CC-DR-035 – Worksheet B – Child Support Obligation – Shared Physical Custody

Jurisdiction: Country: United States | Province or State: Maryland

If you are calculating child support in a shared custody situation, CC-DR-035 – Worksheet B – Child Support Obligation – Shared Physical Custody is the document that helps you do the math. It is part of the Maryland Circuit Court child support forms.

This worksheet is used when both parents have the children overnight for a significant number of days each year. It is different from the standard child support worksheet used when one parent has primary physical custody.

You fill out this form to show each parent’s income, certain child-related expenses, and the number of overnights with each parent. The worksheet then guides you through a formula that estimates a support amount.

If you are representing yourself, this form can feel detailed and technical. Once you understand what each line asks for and why, it becomes a structured way to organize your financial information.

What is CC-DR-035 – Worksheet B – Child Support Obligation – Shared Physical Custody?

Clear definition

CC-DR-035 – Worksheet B – Child Support Obligation – Shared Physical Custody is a court worksheet used to calculate child support when parents share physical custody. Shared physical custody generally means each parent has the child or children overnight for more than a certain number of days per year.

This document applies a specific formula designed for shared parenting time. It accounts for both parents’ incomes and adjusts support based on the number of overnights each parent has.

The worksheet does not create a custody order. It does not change parenting time. It strictly calculates a proposed child support obligation under shared physical custody guidelines.

Who typically uses this form?

Parents who are divorcing or separating often use this form when they both have substantial overnight time with their children. It may be completed by one parent, both parents separately, or by an attorney or court staff.

Self-represented parents frequently complete this worksheet when filing for divorce, custody, or child support in the Maryland Circuit Court. It may also be used in modification cases when an existing support order is being reviewed.

Judges and family law magistrates review this worksheet during hearings. They rely on the numbers provided to determine whether the proposed support amount aligns with the guidelines.

Why might you need this form?

You may need this form if you and the other parent share physical custody and the court must calculate child support. The standard worksheet used for primary custody would not reflect shared overnights accurately.

The shared custody formula adjusts the support amount to reflect that both parents directly pay for the children’s expenses during their own parenting time. This can significantly affect the final number.

You might also need this worksheet if there has been a change in income or parenting time. If the number of overnights has increased or decreased, the support calculation may change as well.

Typical real-life scenarios

• You and the other parent may have agreed to a schedule where the children spend alternating weeks with each of you. Because the overnights are roughly equal, this worksheet is used to calculate support.
• You may have a schedule where one parent has the children during the school week, and the other has most weekends plus extended summer time. If the total annual overnights meet the shared custody threshold, this worksheet applies.
• A parent may move closer to the children’s school and begin having more overnight time. This shift in parenting time can change the support calculation from a primary custody model to a shared custody model.
• In some cases, parents never married but have established a regular shared schedule through a court order. When either parent requests child support, the shared custody worksheet is used to calculate the amount.

When would you use CC-DR-035 – Worksheet B – Child Support Obligation – Shared Physical Custody?

You use this worksheet during a child support case involving shared physical custody. This can happen during a divorce, legal separation, custody case, or paternity case.

It is commonly filed with other documents at the start of a case. For example, one parent may request custody and child support in the same action. If the parenting schedule qualifies as shared physical custody, this worksheet is completed and submitted.

You may also use it during a modification request. If there has been a substantial change in income or in the number of overnights, a new calculation may be required. The updated worksheet shows the court how the numbers have changed.

Both parents may prepare their own version of the worksheet. If the income figures or expense amounts differ, the court reviews each version and makes findings based on the evidence presented.

The worksheet is generally used in the Circuit Court when determining guideline child support in shared custody arrangements. It provides a standardized method so that similar cases are treated consistently.

Legal characteristics of CC-DR-035 – Worksheet B – Child Support Obligation – Shared Physical Custody

This worksheet follows Maryland child support guidelines. The guidelines use a formula that considers both parents’ adjusted actual incomes, the number of children, and certain additional expenses.

