Securing appropriate child support can help ensure that each parent’s household remains financially stable and that your child’s needs are being met. Before agreeing to terms regarding child support payments, please speak with an experienced Maryland family law attorney. It is critical that your best interests are represented during the determination of child support obligations.
How Maryland Determines Child Support Payment Levels
The state of Maryland uses a formula contained in the state guidelines to determine child support levels. This formula considers several factors, including:
- Incomes of the parents
- Alimony being paid or received
- Health insurance expenses of the children
- Extraordinary medical expenses of the children
- Educational expenses of the children
The goal of crafting an appropriate child support amount is to create financial stability in both parents’ households. The courts believe that the best interests of the child are served when both households have the wherewithal to meet the often difficult financial challenges of raising a child.
Decades Of Experience And Commitment To Help Our Clients Secure A Better Future
At Milstein Siegel, our attorneys have built a reputation for offering superior family law representation during our decades of service to our clients. We understand the issues that matter most to our clients, and we diligently strive to create real results that help our clients and their children move forward by providing representation that looks comprehensively at the circumstances you are facing.
Modifications & Enforcements
When child support levels are not appropriate to your situation or if the paying parent is not fulfilling his or her responsibility, we can help you pursue a modification or enforcement through the contempt power of the court.
Knowledgeable & Experienced Maryland Child Support Attorney
Attorney Harry B. Siegel is a leader in the Maryland family law community. He is a founder of the Maryland Association for Justice’s Family Law Section. His efforts with Continuing Legal Education (CLE) have helped educate the Maryland family law community. Working to pursue the best possible outcome for you, Siegel will be compassionate all along the way.
Our Process
Consultation
We start by reviewing your financial information and child-related expenses to understand your support goals or concerns.
Strategic Planning
We use Maryland’s child support guidelines and case-specific details to project potential obligations or entitlements.
Preparation & Documentation
We assemble necessary income documentation, childcare costs, and insurance expenses to support our legal position.
Negotiation & Settlement
Where appropriate, we negotiate support orders that reflect current realities and provide security for your child’s needs.
Litigation & Court Representation
If needed, we assertively represent you in court, whether you’re requesting support, challenging an amount, or defending a claim.
Ongoing Support
We provide representation for post-judgment modification and enforcement as life circumstances evolve.
Let Milstein Siegel guide you every step of the way to a fair and enforceable child support order.
Contact The Maryland Family Law Attorneys At Milstein Siegel
When you are facing a divorce or other family law issues, you need to take steps to ensure that your rights and your future are well-protected by experienced lawyers. Turn to the Maryland family law attorneys of Milstein Siegel for counsel and advocacy with the goal of meeting your goals and making your future brighter. To get started, call (410) 792-2300 or request a consultation online today.
Maryland Child Support FAQs
How is child support calculated in Maryland?
In Maryland, child support is calculated using the Maryland Child Support Guidelines, which consider both parents’ incomes, the number of children, healthcare costs, childcare costs, and custody arrangements.
Can I modify my child support order if my financial situation changes?
Yes, either parent can request a modification of child support if there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as job loss, a change in income, or a change in custody or expenses.
What happens if the other parent doesn’t pay child support?
If the non-custodial parent fails to pay court-ordered child support, enforcement actions may be taken, including wage garnishment, tax refund interception, license suspension, or even legal penalties.
Does child support include expenses like medical and childcare?
Yes, Maryland’s guidelines account for necessary expenses such as health insurance premiums and reasonable childcare costs. These costs are typically shared proportionally based on each parent’s income.
How long am I required to pay child support in Maryland?
Generally, child support is paid until the child turns 18. If the child is still in high school at 18, support continues until graduation or age 19, whichever comes first.
Can parents agree on a different amount than what the court calculates?
Parents can agree to a different amount of support; however, the court must approve it. The court will ensure that the agreement serves the child’s best interests and that the amount is fair and reasonable.
Family Law Attorneys Recognized for Support Strategy and Resolution
