Child support is based on the right of children to be supported by their parents and the legal obligation by parents to support their children. It is provided for by law, and it cannot be subject to agreement or compromise by the parents. The Child Support Guidelines determine how child support is to be shared between parents in the State of Maryland. These guidelines provide that, generally, it is the custodial parent (the parent who has primary physical custody of the child) who will receive child support. On the other hand, it is the non-custodial parent (the parent who does not have primary physical custody) who will pay child support.
However, a family lawyer in Maryland would further tell you that child support is not as simple as a matter of who has custody or not. Child support also depends on the income of each parent. Thus, the court needs to examine the parents’ actual monthly income, adjusted actual income, and financial statements. Moreover, child care, health insurance, and extraordinary medical expenses are also considered in the equation.
Furthermore, a legal counsel can better explain the complicated matter of shared child custody. This situation refers to that where each parent looks after the children overnight for more than 35% of the year. Such arrangement also affects the child support responsibilities of the parents.
The Mercy Law Firm LLC is a law firm in Columbia, Maryland that puts importance on the rights and justice of children in accordance with the law. Contact or visit us for inquiries on family law and other legal matters.
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