For the worksheet to be effective, the income information must be accurate and complete. Incomplete entries, missing income details, or mathematical errors can delay the case or require corrections.

Common problems include miscounting overnights, leaving out required expenses, or using gross income instead of adjusted actual income when the form requires adjustments. Even small errors can change the final calculation.

The worksheet itself does not decide custody or parenting time. It assumes that a shared physical custody arrangement exists or is being proposed. It also does not automatically guarantee that the court will order the exact amount shown.

Courts may review whether the case meets the shared custody threshold. If the number of overnights does not qualify, a different worksheet may be required. The court may also examine whether claimed expenses are reasonable and supported.

Is it legally binding?

The worksheet by itself is not a court order. It is a calculation tool. It becomes meaningful when it is filed with the court and considered as part of a child support determination.

If a judge signs a child support order based on the numbers in the worksheet, the order is legally binding. The worksheet supports that order by showing how the amount was calculated under the guidelines.

If both parents agree on the numbers and submit a settlement agreement, the court may review the worksheet to confirm that the support amount is consistent with the guidelines. Once approved and incorporated into an order, the support obligation becomes enforceable.

How to fill out CC-DR-035 – Worksheet B – Child Support Obligation – Shared Physical Custody

Step 1 – Identify the case information

At the top of the form, enter the court name, county, and case number if one has already been assigned. List each parent’s name exactly as it appears in the case caption. Make sure this information matches your other court filings.

Step 2 – List the number of children

Enter the number of minor children covered by this calculation. The worksheet is designed to calculate support based on the total number of children involved in the case. Double-check that this matches your complaint, petition, or prior order.

Step 3 – Enter each parent’s actual income

Provide each parent’s monthly actual income. This may include wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, and other regular sources of income. Use consistent time periods, typically monthly figures, as required by the form.

If income fluctuates, calculate an average based on available records. Accurate income reporting is critical because the entire calculation depends on these figures.

Step 4 – Adjust income if required

The worksheet may require adjustments to determine adjusted actual income. This can include deducting certain existing child support or alimony obligations being paid. Follow the lines on the form carefully and enter amounts in the correct spaces.

After adjustments, calculate each parent’s adjusted actual income. Then determine the combined adjusted income by adding both parents’ figures together.

Step 5 – Determine each parent’s income percentage

Divide each parent’s adjusted actual income by the combined adjusted income. This gives each parent’s percentage share of the total income. These percentages are used later to divide child-related expenses.

Write each percentage clearly and confirm that together they equal 100 percent. Small rounding errors can affect later steps, so review your math.

Step 6 – Find the basic child support obligation

Using the combined adjusted income and the number of children, locate the basic child support obligation from the guideline schedule referenced by the worksheet. Enter that amount on the appropriate line.

This figure represents the total basic support amount for both parents combined before adjusting for shared custody and additional expenses.

Step 7 – Add work-related child care and medical expenses

Enter monthly work-related child care expenses. Include only those necessary for a parent to work or attend school for employment purposes, as defined by the form.

Add the cost of the children’s health insurance premiums and any extraordinary medical expenses listed on the worksheet. These amounts increase the total support obligation before it is divided between the parents.

Step 8 – Calculate the shared custody adjustment

Multiply the basic child support obligation by the factor provided on the worksheet for shared physical custody. This reflects that both parents are directly supporting the children during their own parenting time.

Then apply each parent’s income percentage to determine each parent’s theoretical support obligation. Follow the lines in order and complete each calculation before moving to the next.

Step 9 – Account for overnights

Enter the number of overnights the children spend with each parent per year. The total should equal 365 days. Review your parenting schedule carefully to avoid miscounting.

The worksheet uses the number of overnights to adjust the final obligation. Make sure the numbers reflect the actual or proposed schedule presented to the court.

Step 10 – Determine the final child support amount

Complete the remaining calculations shown on the form to determine which parent owes support and in what amount. The parent with the higher adjusted obligation typically pays the difference to the other parent.

