As Maryland attorneys, we are committed to providing you with experienced, compassionate, and strategic legal counsel to ensure that the child support in your case is fair and equitable.
Whether you are the parent seeking support or the parent obligated to pay, our top-rated attorneys can guide you through the process to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Maryland Child Support Guidelines
In Maryland, child support is determined based on specific guidelines that take into account the financial circumstances of both parents. These guidelines are intended to provide a fair and balanced framework for calculating support. As your counsel, we work to ensure that all factors influencing the calculation are considered and properly factored into your case.
The Maryland Child Support Guidelines are based on an “income shares” model. This model assumes that children should receive the same proportion of parental income that they would have received if the parents had remained together. The child support calculation includes:
- The gross monthly income of both parents
- The number of children
- The custody arrangement (specifically, the number of overnights the child(ren) is with each parent per year)
- The costs of work-related childcare
- Health insurance premiums
- Extraordinary medical expenses
For a more in-depth understanding, you can review the Maryland Child Support Guidelines outlined in Maryland Code, Family Law § 12-204.
Factors That Can Impact Child Support Calculations
While the guidelines provide a basic framework, every family situation is unique. Our experience ensures that we are well-equipped to identify any additional factors that could impact the child support order in your case. Some of these factors include:
- Income imputation: If one parent is voluntarily underemployed or unemployed, the court may impute income, meaning it will assign an income level based on what that parent is capable of earning.
- Children with special needs: If there are extraordinary medical or educational expenses that are incurred for a child, the child support calculation may need to be adjusted.
- Deviations from the guidelines: In some cases, the court may deviate from the guidelines if it finds that the application would be unjust or inappropriate. Parents can also agree to deviate from the guidelines, if appropriate.
Modifying Child Support Orders
Life circumstances and financial circumstances can change, and with those changes, child support orders may need to be modified. If you or the other parent experiences a significant change in income, job loss, or if there is a shift in custody arrangements, it may be necessary to revisit the child support. We can help you navigate the process of modifying an existing child support order in Maryland.
A modification typically requires a “material change in circumstances.” The parent requesting the modification will need to demonstrate how the change affects the needs of the child, his/her ability to pay, or his/her need for a recalculation of support.
Some examples of changes that might warrant a modification include:
- A significant change in either parent’s income (such as a job loss or promotion)
- A change in the child’s financial needs (such as increased medical expenses or educational costs)
- A change in the custody arrangement that impacts the time the child spends with each parent
If you believe circumstances may warrant a modification of child support in your case, we encourage you to consult with us to explore your legal options.
Enforcement of Child Support Orders
Unfortunately, not all parents comply with child support orders. When a parent fails to make child support payments, it can put significant strain on the custodial parent and the child. If you are struggling to receive the payments you are entitled to, our attorneys can assist you in enforcing the order.
Maryland law provides several mechanisms to enforce child support orders, including:
- Earnings withholding or wage garnishment
- Entry of money judgments and enforcement of judgments
- Seizure of tax refunds
- Suspension of professional or driver’s licenses
- Contempt of court proceedings, which can result in financial penalties, or even incarceration
The Maryland Child Support Enforcement Administration (CSEA) can also assist in enforcing orders, but having an experienced child support lawyer in Maryland on your side can expedite the process and ensure that all legal avenues are explored.
How Child Support Is Calculated in Shared Custody Cases?
The child support calculation is driven by the physical custody arrangement and access schedule. In Maryland, shared custody is when both parents have at least 93 overnights per year with the child. The formula takes into account the number of overnights per year that the child spends with each parent.
As attorneys, we work with parents to ensure that child support is calculated accurately and fairly.
Navigating the Legal Process
Child support disputes can be emotionally charged and complex. Our lawyers work closely with clients to simplify the legal process, provide clear communication, and develop effective strategies for resolving conflicts. Whether you’re establishing a new child support order, modifying an existing one, or enforcing a current order, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Our firm prides itself on offering personalized, attentive service. We take the time to understand your unique family dynamics and financial situation, and we work tirelessly to protect your rights and your child’s best interests. By choosing us, you can be confident that you’re receiving high-quality legal representation.
Why Choose Us?
- Experience: With decades of experience handling child support cases in Maryland, we are well-versed in the laws, guidelines, and strategies that can make a significant difference in your case.
- Personalized Attention: We understand that every family situation is different, and we take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and craft a legal approach that works for you.
- Aggressive Advocacy: Whether you’re seeking child support, challenging an unfair order, or enforcing an existing one, we will aggressively advocate for your rights both in and out of court.
When you need a lawyer who will fight for you and your children, you can rely on us to provide the knowledgeable and compassionate representation you deserve.
Contact Us Today
If you’re facing a child support issue or have questions regarding child support in Montgomery County or anywhere in Maryland, don’t hesitate to reach out. As experienced lawyers, we are here to help you navigate the complexities of child support laws and protect your family’s future.
Contact Brodsky Renehan Pearlstein & Bouquet today to schedule a consultation with a top-rated family law attorney. We are here to provide the support, knowledge, and legal representation you need.
