A divorce involving children adds emotional, practical and financial challenges to an already difficult process. Determining child custody leaves the non-custodial parent with a big question mark: how much will I need to pay for child support?
Child support payments provide for the normal expenses of raising a child — including food, shelter, medical care, clothing, and education. Special needs and daycare are also part of the equation. Maryland courts use approved Child Support Guidelines to calculate all cases involving child support payments.
Are Calculations Under the Child Support Guidelines Final?
Maryland courts generally consider the amounts calculated under the Guidelines to be the correct amount. Parties to a divorce may find it difficult to convince a court they should pay less than the guideline amount. However, either parent can argue extenuating circumstances to show that in their case the amount is not fair.
Experienced counsel can make a difference when determining your child support obligations. The attorneys at Hoffman, Comfort, Offutt, Scott & Halstad, LLP have practiced family law in central Maryland since 1936. You can reach us by phone or online for help with your child support matter.
