by Gain Insight into Your Responsibilities Under Child Support Guidelines
If you’re a parent in Maryland, it’s essential to understand the state’s child support guidelines. These guidelines determine the amount of child support a non-custodial parent must pay the custodial parent. As of July 1, 2022, Maryland has updated its child support guidelines, impacting child support obligations in the state. This blog post will review the fundamental changes and updates to Maryland’s child support guidelines.
Amount of Maryland Child Support Guidelines
Under Maryland’s child support guidelines, the amount of child support is based on the parents’ combined adjusted actual income. This income includes all sources, such as salaries, wages, commissions, bonuses, and self-employment. The new guidelines have updated the income brackets and percentages for determining child support obligations.
Maryland Child Support Guidelines Calculator
The Maryland Child Support Guidelines are on the Maryland Department of Human Services website. Online child support calculators can help estimate the child support required in a specific case. It’s important to note that child support calculations can be complex.
Family law matters can be complex and have unique circumstances that could impact the final decision. If you want to ensure you get the best outcome, consulting with a family law attorney is a good idea.
It’s important to note that the calculator is intended to provide an estimate only. The amount of child support court orders may differ based on individual circumstances. Additionally, the calculator is not a substitute for legal advice, and it may be beneficial to consult an attorney to discuss your situation.
Modification of Child Support
Child support orders in Maryland may be modified if there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as a change in income or custody arrangement. Parents need to know that voluntarily impoverishing oneself to avoid paying child support is not a valid reason for changes. If a parent is voluntarily impoverished, the court may impute income based on the parent’s occupational qualifications and job skills.
Authority to Decline to Order Child Support
Under Maryland law, a court can decline to order child support if it finds that the parent is voluntarily impoverished. If a parent can earn an income but chooses not to, the court may refuse to order child support. However, the court will only do so if it finds that the parent’s decision was a free and conscious choice rather than the result of a criminal record or other employment barriers.
Criminal Record and Other Employment Barriers
A parent’s criminal record or other employment barriers, such as a disability or lack of job skills, are not valid reasons for a court to decline to order child support. The court may impute income based on the parent’s occupational qualifications and job skills in these cases.
It’s also worth noting that failure to pay child support can have serious consequences, including wage garnishment, suspension of driver’s licenses, and even imprisonment. However, the court may work with a parent experiencing financial hardship to establish a payment plan or other arrangement to help them meet their obligation.
Maryland Child Support Guidelines Award
Maryland’s child support guidelines determine the amount of child support a non-custodial parent must pay the custodial parent. The child support award is based on the parents’ combined adjusted actual income and certain expenses such as child care and health insurance costs.
Divorce With A Plan Attorneys Can Help
Our goal is to help you develop a better plan for your family that meets your needs and protects your rights. We will support you throughout the process. We will guide you so you can make well-informed decisions. We aim to get the best possible outcome for you and your children.
Managing child support and other family law issues can be difficult and stressful. We understand this. That is why we are here to help at Divorce With A Plan. That’s why we offer a consultation to help you understand your rights and options and develop a better family plan.