filed with the Circuit Court. The process again involves updated financial disclosures and potentially a hearing, where the court will reapply the guidelines based on the new circumstances. It’s crucial to understand that informal agreements to change support amounts are generally not legally binding; only a court order can formally modify the obligation.

Enforcing Child Support Orders

If a parent fails to comply with a child support order, the other parent can seek enforcement. This typically involves filing a Motion for Contempt or a Request for Enforcement with the Circuit Court or seeking assistance from the Child Support Administration (CSA). The court has various tools at its disposal, as outlined in the “Consequences & Stakes” section, to compel payment. A finding of contempt can lead to serious penalties, including fines or incarceration. Effective enforcement often requires diligent tracking of payments and thorough documentation of arrears.

Throughout these processes, the role of the Maryland Circuit Courts is paramount. These courts handle all aspects of family law, including divorce, custody, and child support. The Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) Child Support Administration (CSA) also plays a vital role in establishing and enforcing orders, particularly for families receiving public assistance or those who opt for their services. In some instances, matters related to license suspensions or other administrative actions may involve the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH).

The SRIS Maryland Child Support Calculation Navigator Tool

The SRIS Maryland Child Support Calculation Navigator is a practical, step-by-step guide designed to help you understand the core components of Maryland’s child support guidelines, enabling you to better prepare for discussions with your legal counsel.

While only a court can issue a binding child support order, and complex cases always require seasoned legal advice, this tool provides a structured framework for understanding the variables involved in Maryland’s child support calculations. It’s intended to empower you with knowledge, not replace legal representation. Consider this a foundational map for your journey.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use the SRIS Maryland Child Support Calculation Navigator

This navigator is based on the principles outlined in the Maryland Child Support Guidelines (Family Law Article, § 12-201 et seq.).

  1. Gather Financial Documentation:
    • Gross Monthly Income: For both parents (including salaries, wages, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, pensions, social security benefits, alimony received, etc.). Exclude public assistance programs like TANF or SNAP.
    • Alimony Paid/Received: Any court-ordered alimony payments.
    • Pre-Existing Child Support Paid: For other children, if applicable.
    • Health Insurance Premiums: Monthly cost of health insurance for the child(ren) and/or parent(s) if applicable.
    • Work-Related Childcare Expenses: Average monthly cost of daycare, after-school care, etc., necessary for a parent to work or seek employment.
    • Extraordinary Medical Expenses: Unreimbursed medical expenses for the child(ren) exceeding $100 per year per child (e.g., orthodontia, therapy).
    • Overnight Stays: The number of overnights each parent has with the child(ren) annually (if shared custody is relevant).
  2. Calculate Each Parent’s Adjusted Actual Income (AAI):

    Your Gross Monthly Income

    MINUS (-) Alimony Paid (if any)

    MINUS (-) Pre-existing Child Support Paid (if any)

    EQUALS (=) Your Adjusted Actual Income (AAI)

    Do this for both Mother and Father.

    Example: If Parent A has $5,000 gross income and pays $500 alimony, their AAI is $4,500.

  3. Determine Combined Adjusted Actual Income (CAAI):

    Add Parent A’s AAI and Parent B’s AAI.

    Example: $4,500 (Parent A) + $3,500 (Parent B) = $8,000 CAAI

  4. Consult the Maryland Child Support Schedule:

    Find the basic child support obligation from the Maryland Child Support Guidelines schedule (Table 1 or Table 2 depending on custody). This table is based on your CAAI and the number of children.

    Example: For $8,000 CAAI and one child, the basic obligation might be $1,200 (hypothetical example).

  5. Add Pro Rata Share of Additional Expenses:

    Calculate each parent’s percentage share of the CAAI:

    Your AAI / CAAI = Your Percentage Share

    Apply these percentages to the monthly costs of:

    • Health Insurance Premiums for the child(ren)
    • Work-Related Childcare Expenses
    • Extraordinary Medical Expenses (average monthly amount)

    Add these pro rata shares to the basic obligation for a total presumptive amount.

    Example: If Parent A’s share is 60% and health insurance is $200, Parent A is responsible for $120 of that expense.

