Maryland Child Support Lawyer
Divorce or legal separation, and co-parenting in general, can be an exhausting period in your life. There can be many unexpected economic complications, as well. Of course, you will expect monetary contribution from the other parent when those costs involve your children.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that the cost of raising a child from birth to age 17 amounts to about $233,610. The USDA has determined that housing takes up 29 percent of the cost, with food bringing up a close second place at 18 percent of the child-rearing expense. A Maryland child support lawyer may assist you with receiving the child support amount applicable to your particular case. Let an experienced family attorney help you.
Child Support in Maryland
The Maryland Child Support Administration works to ensure that youth are afforded necessary monetary, medical, and emotional support. They promote a child’s right to obtain money from both of their parents, whether their parents are unmarried, married, separated, or divorced. A Maryland lawyer who has worked with child support obligations may provide further information about the aims of the Administration.
Child Support Calculations
Title 12 of the Maryland Family Law Code governs child support in the state. State law says that the amount for ordered child support shall be calculated between parents in proportion to their personal earnings. An attorney in Maryland may have further information on family court procedures and your family’s finances in regard to child support.
Verification of Income for Maryland Child Support Purposes
Income Verification Documents
Per Maryland Family Law Code §12-203(b), the past and present income of the parents should generally be verified using actual documentation. Such evidence can include pay stubs or statements generated by an employer.
Self-Employment Income
If one or both parents garner income through self-employment, a family court may request copies of three years of federal tax return documents under §12-203(b)(ii).
Recent Raises or Income Losses
Additionally, under Family Law Code under §12-203(b)(ii), there are particular rules when a parent’s income goes up or down by 20 percent during one of the prior three years. In this instance, the family law court may ask for copies of the federal tax returns for the past five years.
When One Parent Is Not Working
Maryland Family Law Code §12-204(b) addresses what it calls a voluntarily impoverished parent. If one of the parents is not employed at the time that child support is sought, their income may be calculated using potential earnings, unless they cannot work because of a physical or mental impairment. Potential income is also not calculated if the mother or father is caring for a child of the parties under the age of two. A Maryland attorney may have more specifics on this topic and other income support concerns.
Maternity Costs and Child Support
Maryland Law Family Code §12-101 discusses a mother’s rights to support while pregnant and during and after the birth of a baby. Title 12, §12-101(d)(1), states that a parent may be required to pay all or a portion of the maternity costs, including the following:
- Mother’s expenses related to pregnancy
- Hospital costs
- Neonatal support for the baby during and after birth
- Medical and hospital fees for the mother’s recovery
Contact a Maryland Child Support Attorney Today
A Maryland child support lawyer might be able to provide assistance with calculating dependent support amounts, as well as serving as a resource for methods of enforcing its payment. To get help, call the firm today.
