Best Child Support Lawyers in Maryland

About Child Support Law in Maryland, United States

Child support is a legal obligation for parents to provide financial support for their children, regardless of whether the parents are married, separated, or divorced. In Maryland, child support aims to ensure that children receive adequate financial resources for their care, education, healthcare, and basic needs. The laws in Maryland establish how child support amounts are calculated, collected, and enforced, with the best interests of the child as the guiding principle.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

There are various situations where seeking legal help for child support in Maryland may be necessary. Some common scenarios include:

• Establishing or modifying a child support order when circumstances change, such as a change in income or custody arrangements.
• Enforcing child support orders if the other parent is not making payments.
• Disputes over the calculation of child support or what expenses should be covered.
• Understanding your rights and obligations, especially if your case involves complex financial matters or interstate issues.
• Navigating court procedures, including responding to court motions or representing you at hearings.

Local Laws Overview

Maryland child support laws are governed by state statutes and court rules. Key aspects include:

• The use of the Maryland Child Support Guidelines to determine the appropriate amount based on both parents’ incomes, the number of children, and additional expenses such as childcare or health insurance.
• Both parents are legally required to support their children, regardless of custody arrangements.
• Child support usually continues until the child turns 18, or 19 if still in high school. In some cases, it may end earlier if the child becomes emancipated or may extend under special circumstances.
• The Maryland Child Support Administration (CSA) is responsible for assisting parents with establishing, modifying, and enforcing support orders.
• Failure to pay child support can result in enforcement actions such as wage garnishment, interception of tax refunds, suspension of licenses, or even jail time in extreme cases.
• The court may deviate from state guidelines if it finds that their application would be unjust or inappropriate in a specific case.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is child support calculated in Maryland?

Maryland uses a formula known as the Child Support Guidelines, which takes into account both parents’ incomes, costs for health insurance, child care, and the number of children. The court may also consider exceptional expenses when determining the final amount.

What happens if a parent does not pay child support?

If a parent fails to pay child support, the court may enforce the order through measures like wage garnishment, seizing assets, revoking licenses, placing liens on property, or withholding tax refunds.

Can I request a change to my child support order?

Yes. You can request a modification if there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as a job loss, increase or decrease in income, or changes in custody or needs of the child.

How long does child support last in Maryland?

Typically, child support lasts until the child turns 18, or until 19 if the child is still a full-time high school student. It can end earlier if the child becomes emancipated.

Do both parents have to pay child support?

Both parents are expected to contribute to the financial support of their children, but typically the non-custodial parent pays child support to the custodial parent who has primary physical care of the child.

Is child support affected by visitation or custody arrangements?

Yes. The amount of time each parent spends with the child and custody arrangements can affect the amount of child support, as these factors are part of the calculation under Maryland law.

Can child support cover college expenses?

In Maryland, child support generally does not extend to cover college expenses unless both parents agree in writing or the court orders it as part of a negotiated settlement.

What if the other parent lives in another state?

Maryland can enforce child support across state lines through federal and interstate enforcement laws. The Child Support Administration can help facilitate cooperation between states.

Do I have to go to court to establish child support?

Not always. Parents can reach a voluntary agreement on child support and submit it to the court for approval. If they cannot agree, the court will make a determination.

What if I cannot afford to pay the ordered child support?

If you are genuinely unable to pay, you should seek a modification from the court as soon as possible rather than stop making payments. Failing to pay without court approval can result in serious penalties.

Additional Resources

There are several resources available to help Maryland residents with child support issues:

• Maryland Child Support Administration (CSA): Provides services for establishing, modifying, and enforcing child support orders.
• Maryland Judiciary Family Law Self-Help Centers: Offers free legal help, online resources, and information on filing forms.
• Legal Aid Bureau of Maryland: Provides legal services for those who qualify based on income.
• Local Circuit Court Family Divisions: Every county has a family division where you can file child support-related cases and seek assistance.
• Maryland Department of Human Services: Offers resources and support for families navigating child support issues.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance or have questions about child support in Maryland, consider the following steps:

• Gather all relevant financial records and documentation regarding custody or parenting arrangements.
• Contact the Maryland Child Support Administration for support or to open a case.
• Consult with a qualified family law attorney if your case is complicated or involves disputes over payment, enforcement, or custody.
• Visit your local Family Law Self-Help Center or Legal Aid office if you need assistance and cannot afford an attorney.
• Take prompt action to modify your support order if your financial situation changes.

Understanding your rights and responsibilities under Maryland’s child support laws can help you protect your child's best interests and avoid unnecessary legal complications.