Child Support Lawyer Rockville, MD

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Few things in a divorce are as hotly contested as child support and custody. Whether you’re the paying parent or the recipient, the advice of a Rockville, MD, child support lawyer is invaluable. Child support is intended to provide for the needs of a minor child. Maryland family law statutes govern the amount and frequency, and a family law judge applies these statutes in your child’s interest.

If you need to petition the court for a child support order, modify an existing one, or get child support money from your child’s other parent, we can help. The legal team at Fait & DiLima, LLP, has decades of combined experience fighting for families just like yours and the tenacity to fight for you and your child, no matter how complex the issues are. Contact us today for a personalized consultation.

Why Do I Need A Rockville Child Support Lawyer?

A Maryland family law judge orders child support according to state laws governing these matters. The amount varies depending on how many children the couple shares and is a percentage of the paying parent’s income. However, it’s important to ensure that your and your child’s interests are represented through the process. A child support attorney can help ensure that you, as the custodial parent, receive the child support you need to pay for your child’s needs. Your lawyer can also represent you if you’re having difficulty getting child support from the other parent.

If you are the parent paying child support, an attorney can help you, too. If your financial situation has significantly changed since the initial order was issued, your lawyer can file a petition with a judge to alter the arrangement. Life happens; people may lose a job, get transferred, or otherwise see a change in financial circumstances. Our goal is to ensure that your rights are protected and your child is taken care of.

Establishing Child Support In Maryland

The goal of child support is to cover the needs of a minor child: physical needs like food, clothing, and shelter, school supplies and fees, or extracurricular activities. It’s the responsibility of the receiving parent to use these funds for their child.

If you suspect that the receiving parent isn’t using child support for your child but rather misappropriating the funds (such as buying drugs or alcohol or spending it on themselves), then a lawyer can help you. We can advise you of the legal steps we can take to make sure this money goes to your child.

Negotiating a child support arrangement can be much easier with the help and advice of a skilled Rockville child support lawyer. At Fait & DiLima, LLP, we review your financial situation and your child’s needs, then represent your interests in court or mediation. Call us today—we’re on your side and ready to help you fight for your family.

Addressing Child Support Needs With Legal Guidance

Child support is a crucial aspect of ensuring that children receive the financial support they need after their parents separate or divorce. Working with a Rockville child support lawyer can help parents navigate the legal process to establish, modify, or enforce child support agreements. The goal is to provide children with the resources they need for a stable upbringing, including food, shelter, education, and healthcare.

Child support payments are typically determined based on a variety of factors, including the income of both parents, the needs of the child, and the amount of time each parent spends with the child. Ensuring that these payments are fair and in line with the child’s best interests is essential, and this is where a child support lawyer comes into play.

Establishing Fair Child Support Agreements

One of the primary responsibilities of a child support lawyer is to help establish child support agreements that reflect the true financial circumstances of both parents. This involves presenting accurate financial information to the court and ensuring that all relevant factors are considered. For example, a lawyer can assist in gathering evidence of income, such as pay stubs, tax returns, and other financial documents, to ensure that the child support payments are calculated correctly.

In some cases, parents may agree on the terms of child support without much dispute. However, when disagreements arise, having legal representation can make a significant difference. A lawyer can advocate for your interests, whether you are the parent paying support or the one receiving it, to ensure that the agreement is fair and sustainable.

Modifying Child Support Agreements

Life circumstances can change, and when they do, it may be necessary to modify an existing child support agreement. Whether due to a change in income, a shift in custody arrangements, or other significant life events, a modification may be required to reflect the new situation accurately. A Rockville, MD child support lawyer can assist in filing for a modification and presenting the necessary evidence to the court.

It’s important to understand that modifying a child support agreement is not as simple as informally agreeing with the other parent. The modification must be approved by the court to be legally binding. A lawyer can guide you through this process, helping to ensure that the modification is fair and in the best interest of the child.

Enforcing Child Support Orders

Unfortunately, there are situations where one parent fails to comply with a child support order, which can place a significant financial burden on the other parent and the child. If you are struggling to receive the child support payments you are owed, a lawyer in Rockville, MD, can help you take legal action to enforce the order. This might involve garnishing wages, seizing assets, or other legal measures to ensure that the support is paid as required by the court.

