Maryland like most states, hold each parent accountable for the welfare of the child. An Annapolis child support lawyer can explain the Maryland Child Support Guidelines (MSCG), legal entitlements and answer questions about enforcement or modifications as part of the divorce process.
In 2017, the National Vital Statistics System reported divorce rates per 1,000 total population residing in the state of Maryland at 2.5 compared to 2.7 in 2016. If you are considering divorce or already separated, you need to talk with an attorney to discuss which type of custody works best for you.
Traditionally, the parent awarded the primary physical custody of the child is known as the custodial parent. Custodial parents receive child support from the noncustodial parent. Establishing child support involves evaluating both parent’s income minus the noncustodial parent’s allowable pre-existing expenses to reach a figure known as the adjusted income.
Allowable expenses include:
Depending on the type of custody, the living arrangements will modify the MCSG formula used to calculate child support. An Annapolis child support lawyer needs to legally document the arrangements for court approval.
Sometimes there are two children from this union, and each parent agrees to take full physical custody of one child. MCSG guidelines have a slight twist in calculating one parent’s child support obligation to the other. The parent owing more pays the difference between the two calculations.
In this situation, the court’s decision considers the age of the child and the child’s preference for living with a specific parent. If it sounds confusing, it is, which is why you need a lawyer to walk you through the process.
Analyzing Financial Conditions
Being familiar with the MCSG, an Annapolis child support lawyer will assess all income sources including:
There’s another aspect of child support called imputed income or voluntary impoverishment. It happens when one parent chooses not to work or intentionally hides assets to create a false sense of impoverishment. The court will evaluate the parent’s health, ability to work, potential earning capacity or actual income earned. If the court finds the parent blameworthy, child support amounts will increase.
An experienced attorney can help protect the child’s welfare and your interests in a divorce case. Child support provides suitable living standards for the child as if the family was residing within the same household.
Call our office and speak with an experienced divorce and family law lawyer. Child support should provide children with the financial support they need to be healthy and happy.
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