In Maryland, there are several types of child support obligations. These include:

• Basic child support money payments
• Work-related child care expenses — like qualified day care programs
• Health insurance expenses
• Extraordinary medical expenses — for children with special needs
• And “additional expenses” that a Maryland divorce court might impose – like schooling and transportation expenses

These types of child support obligations are set out in Maryland’s divorce and family law statute at Md. Code, Fam. Law § 12-204. If you have questions about Maryland child support, call us here at the Law Office of Robert Castro at (301) 870-1200. We are seasoned and skilled divorce attorneys with offices in Waldorf, Maryland. Here is a brief discussion of the various types of child support that can be ordered in Maryland

Basic child support payment obligations

In Maryland, both parents are legally obligated to support their children. This basic support obligation is based on what Maryland says parents should spend to support their children, the number of children, the adjusted actual total income of the parents, and each parent’s percentage of the total income. The first part — Maryland says parents should spend to support their children — is established by the Support Guidelines set out in Md. Code, Fam. Law § 12-204. As an example, if the parents have a joint adjusted actual income of $6,000 and two children, then the guidelines say that they should spend $1,406 per month supporting their children. The parents should “spend” this amount in proportion to their percentage of the joint income. If they each earn $3,000, then they would split the basic child support obligation. In very general terms, the parent with physical custody is deemed to “spend” their share of the child support by providing housing, food, clothes, etc. The non-custodial parent “spends” their share by making payments to the custodial parent.

Work-related childcare expenses

Another element of child support (also considered part of the basic child support) is for “work-related” child care expenses. Let’s call this “daycare” and is based on what the statute called “actual family experience.” Maryland divorce courts are allowed to consider what the family has done in the past as long as such was/is in the best interests of the child/children. Further, additional childcare expenses may be considered if a child has special needs. These costs are divided between the parents as described above.

Health insurance expenses

Any actual cost of providing health insurance coverage is also included and divided in the same manner.

Special needs of the child/children

As noted, if one or more of the children have special needs, then basic child support can include various expenses related to those special needs. These expenses may include medical-related costs, special transportation, daycare specific to the needs of the child, etc. Again, these expenses are to be divided between the parents in proportion to their adjusted actual incomes.

Other court-ordered childcare expenses

Maryland divorce courts have the power to order other forms of child support. These include the costs of private or special schooling, transportation expenses, 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.