When a Maryland court decides how much a parent will pay in child support each month, it will primarily review the parent’s income. However, it may not be entirely obvious what constitutes as income and what does not. Here is a detailed list of potential income sources that Maryland courts will likely consider in your case:
- Prizes and gifts received through winning the lottery or by gambling.
- Grants and fellowships intended to pay for living expenses.
- Income gained from another spouse if it reduces the parent’s expenses.
- Received alimony, if it’s not paid by the other parent of the child.
- Self-employment income.
- Perks from employment, like a company car, housing and living expense reimbursement.
- Salaries and wages, which include commissions, bonuses, tips, severance packages and the sharing of business profits.
- Income from pensions.
- Income from an annuity.
- Income derived from a trust or estate.
- Capital gains made on assets.
- Veterans’ benefits and social security benefits.
- Military fringe benefits.
- National Guard pay.
- Overtime income, income from second jobs, income derived from any contractual agreements, interest income, investment income and more.
- Any benefits related to wage replacement benefits, like workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, disability insurance and strike pay.
The above list is by no means exhaustive. There could be other income sources that a court will wish to examine. Nevertheless, this list gives Maryland parents a good idea of the scope with which courts will examine one’s income in determining child custody amounts. A Maryland family law attorney can assist you in determining an estimate of how much you’re liable to pay for child support given the unique facts of your case.
Source: Law Office of Kevin L. Beard, PA, “Child support: Determining parents’ income,” accessed July 13, 2017