  6. Adjust for Overnight Stays (if Shared Custody):

    If parents have shared custody (each parent has the child for at least 35% of the overnights, typically 128 overnights or more per year), a different calculation method (Table 2 of the guidelines) is used, which adjusts the support amount based on the proportion of overnights. This calculation is more complex and often requires the use of specialized software or an attorney’s assistance.

  7. Review and Prepare Questions:

    Using this navigator helps you organize your financial data and understand the inputs. Bring this information to Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for a comprehensive case assessment. We can precisely apply the guidelines, advise on potential deviations, and ensure all unique aspects of your case are considered.

Legal Strategies & Approaches in Maryland Child Support

Effective legal strategies in Maryland child support cases focus on meticulous financial disclosure, persuasive argumentation regarding guideline application or deviation, and proactive engagement with the legal process to secure a fair and sustainable outcome.

Approaching a child support matter requires a strategic mindset. Whether you are seeking support, obligated to pay, or need a modification, the way your case is presented can significantly impact the final order. My experience has shown that preparedness, transparency, and a clear understanding of your objectives are paramount.

1. Meticulous Financial Disclosure

The foundation of any child support case in Maryland is accurate and complete financial disclosure. Both parents are required to provide detailed information about their income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. Hiding income or assets, or intentionally misrepresenting financial standing, can lead to severe penalties, including findings of contempt and adverse rulings. A seasoned attorney will guide you in compiling all necessary documentation, such as:

  • Pay stubs (last 6-12 months)
  • Tax returns (last 2-3 years)
  • W-2s and 1099s
  • Bank statements
  • Statements for investments, pensions, or retirement accounts
  • Proof of health insurance costs
  • Proof of childcare expenses
  • Documentation of extraordinary medical expenses
  • Evidence of other support orders or alimony payments

Presenting a clear, verifiable financial picture is not just a legal requirement; it’s a strategic move that builds credibility with the court and facilitates a smoother process.

2. Understanding and Arguing for Guideline Application or Deviation

While Maryland employs statutory child support guidelines, there’s often room for interpretation and argument, particularly in complex financial situations or when a deviation from the guidelines is sought. Strategies include:

  • Accurate Income Calculation: Ensuring all sources of income are properly identified and calculated, especially for self-employed individuals or those with fluctuating income (bonuses, commissions). This can involve forensic accounting if necessary.
  • Imputation of Income: Arguing for or against the imputation of income to an voluntarily underemployed or unemployed parent. The court can attribute income to a parent based on their earning capacity, not just their current earnings, if they are deliberately reducing their income to avoid support obligations.
  • Deviation Arguments: Presenting compelling reasons why applying the guidelines would be unjust or inappropriate in your specific case. Grounds for deviation might include:
    • Extraordinary medical expenses or special needs of a child.
    • Parental debt incurred for the child’s benefit.
    • Financial resources of the child.
    • The standard of living the child would have enjoyed had the parents remained together.
    • High-income cases where the combined adjusted actual income exceeds the highest level on the guidelines schedule.

    Each deviation argument requires robust evidence and persuasive legal reasoning.

3. Proactive Modification Strategies

If a significant life change occurs (e.g., job loss, substantial income increase, change in custody), proactively seeking a modification of the child support order is a critical strategy. Waiting until arrears accumulate can lead to severe enforcement actions. Initiating a modification demonstrates good faith and allows the court to adjust the order based on current realities, potentially preventing future legal issues. Conversely, if you are the recipient of support and the paying parent’s income has increased, a modification request can ensure the child’s support reflects this improved financial capacity.

4. Effective Enforcement Measures

For parents seeking to enforce a child support order, a clear strategy involves documenting all non-payments, communicating with the Child Support Administration (CSA), and filing appropriate motions with the court. Understanding the various enforcement mechanisms available (wage garnishment, tax intercepts, license suspension, contempt) and knowing when and how to deploy them is key. A seasoned attorney can help streamline this process, ensuring all legal requirements are met for effective enforcement.