Enforcing a child support order can be a complex and stressful process, but having an experienced lawyer on your side can make a significant difference. They can handle the legal aspects of enforcement, allowing you to focus on caring for your child.

Moving Forward With Confidence

Ensuring that your child receives the financial support they need is a priority for any parent. If you need assistance with establishing, modifying, or enforcing a child support agreement, it’s important to seek legal advice. Fait & DiLima, LLP is here to help. Contact us today to speak with a Rockville child support lawyer who can guide you through the process and ensure that your child’s needs are met. We are committed to helping you achieve a fair and effective resolution that benefits both you and your child.

Rockville Child Support Infographic

Rockville Child Support Statistics

Child support plays a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of children following parental separation or divorce. In one year, approximately 50% of the 12.9 million custodial parents had legal or informal child support agreements in place. ​

Single-parent families, particularly those led by single mothers, are more susceptible to poverty. Over 40% of these families live below the official poverty line, underscoring the importance of child support in mitigating economic hardship.

Studies have found that Black fathers often face child support orders up to three times higher than those of White fathers, highlighting significant racial disparities within the child support system.

Common Factors That Influence Child Support Decisions In Maryland

Child support decisions are important for ensuring that children receive the financial resources they need after a separation or divorce. In Maryland, the courts consider several factors when determining the appropriate amount of child support. Below, we outline some of the key factors that influence child support decisions in the state.

1. Income of Both Parents

One of the most significant factors influencing child support decisions is the income of both parents. Maryland courts look at the gross income of each parent, including wages, salaries, bonuses, and other forms of earnings. This ensures that child support is calculated fairly, based on what both parents can reasonably contribute. In cases where one parent has a significantly higher income, they may be required to provide more support. A Rockville child support lawyer can help ensure that income is accurately represented and considered by the court.

2. Custody and Visitation Arrangements

The amount of time each parent spends with the child can also affect child support decisions. If one parent has primary physical custody, meaning the child lives with them most of the time, the non-custodial parent may be required to pay more in child support. However, if both parents share physical custody and the child spends significant time with each, the support amount may be adjusted to reflect this arrangement. A fair assessment of the custody situation is essential to determining the right amount of support.

3. Number of Children

The number of children involved in the support arrangement is another key factor. Maryland’s child support guidelines take into account the number of children when calculating payments. More children typically result in higher support payments to ensure that the financial needs of all the children are met. It’s important to consider this when negotiating or reviewing child support agreements.

4. Health Insurance and Medical Expenses

Maryland courts also consider the cost of health insurance and other medical expenses when calculating child support. The parent providing health insurance for the child may receive adjustments in their child support payments to account for these costs. Additionally, if a child has special medical needs that require ongoing treatment or care, these expenses can be factored into the support arrangement.

5. Childcare Costs

If either parent incurs childcare expenses related to work or education, these costs are factored into the child support calculation. Childcare can include daycare, after-school care, or babysitting services. The court may adjust the child support amount to reflect the childcare costs, ensuring that both parents contribute to covering these essential expenses.

6. Educational Expenses

If the child has specific educational needs, such as private school tuition or tutoring, these costs may also influence child support decisions. The court will consider the educational background of the child and whether these expenses are necessary for their well-being and development. In such cases, a Rockville child support lawyer can help present evidence to the court to ensure that educational costs are included in the support agreement.

Child support decisions in Maryland are based on several important factors, including the income of both parents, custody arrangements, and various expenses related to the child’s well-being. At Fait & DiLima, LLP, we work with clients in Rockville to ensure that child support agreements are fair and accurately reflect the financial needs of the child. If you have questions about your child support situation, contact a trusted Rockville child support lawyer from our firm to discuss your options and next steps.

Rockville Child Support Infographic

What Happens If Child Support Is Not Paid

Child support is a crucial part of ensuring that children receive the financial care they need. In Maryland, when a parent fails to pay court-ordered child support, there can be serious legal consequences. It’s important to know what options are available if child support goes unpaid and how the legal system handles such situations. At Fait & DiLima, LLP, we help families in Rockville manage child support issues and enforce support orders when necessary.

