Child Support
The Southern Maryland law firm Sasscer, Clagett & Bucher (SCB) has experienced family law practitioners. Family law issues – divorce, separation agreements, child custody and visitation, child support, alimony and spousal support, division of marital property, protective orders, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, hidden assets, and high asset divorce – are life changing events. Planning and good advice is the best way to face this legal and emotional situation. The first step is to meet with us to assess your situation now or what it may be in the future and discuss your options.
Calculating child support payments can be a complicated tax.
How Child Support Payments are Calculated in Maryland
In Maryland, child support is determined by strict guidelines set by the state. Every child has the right to receive support from both parents, even if the parents are divorced, legally separated, or never married in the first place. Child support usually results in money paid by the parent without custody to the parent with custody. Parents are permitted to create their own child support agreement as long as it doesn’t stray too far from the state mandated guidelines.
The family law team at Sasscer, Clagett & Bucher can offer the support you need and help you navigate this complicated process towards a desirable outcome.
Child Support Statutes in Maryland
| Code Section | 2018 Maryland Code Family Law |
| Who is responsible? | Both parents. |
| How is support calculated? | Child Support Guidelines Worksheet A – Primary Physical Custody to One Parent
Child Support Guidelines Worksheet B – Shared Physical Custody |
| Factors | Child support obligations are based on the combined adjusted actual income of both parents. Even if one parent is unemployed, child support may be calculated based on a determination of potential income. |
| What is included in a support order? | The child support order includes child care expenses, health insurance coverage, medical expenses, educational expenses, and travel expenses. |
| How long does a parent have to pay child support? | Parents must pay child support until the child turns 18 or graduates high school, whichever is later. Child support ends at 19 or when the child is emancipated. |
| Local child support services | Maryland Child Support Services |
Contact Sasscer, Clagett & Bucher’s Family Law Attorneys
We will work to avoid litigation and settle your family law issues amicably through negotiation. However, when this is not possible, we fight vigorously to protect your interests in the courtroom. Either way, Sasscer, Clagett & Bucher is sensitive to your emotions, and we will always provide compassionate representation.
If you would like to speak with a member of the firm, or have any question about our practice, please contact our offices to arrange a consultation. Call 301-627-5500.
