Fulton, MD Child Support Lawyer

Fulton, MD Child Support Attorney

Child support is critical to ensuring children whose parents are no longer together still receive the financial resources needed for a nurturing and stable upbringing. Dealing with child support matters can be complex for any parent, especially when the other parent is not cooperating or being fair. Hiring a Fulton-based family law attorney is essential for navigating these challenges effectively. Whether you need to establish, modify, or enforce child support, an experienced Fulton child support lawyer will work to ensure that your rights and your child’s best interests are protected throughout the legal process.

At the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, we understand the challenges that come with family law matters involving children, and we’re aware that each family has different needs and concerns. Contact our lawyers, they provide clients with compassionate and effective representation when they are facing child support issues. We make it a priority to guide our clients, giving helpful advice and helping them secure an arrangement that is appropriate for their family.

Determining Child Support Payments

Child support payments in Fulton, MD, are determined by the court using the Maryland Child Support Guidelines. These guidelines allow child support payments to be calculated using a specific formula. The following factors are taken into consideration to ensure a fair child support amount is determined for parents and children:

• Income: The income of both parents is taken into account for child support payments. This can include salaries, wages, commissions, bonuses, and many other sources of income, including potential income.
• Number of Children: The number of minor children shared between two parents is factored into the child support calculation.
• Parenting Time: The custody arrangement is very important when determining child support. Parents with shared physical custody may have child support calculated differently than parents who do not share custody. In cases of shared custody, maintaining the child’s standard of living between households may be a significant factor.
• Healthcare and Medical Costs: The cost of providing a child with health insurance or paying for medical expenses related to a disability or a chronic illness can influence the amount of child support a parent is ordered to pay.
• Childcare Expenses: Costs for daycare, school tuition, and anything else related to childcare are typically factored into support calculations.
• Alimony: Spousal support made from one parent to the other is usually calculated before child support. The amount of alimony awarded is considered a part of the recipient’s income and is subtracted from the payor’s income.

It is not uncommon for the court to deviate from the guidelines in certain instances when it feels it would be unfair to apply the formula. In these cases, additional factors may be taken into consideration to determine child support.

Modifying and Enforcing Child Support

Circumstances can often change significantly for parents and children after a child support order has been established, whether it be changes to income or the custody arrangement. When this happens, parents may be able to request an order modification and attend a hearing where they can present their argument for why a modification is warranted.

In matters regarding enforcing child support, when a parent refuses to pay, does not make payments on time, or does not pay support in full, the Maryland Child Support Administration (CSA) can assist with collecting all unpaid support. There are various methods the CSA can use to collect support, including:

• Withholding the paying parent’s wages, unemployment benefits, workers’ compensation, etc.
• Intercepting tax refunds
• Garnishing bank accounts
• Placing a lien on the property

It’s important to keep in mind that even if the non-custodial parent is not actively involved in the child’s life, they are legally obligated to provide their child with financial support. Children have a right to child support. A family law attorney can help you with child support modifications or enforcement and represent your interests in court if necessary.

FAQs About Fulton, MD Child Support Law

How Much Should a Parent Pay in Child Support in MD?

In Maryland, a parent should pay as much child support as the court has determined. The amount can change as circumstances change and modifications are done, but the parent should always abide by the court order. To get an accurate estimate of how much you should pay in child support in Maryland, you can speak with a family law attorney or use the Maryland Child Support Calculator.

What Is Voluntary Impoverishment?

Voluntary impoverishment is a situation where a parent purposely reduces their income to avoid paying child support or minimize their support obligations. In this situation, there are no factors outside the parents’ control that keep them impoverished; it is completely by choice. If a parent is found to be voluntarily impoverished, the court can calculate their child support payment based on imputed income. This is income the court determines the parent has the potential to make.

Can You Negotiate Child Support in MD?

Yes, you can negotiate child support in Maryland if both you and the other parent agree on all of the terms and the court approves the agreement. This can be fairly beneficial for both parents. Negotiating child support allows parents to come to a mutual agreement that’s suitable for their circumstances and caters to their child’s needs. A court may make changes to your child support agreement to ensure the arrangement complies with state guidelines and that all of your child’s needs are met.

Can I Pay Child Support Directly to My Ex in MD?

No, you cannot pay child support directly to your ex in Maryland unless it is allowed by the court order. Child support payments are required to be made through the child support agency in order to count towards your court-ordered obligation. Any support payments made directly to your ex are considered gifts, and you will still owe child support.

Contact a Fulton Child Support Lawyer Today

If you need to establish a child support order or address issues with a current order, consulting a child support lawyer in Fulton, MD, is an important step to take. You can contact the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, for help with your child support case. We can evaluate the details of your case and work with you to develop a strategy to achieve your goals.