# Family Law (GFL)

## Title 10. Support in General

### Subtitle 1. Civil and Criminal Enforcement

#### Section 10-101

(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.

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Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)