Howard County Child Support Lawyer
Are you navigating a divorce in Howard County and concerned about child support? You don’t have to face it alone. A skilled Howard County child support lawyer can help protect your rights and your child’s future.
At Divorce With a Plan, we are ready to listen to your concerns and guide you through the child support process.
What is Child Support?
Under Maryland Family Law Article, §12-101, child support in Maryland refers to financial payments made by a non-custodial parent to a custodial parent to provide for a child’s needs. This includes:
- Health insurance coverage
- Medical expenses
- Educational expenses
- Child care costs
- Travel expenses related to visitation
- Extracurricular activities (e.g., sports, summer camps)
Important Laws Regarding Child Support in Maryland
- Child support payments apply even if parents were never married.
- Parents can agree on a custody arrangement and child support order, but courts must approve it to ensure fairness.
- Maryland calculates the amount of child support using the Income Shares Model (Md. Family Law §12-204), based on the parent’s income and number of children.
- Unemployment is not an excuse to avoid child support payments; courts may calculate payments based on potential income.
- Child support obligations generally end when a child reaches the age of 18 or 19 if still in high school.
- Missed payments do not disappear—parents still owe back payments even after the child becomes an adult.
How is Child Support Calculated in Howard County?
Maryland’s Income Shares Model considers:
- Each parent’s actual income
- Number of children being supported
- Children’s health insurance and medical costs
- Existing child support or alimony payments
- Additional necessary expenses (education, daycare, etc.)
- Want an estimate? Use Maryland’s Online Child Support Calculator for an estimate before consulting a child support attorney.
Enforcement of Child Support Orders
If a parent refuses to pay child support payments, Maryland courts can enforce payment through:
- Wage garnishment
- Interception of tax refunds
- Suspension of driver’s or professional licenses
- Seizure of bank accounts
- Contempt of court penalties, including fines or jail time
If you are facing enforcement issues, contact a family law firm immediately to understand your options.
Modifying Child Support Orders
Life changes, and so do financial circumstances. If you need to adjust a child support order due to job loss, medical expenses, or other significant changes, a child support lawyer can petition the court for modification.
FAQs About Child Support in Maryland
1. Can child support be modified in Maryland?
Yes. If there is a substantial change in parent’s income, custody, or the child’s needs, courts may adjust the order.
2. What if the other parent refuses to pay child support?
Maryland courts have strict enforcement mechanisms, including wage garnishment and license suspension, to ensure compliance.
3. Do I need a lawyer to calculate child support?
While Maryland provides an online calculator, a child support attorney ensures accuracy and considers all factors, preventing unfair financial burdens.
Why Hire a Child Support Lawyer?
A Howard County child support lawyer helps you:
- Understand Maryland’s child support laws and calculations.
- Ensure fair financial arrangements that comply with state child support guidelines.
- Handle disputes if the other parent refuses to pay or becomes uncooperative.
- Modify child support orders if your financial situation changes.
- Navigate legal proceedings to secure your child’s well-being.
If your former spouse hires a divorce lawyer, having legal representation ensures you are on equal footing and that your rights are protected.
How Divorce With a Plan Can Help You
Our experienced attorneys at Divorce With a Plan, a trusted law office, handle child support in Maryland, ensuring your legal rights are protected.
Why Choose Us?
- Extensive Experience: Our founder, Josephia Rouse, Esq., has been litigating family law cases since 2013.
- Personalized Approach: We create child support strategies that align with your financial situation and your child’s needs.
- Strong Legal Advocacy: Whether negotiating or litigating, we fight for your best interests.
Work With a Trusted Howard County Child Support Lawyer
Our law firm is committed to providing expert legal guidance to ensure fair and legally sound child support arrangements. Whether you are seeking to establish, modify, or enforce a child support order, we are here to help.
- Call us today at (240) 269-3592 to speak with a knowledgeable child support attorney.
- Schedule a consultation to discuss your unique situation and explore your legal options.
- Get the legal support you need to protect your rights and secure your child’s future.
Serving Clients in:
Columbia, Ellicott City, North Laurel, Woodstock, Elkridge, Highland, Fulton, Lisbon, Montgomery County, and surrounding areas.