Review every line for accuracy. Check your math and confirm that all figures are transferred correctly from one line to the next. Once complete, the worksheet is ready to be filed with your other court documents or presented at your hearing.

Legal terms you might encounter in CC-DR-035 – Worksheet B – Child Support Obligation – Shared Physical Custody

1. Shared Physical Custody: This means each parent keeps the child overnight for more than a set minimum number of days per year. On this form, shared custody affects how the support amount is calculated. The number of overnights directly changes the final obligation.
2. Actual Income: This is the real gross income each parent earns before taxes and deductions. You must include wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, and certain other income sources. The numbers you enter here drive every later calculation on the worksheet.
3. Adjusted Actual Income: This is actual income after subtracting allowed adjustments. Adjustments may include pre-existing child support or alimony paid. The form requires you to apply these adjustments carefully because they change each parent’s percentage share.
4. Combined Adjusted Income: This is the total of both parents’ adjusted incomes. You add both numbers together to find it. The combined figure is used to locate the basic child support amount on the guideline schedule.
5. Income Percentage Share: This shows how much of the combined income each parent earns. You calculate it as a percentage. That percentage determines how much of the total support obligation each parent is responsible for.
6. Basic Child Support Obligation: This is the base support amount for the number of children at a specific combined income level. You do not guess this number. You find it on the official schedule and transfer it to the worksheet.
7. Work-Related Child Care Expenses: These are child care costs required so a parent can work or look for work. You list the actual amount paid. These expenses are added to the basic obligation before dividing responsibility.
8. Extraordinary Medical Expenses: These are recurring uninsured medical expenses that exceed routine health costs. The worksheet includes a line to account for these amounts. They increase the total support obligation before it is divided between the parents.
9. Overnights: These are the number of nights a child spends with each parent during a year. The total overnights affect the shared custody calculation. You must use accurate numbers based on your parenting schedule.
10. Presumptive Child Support: This is the guideline amount calculated using the worksheet. It is presumed to be correct unless changed by a court. The form’s purpose is to show how that presumptive number was reached.

FAQs

What information do I need in front of me before I start this form?

You need recent proof of income for both parents, such as pay stubs, tax returns, or other earnings statements. You also need documentation for work-related child care costs, health insurance premiums for the child, and any extraordinary medical expenses. Have your parenting schedule available so you can count overnights accurately. Without these numbers, you cannot complete the calculations correctly.

Do I use gross income or take-home pay on CC-DR-035 – Worksheet B – Child Support Obligation – Shared Physical Custody?

You use gross income, not take-home pay. Gross income is the amount earned before taxes or other deductions. This document asks for actual income, which is based on gross figures. If you use net income instead, the final support amount will be wrong.

What if my income changes while the case is pending?

You must use your current actual income at the time you complete this form. If your income changes significantly after filing, the court may require updated information. Keep records of any changes and be prepared to update the worksheet if requested. Accurate, current numbers help prevent delays.

How do I count overnights for this document?

Count the number of nights the child sleeps at each parent’s home in a typical year. Follow your current court order or written parenting agreement if one exists. If the schedule rotates, calculate the yearly total based on that pattern. Do not estimate casually; count carefully because overnights directly affect the shared custody adjustment.

Do both parents have to sign this form?

This form is usually completed and signed by the person submitting it to the court. In some cases, each parent may complete a separate worksheet if they disagree on the numbers. Check that the name and case information match the court file before signing. An unsigned worksheet may not be accepted.

What attachments should I provide with this worksheet?

You should attach proof of income and documentation for any expenses listed, such as child care invoices or insurance statements. If you claim adjustments like prior support obligations, include proof of those payments. The court reviews these documents to verify the numbers you entered. Missing attachments can delay acceptance.

Will this form automatically change the child support amount in my order?

No. This document shows the guideline calculation, but only a court order changes the official support amount. After filing, a judge must review and approve the calculation. The support amount becomes enforceable only when included in a signed court order.

