2022 Maryland Statutes
Family Law
Title 10 - Support in General
Subtitle 1 - Civil and Criminal Enforcement
Part I - Definitions; General Provisions
Section 10-101 - Definitions

    (a)    In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.

    (b)    “Administration” means the Child Support Administration of the Department of Human Services.

    (c)    “Earnings” includes:

        (1)    any form of periodic payment to an individual, including:

            (i)    an annuity;

            (ii)    a pension;

            (iii)    Social Security payments;

            (iv)    workers’ compensation payments; and

            (v)    unemployment insurance benefits; and

        (2)    any commissions or fees paid in connection with the obligor’s employment.

    (d)    (1)    “Employer” means any person who is paying earnings to an obligor.

        (2)    “Employer” includes a governmental entity.

    (e)    “Local support enforcement office” means 1 of the following that is responsible for support enforcement:

        (1)    a county agency; or

        (2)    a component of the circuit court for a county.

    (f)    (1)    “Obligee” means any person who is entitled to receive support.

        (2)    “Obligee” includes a state.

    (g)    “Obligor” means an individual who is required to pay support under a court order.

    (h)    “Support” includes:

        (1)    child support;

        (2)    spousal support;

        (3)    support of destitute adult children; and

        (4)    support of destitute parents.

    (i)    “Support enforcement agency” means 1 of the following that receives support payments under a court order:

        (1)    the Administration; or

        (2)    a local support enforcement office.