MD Bar Family Law 3

Question 1

Under Maryland's child support guidelines, which income model is used to calculate the basic support obligation?

Accepted Answer

The income shares model, combining both parents' adjusted actual incomes

Answer

The percentage-of-obligor-income model

Answer

The Melson formula

Answer

A flat statutory amount per child

Question 2

In Maryland, shared physical custody adjustments to child support apply when a parent keeps the child overnight for at least what portion of the year?

Accepted Answer

25% of overnights (roughly 92 or more overnights)

Answer

50% of overnights exactly

Answer

35% of overnights

Answer

10% of overnights

Question 3

A Maryland court may impute income to a parent for child support purposes when the parent is what?

Accepted Answer

Voluntarily impoverished, meaning they freely chose to reduce or forgo income

Answer

Unemployed for any reason, including disability

Answer

Earning less than the other parent

Answer

Working fewer than 40 hours a week

Question 4

Under Maryland law, when does child support generally terminate?

Accepted Answer

At age 18, or up to 19 if the child is still enrolled in secondary school

Answer

At age 21 in all cases

Answer

When the child gets a driver's license

Answer

Only upon court order after a hearing

Question 5

In Maryland, a premarital agreement waiving alimony is enforceable if what conditions are met?

Accepted Answer

It was entered voluntarily, with fair disclosure or knowledge of assets, and is not the product of fraud, duress, or overreaching

Answer

It was signed before a judge

Answer

Both parties had separate attorneys, which is mandatory

Answer

It was recorded in land records

Question 6

Which of the following is a required element for a valid marriage ceremony in Maryland?

Accepted Answer

A license and solemnization by an authorized official or religious celebrant

Answer

A blood test for both parties

Answer

A one-year engagement period

Answer

Registration of the couple's financial assets

Question 7

Does Maryland recognize common law marriages?

Accepted Answer

No, they cannot be created in Maryland, but valid common law marriages formed in other states are recognized

Answer

Yes, after seven years of cohabitation

Answer

Yes, after ten years of cohabitation with children

Answer

No, and out-of-state common law marriages are also void in Maryland