Ultimately, a successful strategy in Maryland child support is built on a foundation of legal knowledge, meticulous preparation, and a commitment to protecting the child’s best interests while ensuring fairness for all parties.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Maryland Child Support Cases

Avoiding common pitfalls can significantly improve the outcome of your Maryland child support case, from preventing legal penalties to ensuring a fair and sustainable order.

  1. Failing to Provide Complete Financial Disclosure: Withholding or misrepresenting financial information is a serious mistake. Maryland courts require full transparency. Incomplete disclosures can lead to delays, adverse rulings, and even findings of contempt. Always provide accurate and comprehensive documentation of income, expenses, and assets.
  2. Making Informal Agreements Instead of Court Orders: Many parents agree informally to adjust child support payments. However, without a formal court order reflecting the change, the original order remains legally binding. This means that if the informal agreement breaks down, the parent who has been receiving less than the original order, or the parent who has been paying more, has no legal recourse for the difference. Always seek a formal modification through the Maryland Circuit Court.
  3. Delaying Action on Changes in Circumstances: If your income significantly changes, your child’s needs evolve, or custody arrangements shift, waiting to seek a modification can be detrimental. Arrears can accumulate rapidly if you stop paying without a new order, or you may miss out on increased support your child is entitled to. Act promptly to file a Petition to Modify Child Support.
  4. Ignoring Enforcement Actions: If you are a non-custodial parent facing enforcement actions (e.g., wage garnishment, license suspension) for unpaid child support, do not ignore them. This will only escalate the consequences. Instead, immediately contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to address the issue, discuss payment plans, or negotiate a resolution.
  5. Failing to Understand the Guidelines: While complex, the Maryland Child Support Guidelines are the backbone of most support calculations. Not understanding how income, overnights, health insurance, and childcare expenses factor in can leave you unprepared for court or disadvantage you in negotiations. Utilize tools like the SRIS Maryland Child Support Calculation Navigator and seek counsel to demystify these calculations.
  6. Focusing on Personal Grievances Over Child’s Best Interests: Child support is solely about the financial needs of the child. Allowing animosity towards the other parent to cloud your judgment or dictate your legal strategy is counterproductive and rarely serves the child’s best interests, which is the court’s primary concern.
  7. Representing Yourself in Complex Cases: While self-representation is an option, child support cases can be highly complex, especially when dealing with hidden income, high net worth, or disputes over the application of guidelines. A seasoned attorney provides invaluable guidance, ensures proper legal procedure, and advocates effectively on your behalf.

Glossary of Key Maryland Child Support Terms

Understanding the terminology is vital for navigating child support discussions in Maryland. Here are some key terms:

Adjusted Actual Income (AAI)
A parent’s gross income less certain deductions, such as alimony paid or pre-existing child support obligations. This is the income used for child support calculations.
Arrears
Unpaid child support that is past due. These amounts typically accrue interest and can be subject to various enforcement actions.
Child Support Administration (CSA)
A division of the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) responsible for establishing and enforcing child support orders. They can assist custodial parents in obtaining and collecting support.
Contempt of Court
A finding by the court that a party has willfully failed to comply with a court order (e.g., failure to pay child support). Can result in fines, sanctions, or even incarceration.
Deviation
When a court orders a child support amount that is different from the presumptive amount calculated using the Maryland Child Support Guidelines. This requires a finding that applying the guidelines would be unjust or inappropriate.
Guidelines
The Maryland Child Support Guidelines, codified in the Family Law Article, § 12-201 et seq., are a statutory formula used to determine the presumptive amount of child support based primarily on the parents’ incomes and custody arrangement.
Imputation of Income
When a court determines that a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed and assigns (imputes) an income to that parent for the purpose of calculating child support, even if they are not currently earning that amount.
Material Change in Circumstances
A significant alteration in either parent’s financial situation, a child’s needs, or custody arrangement that warrants a review and potential modification of an existing child support order.
Maryland Circuit Courts
The primary trial courts in Maryland that have jurisdiction over family law matters, including establishing, modifying, and enforcing child support orders.
Shared Custody
A custody arrangement where each parent has the child overnight for a significant number of nights (typically 35% or more of the year, or 128 overnights). This triggers a different child support calculation under the guidelines.

