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Columbia, MD Child Support Lawyer
Experienced Child Support Attorney for Parents in Columbia, Maryland
When parents live apart from one another, whether due to divorce or other reasons, one parent will likely be responsible for paying child support. This is necessary to ensure that the child has sufficient financial resources for their upbringing, and for many parents, child support is a major deal.
If you are looking for an attorney to address your child support concerns, consider working with DM Family Law. Our lawyer has years of experience representing clients in family law concerns, and he can provide you with practical guidance and skilled advocacy for your child support disputes. We represent both custodial and non-custodial parents, whatever your issue may be.
What Is Child Support Used For?
Child support payments can be used to cover various expenses related to raising a child, such as:
- Educational expenses
- Arrangements for care, such as a babysitter or daycare
- Travel expenses
- Healthcare and medical bills
- Housing
Child Support Guidelines in Maryland
To calculate how much should be paid in child support each month, the courts refer to a standard formula. The courts will look at the parents' joint income as well as how much time the children spend with each parent. In regard to income, the courts will refer to your actual adjusted income, which may factor in other child support or alimony obligations.
If both parents' combined income exceeds $30,000 per month, the standard formula may not apply. In these cases, the judge has the discretion to set child support payments according to the needs of the child.
How Does Child Custody Impact Child Support Payments?
The allocation of child custody can directly affect how child support is calculated in Maryland. The parent with a lesser share of physical custody—referred to as the non-custodial parent—is usually responsible for making support payments to the primary custodial parent. There are also different formulas for child support payments based on the number of nights the child spends with the non-custodial parent.
When Can Child Custody Payments Be Modified?
There are some situations where a judge will permit a modification to an existing child support order. However, if you want to petition for a modification, you must show that there has been a "material" change in circumstances, meaning that your situation has changed significantly since the original order. Keep in mind that a verbal agreement to a child support agreement is unlikely to hold up in court, so it is best to pursue a formal modification with a judge's approval.
Common reasons to modify a child support order include a change in the child's needs or an increase or decrease in one of the parents' income. At DM Family Law, we can represent you in a petition to modify an existing child support order, looking for evidence that shows a material change in circumstances.
Enforcing Child Support Payments
If your co-parent has fallen behind on child support or outright refuses to pay, you can take legal action to make sure your child gets the financial assistance they deserve. You can make a formal request to the court to withhold your co-parent's wages, collecting the late payments directly from their paycheck. You can also petition to hold your non-paying co-parent in contempt of court, which could result in their incarceration if they refuse to comply.
Family Law Attorney for Frequently Asked Questions About Child Support in Columbia
Child support is usually paid out by the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent. If you have a majority of physical custody throughout the year, you are considered the custodial parent.
Child support payments usually last until the child becomes an adult at 18. If the child is still in high school by 18, payments will last until the child becomes emancipated, graduates, marries, or turns 19—whichever comes first.
The court can also order a parent to help pay for college expenses if the parents have a prior agreement. Likewise, a parent may be ordered to pay child support for their adult child if the child has a disability that stands in the way of their independence.
Child support payments in Maryland are calculated based on an income shares model, which accounts for both parents' respective incomes, the number of shared minor children, the cost of health insurance for the child, extraordinary medical expenses, any other existing child support orders, and whether or not alimony is a factor.
Child support payments can be put toward necessities for the child's health and well-being, which may include the costs of schooling, housing, health insurance, medical expenses, and childcare.
If you want to secure child support, it is important that the father has established paternity beforehand. The father cannot be compelled to pay child support if he is not considered a legal parent of the child. There are three ways to establish paternity in Maryland:
- By marital presumption, if the father is married to the mother at the time of the child's birth or conception
- By signing an Affidavit of Parentage
- By a court order
If your ex refuses to pay court-ordered child support, you can petition the Child Support Administration in your county to take action on your behalf. Some enforcement actions include:
- Collecting unpaid child support from the non-paying parent's wages or unemployment benefits
- Intercepting tax returns
- Suspending the non-paying parent's driving privileges
- Revoking or suspending the non-paying parent's professional or recreational licenses
Additionally, your attorney can represent you in a petition to hold your ex in civil contempt of court, which can result in penalties including fines and jail time.
There are some circumstances in which a court of family law will allow an order to be modified. In order to request a modification, you must show that there has been some significant change in circumstances, such as a change in the child's needs or an increase or decrease in income. If you want to modify a court order of child support, it is highly advisable that you do it through the courts rather than through an informal agreement.
Contact a Columbia, MD Child Support Attorney Today
Child support is a serious responsibility. At DM Family Law, we can help you navigate any legal problems that arise from support obligations, whether you are paying or receiving financial assistance. To schedule a free consultation with our Columbia, Maryland child support lawyer, call us at 443-545-8100 or reach out to our Columbia, Maryland child support lawyer.
Columbia Office
10440 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 300
Columbia, Maryland 21044
The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice.
10440 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 300, Columbia, Maryland 21044
443-545-8100
