Bethesda Child Support Lawyer

Divorce is stressful, not just for the parents, but for the children as well. Divorce can really shake up a family’s dynamics, not just emotionally but financially. Children need to be able to receive the proper financial support following a divorce, and sometimes, to make that happen, it requires working with our Bethesda, MD child support lawyer. Call Fait & DiLima, LLP to discover how our team can help you!

Bethesda, MD Child Support Lawyer

Divorces with children can complicate things, and both parents might have different ideas about what’s considered fair. Child support is a periodic payment made by one parent to help financially support a child following a divorce or separation. Child support helps pay for a child’s basic necessities, including food, shelter, education, and any medical services. Payments typically last until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school.

The actual process of calculating child support depends on how much income both parents make. When couples have an adjusted income of less than $30,000 per month, then a judge will use a parent’s actual income, adjusted for any preexisting child support paid or any alimony paid. Should a couple make more than $30,000, then the amount can vary depending on the parents’ financial situations, the child’s needs, and the child’s age.

Since child support can often be at the discretion of the judge without a clear-cut formula, legal representation is often recommended. While many divorced spouses are more than willing to pay child support, sometimes spouses may try to avoid paying child support or will try arguing for a much lower amount. The goal of our Bethesda child support lawyer isn’t to punish the divorced spouse but to make sure that a child receives proper financial care.

Our attorneys know how to mediate, and we strive to come up with a solution that works for both the parents and the child. However, when disputes arise, it might be necessary to pursue litigation and go to court.

Experience Matters In Child Support Cases

Whether you need a few afternoons of mediation or an aggressive attorney, you want our experienced team on your side.

• Our CEO and Managing Partner, Marjorie G. DiLima, brings over a decade of legal experience. She’s highly experienced when it comes to mediation, helping families avoid expensive and time-consuming litigation. During her legal career, she has received several awards, including being rated by Super Lawyers for the past 10 years.
• We have several positive testimonials from satisfied clients. We’re proud to help our clients at any and all stages of the process, from preparing and filing paperwork to providing legal representation should a case need to go to court.
• Our Chief Operating Officer and Senior Attorney brings over two decades of family law experience. Besides being a qualified litigator, she also specializes in dispute resolution and mediation.

Following a divorce or separation, it’s pivotal to make sure that your child is financially taken care of. Call Fait & DiLima, LLP today to work with our Bethesda child support lawyer!

Type Of Child Support Cases We Handle

We handle cases where child support must be established for the first time. This often happens during divorce proceedings or when parents who were never married seek a legal arrangement for financial support. Our work includes reviewing income records, expenses, and the needs of the child to help develop a fair and legally compliant arrangement. By clearly presenting all relevant financial information, we help parents address the key issues that influence the court’s decision.

Cases Involving Modifications To Existing Orders

Circumstances change, and sometimes a child support order no longer fits the situation. Whether income has increased or decreased, a child’s needs have grown, or other life events occur, we assist in seeking a formal modification. A Bethesda child support lawyer can prepare the required documentation and present a case that accurately reflects current conditions, helping ensure any adjustments are properly recognized by the court. We also assist with temporary changes when urgent financial situations arise.

Cases Involving Enforcement Of Orders

When child support payments are not being made, enforcement may be necessary. We handle matters where one parent needs to pursue overdue payments through wage garnishments, contempt actions, or other court-authorized methods. These situations require careful adherence to legal procedures to protect the rights of both the child and the parent entitled to receive support. We work to pursue the best course of action that promotes compliance while safeguarding the child’s well-being.

Cases Involving Interstate Or Out-of-jurisdiction Issues

Child support cases can involve parents who live in different states, which adds legal considerations related to jurisdiction. In these situations, our approach focuses on applying the correct state and federal laws to ensure the order is enforceable and payments are collected. A Bethesda child support lawyer experienced in these matters can help manage the filing and recognition of orders across state lines. We address the necessary legal filings to prevent unnecessary delays in support.

Cases Involving Special Needs And Unique Expenses

Some children require additional financial support due to medical conditions, educational programs, or other specific needs. We represent parents seeking to include these costs in the support calculation, whether through initial determinations or modifications. Our work addresses the documentation of expenses and the legal arguments needed to account for these circumstances, making sure that the child’s needs remain the primary focus throughout the process.

Cases Involving Disputes Over Income Calculation

In some cases, parents disagree on how income should be calculated for child support purposes. We handle cases involving self-employed parents, fluctuating income, bonuses, or non-traditional compensation. A Bethesda child support lawyer can help present accurate financial evidence so the calculation reflects the true ability to contribute to the child’s needs. We take the time to examine pay structures, business records, and benefits that may affect the final support amount.

At Fait & DiLima, LLP, we are committed to representing parents in a wide range of child support matters. Whether the goal is to establish a new order, modify an existing one, or address enforcement concerns, our team provides clear guidance and strong representation. If you need help with a child support matter, we encourage you to reach out so we can discuss the options available for your situation.