Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Child Support

For purposes of calculating child support, “income” means income from any source, which can include any of the following:

• Salaries;
• Wages;
• Commissions;
• Bonuses;
• Dividend income;
• Pension income;
• Interest income;
• Trust income;
• Annuity income;
• Social Security benefits;
• Workers' compensation benefits;
• Unemployment insurance benefits;
• Disability insurance benefits; and
• Alimony or maintenance received

When one parent voluntarily quits their job to avoid paying child support, the court can consider that parent to be “voluntarily impoverished.” If it this is proven, the court will still treat that parent as if they are earning income and will “impute” income to them for purposes of calculating child support.

If one parent has primary physical custody of the minor children, and the other parent has less than 35% of overnights during the year (128 overnights or fewer) then the primary physical custody guidelines worksheet will be used to calculate child support. If the parties have a shared physical custody schedule, so that both parents have at least 35% of overnights during the year, then it is appropriate to use the shared physical custody guidelines worksheet.

If the combined income between the parents is less than $180,000 per year, or $15,000 per month, then the Maryland Child Support Guidelines will be used to calculate child support. However, if the combined income between the parties exceeds $180,000 per year, then the court will have discretion in establishing the child support amount.

Under Maryland law, child support is to be paid until the minor child reaches the age of 18. If the child turns 18 during his senior year of high school, child support must be paid until the child turns 18 or graduates, whichever first occurs.