Child Support: What You Need To Know
Child support is where a parent pays for the consideration of a minor child. The Court can award support for parents in either a primary residential custody or shared custody relationship. For parties earning more than $14,400 annually, the Court can do an extrapolation and determine child support based on the actual expenses of the child.
The reason for child support is to help pay for the expenses related to bringing up a child. The advantages of child support for kids are very important. Studies show kids whose guardians pay steady child support are better cared-for and are more effective in school since it expands their way of life and dependability in their life.
In the event that you need help gathering child support, the Maryland child support program can help. The laws regarding Child Support in Maryland are very strict and ensure such arrangement which will be in the child’s best interest. The new Maryland child support guidelines, effective for cases filed after October 1, 2010, have increased child support amounts and provided guidelines for parents who earn a combined income of more than $120,000 per year and up to $180,000 per year.
Both parents have a legal duty to support their children based on their ability to provide that support. Both parents can agree to the appropriate amount of child support and make this agreement part of a marital separation agreement. Child support payments, like alimony, may be incorporated into the divorce judgment or included in a marital separation agreement as well..
At Diamant Gerstein, LLC, we try to ensure that your child gets the best possible option. We also try to answer some difficult questions of our clients like:
- How the child support will be determined?
- How are child care expenses determined?
- What counts as income for computing child support?
- What about company-paid cars, business expense accounts, and other business expenses?
- How is income from self-employment or a small business figured?
- Are there any other kinds of income which can be included?
- Does overtime income count?
- Why are the guidelines necessary?
- Does the amount of time a child spends with each parent affect child support?
- Can a parent avoid owing child support by taking a lower paying job or choosing an alternative lifestyle?
- What if the parties combined income exceeds $10,000?
- Is child support affected by whether the child was born in or out of wedlock?
Discuss Your Options; Call Our Office Today
Anything related to your children, from custody arrangements to payment schedules, can leave you with a tremendous amount of stress on your shoulders. Our firm is known for being caring and compassionate. Let us help you find answers. To schedule a consultation, call our office in Rockville at 301-841-8443 today. You can also fill out our online contact form.