What counts as income in computing child support?<\/b><\/p>\n
It includes, but is not limited to: salaries, wages, commissions, bonuses, dividend income, interest income, trust income, annuity income, Social Security benefits, Workers\u2019 Compensation benefits, unemployment insurance benefits, disability insurance benefits, and alimony or maintenance received.<\/p>\n
Based on the circumstances of the case, the Court may consider the following items as \u201cactual income:\u201d severance pay, capital gains, gifts and prizes. Expense reimbursements or in-kind payments, self-employment income, overtime, and other income sources may also apply.<\/p>\n
What about company-paid care, business expense accounts, and other business expenses?<\/b><\/p>\n
Expense reimbursements or in-kind payments received by a parent during employment, self-employment, or business operation to the extent the reimbursements or payments reduce the parent\u2019s personal living expenses are included as \u201cactual income.\u201d<\/p>\n
How is income from self-employment or a small business figured?<\/b><\/p>\n
For income from self-employment, rent, royalties, proprietorship of a business, or joint ownership of a partnership or \u201cclosely held corporation,\u201d \u201cactual income\u201d means gross receipts minus ordinary and necessary expenses required to produce income.<\/p>\n
How do Maryland courts determine child care expenses?<\/b><\/p>\n
Based, where possible, on actual family experience. If there is no family experience with childcare expenses, or if the Court finds that the actual family experience is not in the child\u2019s best interest, then childcare expenses are set at the lesser <\/i><\/b>of what it would cost to provide quality care from a licensed source, or the actual cost of care chosen by the custodial parent.<\/p>\n
Does the amount of time a child spends with each parent affect child support?<\/b><\/p>\n
Yes. If a child spends more than 92 overnights per year with each parent, the Court uses special guidelines to compute child support.<\/p>\n
Can a parent avoid paying child support by taking a lower paying job or choosing an alternative lifestyle?<\/b><\/p>\n
The Court can impute income to a parent attempting to evade financial responsibility for their children by \u201cworking under the table,\u201d cutting back shifts, adopting a frugal lifestyle, or refusing employment. Such parents will face accountability because Maryland courts have discretion allowing them to assign appropriate child support based on potential earnings.<\/p>\n
Is child support affected by whether the child is born in or out of wedlock?<\/b><\/p>\n
A child born out of wedlock is entitled to the same level of support as would be afforded to a child who is the offspring of a marriage.<\/p>\n
What is a Self-support Reserve (SSR)?<\/b><\/p>\n