What happens if the other parent disagrees with the numbers I entered?

The other parent can submit a different worksheet with their own figures. The court will compare both versions and review supporting documents. You should be ready to explain how you calculated each number. Clear documentation makes it easier for the court to determine the correct amount.

Checklist: Before, During, and After CC-DR-035 – Worksheet B – Child Support Obligation – Shared Physical Custody

Before

• Gather your three most recent pay stubs or recent income statements.
• Collect last year’s tax return if income varies.
• Obtain proof of work-related child care expenses.
• Confirm the cost of the child’s health insurance premium.
• Review your parenting schedule and count yearly overnights.
• Locate any prior child support or alimony orders you pay.
• Write down the full case number exactly as shown on the court papers.

During

• Enter the case caption exactly as it appears on other filings.
• List the correct number of children covered by the case.
• Input each parent’s gross income carefully.
• Subtract only allowed adjustments.
• Double-check percentage calculations.
• Transfer the correct basic support amount from the schedule.
• Add child care and medical expenses to the total obligation.
• Apply the shared custody formula accurately.

After

• Review every line for math errors.
• Confirm all totals match your calculations.
• Sign and date the form where required.
• Make copies for yourself and the other parent.
• Attach all supporting financial documents.
• File the worksheet with the court clerk if required.
• Keep proof of submission for your records.

Common mistakes to avoid with CC-DR-035 – Worksheet B – Child Support Obligation – Shared Physical Custody

• Mistake: Using take-home pay instead of gross income because it feels more realistic, which leads to an incorrect support amount and possible rejection; do not forget that the worksheet requires actual gross income.
• Mistake: Guessing the number of overnights without checking the parenting schedule, which changes the shared custody adjustment and can significantly alter the result; do not forget to calculate the yearly total carefully.
• Mistake: Forgetting to include work-related child care expenses because they are paid irregularly, which lowers the calculated obligation unfairly; do not forget to include recurring costs tied to employment.
• Mistake: Failing to subtract allowed prior support obligations, often because you overlook older orders, which overstate your adjusted income; do not forget to review all existing court-ordered payments.
• Mistake: Copying the wrong number from the child support schedule table, which throws off the entire worksheet; do not forget to match the combined income and number of children exactly.
• Mistake: Submitting the form without supporting documents, which can delay court review or cause the numbers to be challenged; do not forget to attach proof of income and expenses.
• Mistake: Making math errors when calculating percentages or totals, often due to rushing, which undermines credibility; do not forget to double-check every calculation.
• Mistake: Leaving the case number or party names incomplete, which can cause filing issues; do not forget to match the caption exactly to the court record.

What to do after filling out CC-DR-035 – Worksheet B – Child Support Obligation – Shared Physical Custody

Once you complete the worksheet, slow down and review it line by line. Check your math. Confirm that every number has a source document. Accuracy matters because the court relies on these figures.

• Step 1: Make at least two copies of the completed form, one for you and one for the other parent.
• Step 2: Attach all required proof of income and expense documents to the original.
• Step 3: Confirm the case number and party names match your existing court file.
• Step 4: Sign and date the worksheet where indicated.
• Step 5: File the original with the Circuit Court clerk handling your family law case.
• Step 6: Provide a copy to the other parent according to court rules for service.
• Step 7: Keep proof that you filed and served the document.
• Step 8: Calendar any upcoming hearing date related to child support.
• Step 9: Bring a clean copy and your supporting documents to court.
• Step 10: Update your personal financial records to reflect the proposed support amount.

After filing, monitor your case status. If the court schedules a hearing, be prepared to explain how you calculated income, expenses, and overnights. Organize your documents in the same order as the worksheet lines so you can answer questions quickly.

If the court issues a new support order, read it carefully. Compare it to your worksheet. Make sure you understand the payment amount, start date, and payment method. Store the signed order with your important records. If circumstances change later, you may need this worksheet as a reference point for future modifications.