What Are The Consequences For Not Paying Child Support In Rockville, MD?

In Rockville, MD, if a parent does not pay their court-ordered child support, they could face several legal consequences. The court may take action to collect the unpaid support through wage garnishment, where the delinquent parent’s employer is ordered to withhold part of their paycheck to cover the owed amount. In more severe cases, the court may issue a lien against the parent’s property or seize tax refunds to cover unpaid child support. If the arrears become substantial, the court may also suspend the delinquent parent’s driver’s license or professional licenses, making it difficult for them to continue working or maintaining employment.

What Can I Do If The Other Parent Refuses To Pay Child Support?

If the other parent refuses to pay child support, the first step is to contact a Rockville child support lawyer to discuss your legal options. Maryland law offers several ways to enforce child support orders. You can request a contempt hearing in which the court will require the non-paying parent to explain why they have not complied with the order. If they fail to provide a valid reason, they could face penalties such as fines or jail time. Additionally, the Maryland Child Support Administration (CSA) may assist in enforcing the order by taking direct actions like wage garnishment or intercepting tax refunds.

Can Unpaid Child Support Be Collected With Interest?

Yes, in Maryland, unpaid child support can accrue interest. When a parent falls behind on their child support payments, the unpaid amount—often referred to as arrears—can accumulate interest at a rate of 10% per year. This interest is added to the total amount of support owed. It’s important to address unpaid child support as soon as possible to avoid the added financial burden of interest on top of the outstanding payments. Contacting a child support lawyer can help facilitate the process of collecting these overdue payments.

Can Unpaid Child Support Affect My Credit Score?

Yes, unpaid child support can negatively impact a person’s credit score. When child support goes unpaid for an extended period, the state may report the delinquency to credit bureaus. This can result in a drop in the non-paying parent’s credit score, which could affect their ability to secure loans, mortgages, or other forms of credit. This is one of the reasons it’s crucial for parents to address any issues related to child support as soon as possible, to avoid long-term financial and legal consequences.

What Happens If The Non-paying Parent Moves Out Of State?

If the non-paying parent moves out of state, Maryland law allows for child support enforcement across state lines. The Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) ensures that child support orders are enforceable no matter where the parent resides in the United States. A Rockville child support lawyer can assist in taking legal action to have the support order recognized and enforced in the new state. The court in the new state can then take the necessary steps to collect the owed support, including wage garnishment or other penalties.

If you are dealing with unpaid child support in Rockville, it’s important to take action quickly. At Fait & DiLima, LLP, we can help you enforce child support orders and secure the payments your child deserves. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an experienced Rockville child support lawyer and discuss your options.

Does Shared Custody Affect The Amount Of Child Support?

Child support is often one of the most discussed aspects of shared custody arrangements. Many families wonder how shared custody impacts the calculation and payment of child support. While shared custody involves both parents contributing to a child’s upbringing, it doesn’t necessarily mean child support is eliminated. At Fait & DiLima, LLP, we’ve worked with many families in Rockville to help them understand how shared custody can influence child support obligations.

How Is Child Support Calculated In Shared Custody Cases?

In Maryland, child support is typically calculated using state guidelines, which consider factors like each parent’s income, the number of children, and the percentage of time the child spends with each parent. In shared custody situations, the amount of child support is adjusted to reflect the shared parenting arrangement.

For example, if the child spends a substantial amount of time with both parents, each parent’s financial responsibility is calculated based on their respective income and the proportion of time they provide care. This ensures that both parents contribute fairly to the child’s needs.

Does 50/50 Custody Mean No Child Support Is Required?

A common misconception is that 50/50 custody automatically eliminates child support obligations. While equal custody may reduce the amount one parent owes, it doesn’t necessarily cancel out child support entirely.

Even in a 50/50 arrangement, if one parent earns significantly more than the other, they may still be required to pay child support to help balance the financial responsibilities. The goal is to ensure that the child’s needs are met in both households, regardless of income disparities.

How Does The Income Of Each Parent Affect Child Support In Shared Custody?

Income plays a critical role in determining child support in shared custody cases. The state guidelines use each parent’s gross income to calculate their financial responsibility. If there is a significant difference in income, the higher-earning parent may be required to contribute more, even in shared custody scenarios.