Common Scenarios & Questions in Maryland Child Support

Real-world scenarios often highlight the complexities of Maryland child support, demonstrating the need for practical, legally sound guidance.

In my decades of practice, I’ve encountered countless situations, each with its unique nuances. Here are a few common scenarios and the questions they often raise, illustrating the type of authoritative counsel Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides:

Scenario 1: Unexpected Job Loss or Significant Income Reduction

“I recently lost my job and can no longer afford my current child support payments. What should I do, and how quickly?”

Answer: This is a classic “material change in circumstances.” Your immediate priority should be to seek a modification of your child support order. Do not simply stop paying. The obligation continues until a new court order is issued. Gather documentation of your job loss and reduced income (e.g., termination letter, unemployment benefits statements). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help you file a Petition to Modify Child Support with the Maryland Circuit Court promptly. The court will then review your current financial situation and adjust the support amount accordingly, typically effective from the date you filed your petition.

Scenario 2: The Other Parent’s Income Has Increased Significantly

“My ex-spouse recently got a substantial promotion and is earning much more. Can I get my child support increased?”

Answer: Yes, a significant increase in the other parent’s income often constitutes a “material change in circumstances” that could warrant a modification of the child support order. You would need to file a Petition to Modify Child Support. We would then gather evidence of the income increase (e.g., recent pay stubs, employment verification) and present it to the court. The Maryland Child Support Guidelines would be recalculated based on the new income figures, potentially leading to an increased support obligation.

Scenario 3: Disagreements Over Childcare or Health Insurance Costs

“My co-parent and I disagree on who should pay for our child’s new daycare, or who should cover rising health insurance premiums. How are these handled in Maryland child support?”

Answer: In Maryland, work-related childcare expenses and the cost of health insurance premiums for the child(ren) are typically added to the basic child support obligation and then divided between the parents proportionally to their Adjusted Actual Incomes. If these costs have changed significantly since your last order, it could be grounds for modification. If you have an existing order, review it to see how these expenses are allocated. If there’s no clear allocation or if the costs have changed, we can help you file a motion to clarify or modify the order to address these specific expenses equitably according to the guidelines.

Scenario 4: Child Turns 18 or Graduates High School

“My child is turning 18 soon. Does child support automatically stop?”

Answer: In Maryland, child support generally terminates when a child turns 18. However, there is a key exception: if the child is still attending secondary school (high school) and living with the parent receiving support, support continues until the child graduates or turns 19, whichever comes first. There can also be provisions for disabled adult children. It is always prudent to obtain a court order terminating support once the conditions for termination are met to avoid future disputes. We can assist in filing the necessary motion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Maryland Child Support

Understanding common inquiries can demystify the child support process in Maryland and empower you to make informed decisions.

Q1: How is child support calculated in Maryland?
A1: Child support in Maryland is primarily calculated using the Child Support Guidelines, found in the Maryland Family Law Article. This formula considers both parents’ adjusted actual incomes, the number of children, health insurance costs, work-related childcare expenses, and extraordinary medical expenses. The guidelines provide a presumptive amount, which the court can deviate from under specific circumstances.

Q2: What is “Adjusted Actual Income”?
A2: Adjusted Actual Income (AAI) is a parent’s gross income minus certain deductions allowed by the Maryland Child Support Guidelines. These deductions typically include alimony paid to another person and child support paid for other children from previous relationships.

Q3: Does child support automatically change if a parent loses a job?
A3: No. Child support orders do not automatically change. If a parent experiences a significant change in income, such as job loss or a substantial pay cut, they must file a Petition to Modify Child Support with the Maryland Circuit Court. Until a new order is issued, the existing order remains in effect, and arrears can accrue.

Q4: Can child support be modified in Maryland?
A4: Yes, child support orders can be modified in Maryland if there has been a “material change in circumstances” since the date of the last order. Examples include a significant change in income for either parent, a change in custody arrangements, or a change in the child’s needs or related expenses (e.g., health insurance, daycare).

