how do you get alimony vs child support?

Child support in Maryland in based on a statute that compares the incomes of both parents, the custodial arrangement, any daycare costs, health insurance costs, and other costs in some situations. The statue is then applied to determine the support amount. Calculation of Child support is fairly predictable.

Alimony in Maryland is much more discretionary on the part of a trial Judge. Alimony is meant to allow one spouse to rehabilitate themselves to become self sufficient and is rarely a lifetime benefit in MD.

It is based on 11 factors, including the length of the marriage, ability of the party seeking alimony to be self sufficient,, ability of other party to pay, and others.

Either benefit can be requested from the Court as part of a Complaint for Divorce and/or a separate Complaint for alimony or child support.

Child support can also be obtained through the office of child support enforcement in your County.