While there are free online resources for calculating child support, such as the Maryland Online Child Support Worksheet provided by the Maryland Department of Human Resources, Child Support Enforcement Program, the issue of child support is extremely complex and should be approached with legal counsel and advice. The many factors which go into calculating child support for your particular case should be discussed, to ensure that you and your children are receiving adequate and fair support.

In Maryland, there is an "income-shares" model child support guidelines for use in calculating a parent's child support obligation. The Maryland Child Support Guidelines base child support awards on the parents' income rather than the children's expenses, which are already somewhat taken into account in the basic child support charts. The child support is then apportioned between the parents based on each parent's percentage of their combined income. The court may deviate from the guidelines amount if the amount would be unjust or inappropriate.  In all cases, the cost of work related childcare expenses, children's extraordinary medical expenses, health insurance cost for covering the children, and certain additional expenses such as private school, are apportioned between the parents in accordance with their respective share of the parties' combined income.  

There are two child support guidelines worksheets that are used in determining the appropriate amount of child support, depending on the amount of parenting time each parent has with the child. Further consideration should be given to children who reach age 18, when child support typically ends unless there are mitigating factors such as delayed graduation from high school.

I have many years of experience helping my clients and their families realize the maximum benefits they are entitled to in child support cases, so please call the Law Office of Craig J. Little 443-895-1688 for advice and guidance today.