Child Support & Custody in 2025: What Parents Need to Know

Dear Family Law Community,

It was 9 p.m., and 12-year-old Emily was in a panic over a missing school project. She texted her dad, Jason, hoping he could help—but he thought her mom had it covered. Her mom, meanwhile, figured it was Jason’s week. That simple miscommunication caused a big wave of stress for Emily—and for her parents.

This kind of confusion is more common than you think. And it’s exactly why understanding custody and child support laws in Maryland and D.C. matters—so your kids can feel supported, seen, and secure in both homes.

1. Child Support: A Commitment to Your Child’s Needs

Let’s clear something up: child support isn’t a punishment. It’s not about who makes more money or who’s “winning” after a breakup. It’s about making sure your child has the basics—like food, clothes, housing, school supplies, and healthcare—no matter where they’re staying that week.

The law looks at what your child needs and how both parents can contribute to that consistently.

2. Custody: Understanding Legal vs. Physical

In both Maryland and D.C., custody comes in two forms:

• Legal custody is about who makes big decisions—like schooling or medical care.
• Physical custody is where your child lives and sleeps.

For child support, physical custody matters more specifically, the number of overnights each parent has.

In Maryland: If both parents have the child for at least 92 nights per year, it qualifies as shared custody. Fewer than that, and the state treats it as sole custody for support purposes.

In D.C.: Shared custody means at least 35% of the year so around 128 nights. If one parent has the child less than that, it’s generally considered sole custody in how support is calculated.

But remember overnights are only one part of the equation. Judges also look at the quality of time spent, work schedules, and the child’s needs.

3. Parenting Time ≠ Pay Cut (Necessarily)

Yes, more shared time can lower support payments, but only if the responsibilities are truly shared.

If a parent is asking for more time just to reduce child support, courts usually catch on. They’ll look at whether the change benefits the child or is financially motivated.

4. What Counts as “Income”?

Child support isn’t just based on your paycheck. The courts consider:

• Regular wages and bonuses
• Side income (like rental properties or freelance work)
• Unemployment or pension payments
• What you could earn (if you’re choosing not to work or under-earning on purpose)

Trying to hide or underreport income isn’t just a bad look it can land you in legal trouble.

5. What Other Expenses Are Shared?

Child support often includes more than just a base amount. Parents may also share:

• Health insurance for the child
• Daycare or after-school care
• Therapy or special medical needs
• Private school or tutoring (when agreed upon)
• Special needs accommodations

These costs are typically split based on each parent’s income.

6. What If You Both Earn a Lot?

Maryland’s standard child support formula applies to a combined income of up to $360,000/year. Above that, the court doesn’t follow the formula strictly it uses your actual child-related expenses and each parent’s ability to contribute.

In D.C., there’s no strict income cap, but courts will make adjustments for high-income cases to make sure the child’s standard of living is maintained.

7. Be Organized—It Really Helps

Whether you’re negotiating or going to court, being organized can make a huge difference. Start gathering:

• Pay stubs and tax returns
• Parenting schedules or calendars
• Proof of childcare, insurance, or tuition payments
• Any informal or formal agreements

The more prepared you are, the smoother the process—and the less stress for you and your child.

8. Remember: It’s Always About the Child

Everything—custody, support, parenting time is ultimately about what’s best for your child. Courts look at:

• Stability and routine
• Emotional connection
• School success and health
• Each parent’s ability to support the child’s well-being

There’s no perfect formula for parenting. But structure, honesty, and a child-centered focus go a long way.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

If you’re unsure about how custody or child support works or if you’re already in the thick of it just know that you don’t have to figure this out by yourself.

At The Law Office of Cherise L. Williams, we’ve helped hundreds of parents navigate the legal and emotional realities of co-parenting. We’ll walk with you every step of the way with strategy, clarity, and compassion.