This approach helps create financial stability for the child and ensures both parents are contributing in proportion to their ability.

Can Shared Custody Agreements Include Additional Child-related Expenses?

Yes, shared custody agreements often address additional expenses beyond basic child support. These may include healthcare costs, extracurricular activities, or educational expenses.

For instance, if one parent covers the child’s health insurance premiums or pays for specific activities, those contributions may be factored into the overall support calculation. Including these details in the child custody agreement helps avoid disputes and provides clarity for both parents.

How Can Parents Ensure Child Support Agreements Are Fair In Shared Custody Cases?

Working with a legal professional can help parents create a fair and enforceable child support agreement. A Rockville child support lawyer can evaluate the specifics of your situation, including income, custody arrangements, and additional expenses, to calculate an appropriate amount.

In Rockville, families often turn to a Rockville child support lawyer to help negotiate or modify agreements, ensuring that both parents meet their obligations while supporting their child’s well-being.

Rockville Child Support Glossary

At Fait & DiLima, LLP, we assist parents throughout Rockville, MD, in managing child support matters with practical legal solutions. Our Rockville, MD child support lawyer can guide you through the legal process of securing the financial support your child needs. Below are key legal terms that are often relevant when working through a child support case in Maryland. These definitions are meant to help you better understand the legal terms that may arise during your case.

Child Support Order

A child support order is a legally binding document issued by a Maryland family court that outlines the amount and schedule of payments one parent must make to the other for the financial care of a child. This order is based on state guidelines that take into account each parent’s income, custody arrangement, and other related expenses. Once the court issues this order, both parents are legally required to comply with its terms. If changes in financial circumstances arise, a parent can request the court to modify the order, but the current terms remain in effect until a new order is entered by the court.

Physical Custody Arrangement

Physical custody arrangement refers to the actual time each parent spends with the child. This directly influences the amount of child support the court assigns. Maryland courts evaluate how many overnights the child spends with each parent annually to determine if the arrangement qualifies as shared or sole custody. The more time a parent has with the child, the more financial resources they are presumed to contribute directly, potentially lowering their required support payments. A Rockville child support lawyer can help present this information clearly to the court to ensure it is reflected accurately in support calculations.

Income Shares Model

Maryland uses the Income Shares Model to calculate child support obligations. This model estimates the amount parents would spend on their child if they remained together and then divides that amount proportionally based on each parent’s income. The goal is to approximate the financial contributions both parents would have made in an intact household. Gross income sources considered include wages, salaries, bonuses, commissions, and certain benefits. Accurate reporting of income is critical, and a lawyer can assist in reviewing documentation to support a fair calculation.

Material Change In Circumstances

A material change in circumstances refers to a significant shift in either parent’s situation that justifies a review or modification of an existing child support order. Common examples include job loss, salary reduction, a substantial increase in income, changes in custody, or a child’s evolving needs. To modify an order, the parent must file a formal request with the court and provide evidence supporting the change. The court must determine that the new circumstances warrant an adjustment. Informal agreements between parents do not have legal effect without court approval.

Child Support Enforcement

Child support enforcement involves legal methods used to collect payments when a parent fails to follow the terms of a child support order. In Maryland, enforcement measures can include wage garnishment, seizure of tax refunds, suspension of professional licenses, and court proceedings for contempt. These tools are available through state support enforcement agencies or by motion through the family court system. If you are owed support, a Rockville child support lawyer can file the necessary motions and represent you during enforcement actions to help recover the payments your child is entitled to.

We’re here to protect your interests and make sure your child receives the financial support they deserve. If you need help securing or adjusting a support order, contact Fait & DiLima, LLP today to speak with a dedicated Rockville child support lawyer.

Contact Our Firm Today

Shared custody doesn’t eliminate child support but adjusts it to reflect each parent’s financial contribution and caregiving responsibilities. If you have questions about how shared custody impacts child support or need assistance with creating or modifying an agreement, we’re here to help. Contact Fait & DiLima, LLP today to speak with an experienced Rockville child support lawyer and find the guidance you need to support your family’s future.