In this country, parents have an obligation to provide financial support for their child’s care and upbringing. Parents who are unmarried, separated, or divorced are generally required to pay part of their income for child support. In Maryland, child support is calculated based on each parent’s adjusted income and remains in effect until the child turns 18 or graduates high school, whichever is later.
Child support in Maryland considers several factors, including how many children are being supported, the expenses associated with their care, and how much income each parent earns through various sources in addition to their job. Gross income is considered money earned from work and other sources, including but not limited to:
- Alimony from a different spouse
- Employment bonuses, commissions, and profit sharing
- Gifts and prizes
- Income from a new spouse that reduces a parent’s expenses
- Pension income
- Social Security benefits
- Veterans’ benefits
- Unemployment or Workers’ Compensation benefits
Non-monetary things that reduce a parent’s living expenses are also factored into child support calculations. For example, if the custodial parent drives a company car, their expenses are reduced because they do not have a car payment. That will increase their overall income and can reduce child support.
Unrealized Income and Child Support
Unrealized income can also be factored into child support calculations. This type of income exists on paper but has not been received by the recipient. Income from a trust or earnings from a partnership or corporation are two examples of unrealized income that may impact child support payments, depending upon your individual situation.
Legal Assistance to Discover Income
As you can see, establishing an ex-spouse’s income is not a simple process. It takes a skilled and attentive child support lawyer to uncover a full and complete picture of the other parent’s income to ensure child support is reasonable based on your child’s needs and your own income and expenses. It is important to note child support orders are subject to revision as changes in parents’ financial circumstances occur. A move, a new job, or even a bump in the cost of living may warrant a child support order update. Parents can elect to create their own child support agreement or defer to the courts to establish a child support order.
Bel Air Child Support Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC Help Clients with Child Support Orders
An effective child support order provides enough financial support for the children without presenting a hardship to either parent. At Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC, a knowledgeable Bel Air child support lawyer will take the time to hear your concerns and understand what is best for your child. To get started, call 443-589-0150 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Hunt Valley and Towson, Maryland, we serve clients throughout Baltimore, Baltimore County, Bel Air, Bentley Springs, Columbia, Freeland, Hereford, Hampton, Westminster, Essex, Monkton, Sparks Glencoe, Parkton, Phoenix, Pikesville, White Hall, Carroll County, Harford County, and Howard County.
