The Client
Comes First
Willis & Henderson, P.A.
Attorneys at Law
3290 North Ridge Road
Suite 210
Ellicott City, MD 21043

410-461-9400
Child support in Maryland is determined though a
straight-forward process.  The gross incomes of the
parents is added together, a number is taken off of a chart
(the child support guidelines) based on the income and the
number of children, and that is the basic child support
obligation.  To that is added any work related day care.  
That number is then divided in proportion to the incomes,
the parent with custody is presumed to be paying his or
her share, and the parent without custody pays his or her
portion of to the other parent.

There are provisions of the law that allow the court to
deviate from the guidelines, but he must say on the record
why it is in the best interest of the children to receive less
than the guidelines amount.  Not an easy obstacle to
overcome.

Support is either paid directly to the custodial parent by
the non-custodial parent, or is paid through an earnings
withholding order by the employer of the non-custodial
parent. Support can also be paid through the Department
of Social Services.

Click here to calculate child support
Child Support