In Waldorf, MD, the difference between “base” child support and “additional” child support is created by Maryland’s divorce statutes. See Md. Fam. Law Code, § 12-204(a)(2). As the name suggests, “base” child support is, in general, child support intended to cover such things as food, housing, clothing, entertainment, etc. Base child support is the minimum amount of money that parents are obligated to spend on the support, maintenance, and upbringing of their children. Maryland divorce courts will always order the parents to pay the base amount of child support if minor children are involved in a Maryland divorce. The amount of base child support is set by the Guidelines written into the Maryland divorce statutes and depends on income and the number of children. As such, the amount of base child support is the same for every set of parents/spouses that seek a divorce in Maryland who make the same amount of money, and have the same number of children.

Maryland divorce statutes also allow a Waldorf, MD, divorce court to evaluate the need for what is termed “additional” child support. Some form of additional child support is almost always ordered, but the specifics will depend on the unique family circumstances. For this reason, the amount of additional child support will be different for every divorcing couple. Payment of health care insurance premiums is an example of “additional” child support that can be ordered by a Maryland divorce court.

As can be seen, child support in Maryland is complicated. If you have questions about Waldorf, Maryland, child support, or divorce, call for a consultation with the attorneys at the Law Office of Robert Castro at (301) 870-1200. We are top-rated Maryland divorce and family law attorneys with offices in Waldorf, Maryland. Below is more information about child support under Maryland divorce laws.

How Child Support is Divided Between the Parents

As noted, the base amount of child support is established by the Guidelines written into the Maryland divorce statutes. The two components of establishing the base child support are the number of children and the combined total income of the parents. As an example, if the parent’s combined income is $2,000 a month, the Guidelines set the following amounts as base child support for the following number of children:

• One child — $332
• Two — $515
• Three — $645
• Four — $727
• Five — $793
• Six or more — $848

Both parents are responsible for this base child support, and the parents split the amount based on their percentage contribution to their total combined income. So, a parent contributing 75% to the combined parental income will be responsible for 75% of the child support.

Additional Child Support

Beyond the base child support, the court may order additional child support for what are called “child care expenses.” See Md. Fam. Law Code, § 12-204(a)(2). Again, the parents are responsible for their proportionate share of the additional child support. Examples of “child care expenses” include:

• Quality and licensed daycare expenses “determined by actual family experience” or other factors based on the “best interest of the child” standard
• Any expenses for attending a special or private elementary or secondary school to meet the particular educational needs of the child
• Any expenses for transportation of the child between the homes of the parents.
• Extraordinary health expenses if a child has special needs
• And more

Contact Waldorf, Maryland Family Law and Divorce Lawyer Robert Castro Today

This article has been provided by the Law Office of Robert Castro. For more information or questions, contact our office to speak to an experienced Maryland family law and divorce lawyer at (301) 870-1200. We are Waldorf, MD, Divorce lawyers. Our address is 2670 Crain Highway, Waldorf, MD, 20601.