Q5: What is “imputation of income,” and when does it apply?
A5: Imputation of income occurs when a Maryland court determines that a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed. In such cases, the court may assign an income amount to that parent for child support calculation purposes, based on their earning capacity, even if they are not currently earning that amount. This prevents parents from intentionally reducing their income to avoid child support obligations.

Q6: Does shared custody affect child support calculations in Maryland?
A6: Yes, absolutely. If parents have a shared custody arrangement where each parent has the child for at least 35% of the overnights in a year (typically 128 overnights or more), a different calculation formula within the Maryland Child Support Guidelines is used. This formula considers the number of overnights and often results in a different support amount than sole custody arrangements.

Q7: What happens if a parent doesn’t pay child support in Maryland?
A7: Failure to pay court-ordered child support can lead to serious enforcement actions in Maryland. These include wage garnishment, interception of tax refunds, suspension of driver’s and professional licenses, liens on property, bank account freezes, denial of passport applications, and even contempt of court proceedings which can result in fines or jail time.

Q8: How long does child support last in Maryland?
A8: In Maryland, child support typically terminates when the child turns 18. However, if the child is still attending secondary school (high school) and living with the parent receiving support, child support continues until the child graduates or turns 19, whichever comes first. Exceptions may exist for adult children with disabilities.

Q9: Are extraordinary medical expenses covered by child support?
A9: Yes. The Maryland Child Support Guidelines include provisions for “extraordinary medical expenses,” which are unreimbursed medical expenses for the child(ren) exceeding $100 per year per child. These are typically added to the basic support obligation and divided proportionally between the parents.

Q10: Can Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. help with child support enforcement?
A10: Absolutely. If you are struggling to collect court-ordered child support, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can assist you in pursuing enforcement actions through the Maryland Circuit Courts or by working with the Child Support Administration (CSA) to ensure compliance with the existing order.

Q11: Do I need a lawyer for child support in Maryland?
A11: While you can represent yourself, child support cases in Maryland can be complex, especially if incomes are variable, there are disputes over expenses, or if a deviation from the guidelines is sought. A seasoned attorney from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can ensure your rights are protected, calculations are accurate, and your case is presented effectively, helping you achieve a more favorable and sustainable outcome.

Q12: What is the role of the Maryland Child Support Administration (CSA)?
A12: The CSA, part of the Maryland Department of Human Services, helps parents establish paternity, locate non-custodial parents, establish child support orders, and enforce existing orders. They provide services to both custodial parents receiving public assistance and those who apply for their assistance. They work in conjunction with the Maryland Circuit Courts.

Q13: How does remarriage affect child support?
A13: In Maryland, remarriage of either parent generally does not directly impact existing child support orders. The income of a new spouse is typically not considered when calculating child support. However, if remarriage leads to a significant change in a parent’s Adjusted Actual Income (e.g., through reduced expenses that allow for higher earning capacity, or the birth of a new child which is rare for a modification but sometimes considered), it could indirectly serve as a basis for a “material change in circumstances” to seek modification.

Q14: Are bonuses and overtime included in income for child support?
A14: Yes, generally. In Maryland, “actual income” for child support purposes includes gross income from any source, including salaries, wages, commissions, bonuses, overtime pay, and severance pay. If these are consistent or regularly occurring, they will typically be included in the income calculation for the guidelines.

Q15: What if my child support order was issued in another state?
A15: Maryland has adopted the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA), which allows for the registration and enforcement of child support orders from other states. If you have an order from another state and reside in Maryland, or if the paying parent resides in Maryland, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help you register and enforce the order within Maryland’s jurisdiction.

If you are facing a child support matter in Maryland, do not navigate these complex legal waters alone. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. stands ready to provide the authoritative and seasoned guidance you need. We are committed to protecting your rights and ensuring the best possible outcome for your family.

Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. today at 888-437-7747 for a confidential case review tailored to your Maryland child support concerns.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Maryland child support law and should not be construed as legal advice. The information is for educational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every legal situation is unique, and specific advice should be obtained from a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction. Laws are subject to change, and this content may not reflect the most current legal developments. Relying solely on this information without professional legal consultation is not recommended.

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