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§ 12-202. Use of child support guidelines

West's Annotated Code of MarylandFamily LawEffective: July 1, 2019 to September 30, 2021

West's Annotated Code of Maryland
Family Law (Refs & Annos)
Title 12. Child Support (Refs & Annos)
Subtitle 2. Child Support Guidelines (Refs & Annos)
Effective: July 1, 2019 to September 30, 2021
MD Code, Family Law, § 12-202
§ 12-202. Use of child support guidelines
Currentness
<Section effective until Oct. 1, 2021. See, also, section 12-202 effective Oct. 1, 2021.>
Mandatory use of guidelines; presumption; departure from guidelines
(a)(1) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (2) of this subsection, in any proceeding to establish or modify child support, whether pendente lite or permanent, the court shall use the child support guidelines set forth in this subtitle.
(2)(i) There is a rebuttable presumption that the amount of child support which would result from the application of the child support guidelines set forth in this subtitle is the correct amount of child support to be awarded.
(ii) The presumption may be rebutted by evidence that the application of the guidelines would be unjust or inappropriate in a particular case.
(iii) In determining whether the application of the guidelines would be unjust or inappropriate in a particular case, the court may consider:
1. the terms of any existing separation or property settlement agreement or court order, including any provisions for payment of mortgages or marital debts, payment of college education expenses, the terms of any use and possession order or right to occupy the family home under an agreement, any direct payments made for the benefit of the children required by agreement or order, or any other financial considerations set out in an existing separation or property settlement agreement or court order; and
2. the presence in the household of either parent of other children to whom that parent owes a duty of support and the expenses for whom that parent is directly contributing.
(iv) The presumption may not be rebutted solely on the basis of evidence of the presence in the household of either parent of other children to whom that parent owes a duty of support and the expenses for whom that parent is directly contributing.
(v) 1. If the court determines that the application of the guidelines would be unjust or inappropriate in a particular case, the court shall make a written finding or specific finding on the record stating the reasons for departing from the guidelines.
2. The court's finding shall state:
A. the amount of child support that would have been required under the guidelines;
B. how the order varies from the guidelines;
C. how the finding serves the best interests of the child; and
D. in cases in which items of value are conveyed instead of a portion of the support presumed under the guidelines, the estimated value of the items conveyed.
Adoption of guidelines; material change in circumstances
(b) The adoption or revision of the guidelines set forth in this subtitle is not a material change of circumstance for the purpose of a modification of a child support award.
Report
(c) On or before January 1, 1993, and at least every 4 years after that date, the Child Support Administration of the Department of Human Services shall:
(1) review the guidelines set forth in this subtitle to ensure that the application of the guidelines results in the determination of appropriate child support award amounts; and
(2) report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly, subject to § 2-1257 of the State Government Article.

Credits

Added by Acts 1989, c. 2, § 1, eff. Feb. 24, 1989. Amended by Acts 1990, c. 58, § 1, eff. April 10, 1990; Acts 1997, c. 635, § 9, eff. July 1, 1997; Acts 1997, c. 636, § 9, eff. July 1, 1997; Acts 2000, c. 121, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2000; Acts 2004, c. 116, § 1, eff. July 1, 2004; Acts 2004, c. 491, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2004; Acts 2007, c. 5, § 1, eff. March 22, 2007; Acts 2010, c. 262, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2010; Acts 2010, c. 263, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2010; Acts 2017, c. 62, § 6; Acts 2019, c. 8, § 5.
MD Code, Family Law, § 12-202, MD FAMILY § 12-202
Current with legislation effective through June 1, 2021, from the 2021 Regular Session of the General Assembly.
End of Document