When parents separate or divorce, ensuring children’s financial security becomes a top priority. Child Support is the system that ensures children’s basic needs are met — from housing and food to health care and education.
In Maryland, Child Support is determined by strict statutory guidelines, often using tools like the SASS CALC system to calculate precise amounts.
At Maryland Mediation Counseling and Coaching, LLC, we guide families through understanding Child Supportrequirements clearly and confidently.
The foundation of Maryland’s Child Support system is the parents’ combined income.
Both parents are responsible for contributing financially based on their ability to pay.
Learn more directly from the Maryland Department of Human Services – Child Support.
✅ Child Support isn’t optional; it’s a legal obligation ensuring the child’s well-being.
The number of overnights a child spends with each parent affects Child Support calculations.
Maryland uses two formulas:
Detailed guidance is available at People’s Law Library of Maryland: Child Support.
✅ Child Support balances financial responsibilities fairly based on parenting time.
Maryland’s courts often use SASS CALC, an automated tool that:
Explore the tool at Maryland Judiciary’s SASS CALC Access Page.
✅ At Maryland Mediation Counseling and Coaching, LLC, we can help you prepare accurate information for SASS CALC filings.
Besides food and shelter, Child Support covers:
Review Maryland’s rules on allowable expenses at Nolo: Maryland Child Support Overview.
Once issued, a Child Support order must be followed. Nonpayment can result in:
Find enforcement details at Maryland Child Support Administration – Enforcement.
✅ We assist clients at Maryland Mediation Counseling and Coaching, LLC in understanding the serious legal consequences of noncompliance.
If circumstances change (e.g., income loss, major custody change), either parent can request a modification.
More about modification petitions at Maryland People’s Law Library – Modifying Child Support.
✅ Important: Until a court officially modifies the order, original Child Support obligations continue!
In Maryland, Child Support usually begins from the filing date of the petition — not before.
Exceptions occur only in rare cases where fraud or concealment are proven.
Learn about retroactivity limits at FindLaw: Maryland Child Support Laws.
Typically, Child Support ends when the child turns 18.
However, payments may continue if the child:
More information at Verywell Family: Child Support Basics.
Child Support is not taxable income to the recipient parent, nor is it deductible for the paying parent.
IRS rules clearly state this at IRS: Child Support Information.
✅ We explain these financial impacts clearly during our sessions at Maryland Mediation Counseling and Coaching, LLC.
Parents can agree on Child Support amounts outside court guidelines — but only a judge can make those agreements legally binding.
Understand the importance of court approval at LegalZoom: Child Support Basics.
Navigating Child Support can be overwhelming, especially when emotions and financial pressures are high.
At Maryland Mediation Counseling and Coaching, LLC, our divorce coaching and mediation services help you:
We’re here to help you move forward with clarity, dignity, and confidence.
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