Rockville Child Support Lawyer
Serving Parents in the Maryland Counties of Montgomery, Howard, Carroll & Frederick
Child support can be a contentious issue between separated and divorced parents. However, it is a matter that the state requires under law and which falls under state guidelines. These guidelines are meant to determine a fair support payment to be paid to the parent who has primary physical custody of the child(ren.) Thus, it is one of the more black-and-white issues in family law.
At The Law Offices of Ellen L. Lee, we can help you calculate the proper amount of child support according to Maryland’s guiding formula as well as help you enforce or modify existing child support orders. Backed by more than three decades of concentrated practice in Maryland family law, our firm has sustained a reputation for legal competence and compassionate service to individuals and families in Rockville and the surrounding communities.
Talk to our child support attorney about your case. Contact us online or at (301) 417-5351 to set up an appointment.
Child Support Guidelines in Maryland
The purpose of child support is to cover the costs of your child's food, shelter, clothing, education, medication, and other needs. Child support is required to be paid until the child reaches the age of 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. This support is required even if you have become unemployed or underemployed. In those cases, the court will order an amount based on what it determines to be your potential income.
The factors the courts consider include:
- Your and your spouse’s incomes
- Your children’s ages
- The number of children in your family
- Childcare expenses
- Healthcare costs
- Any special medical needs of your children
Maryland has online child support worksheets to assist parents in calculating the child support obligation. According to the Maryland Code, however, the courts may deviate from these guidelines if the guidelines create an unjust or inappropriate result. An experienced family law attorney can help you determine the amount of child support you may be ordered to pay or that you are likely to receive.
Changes in Maryland Child Support Laws
Maryland’s child support laws change frequently. One example is a statute titled Child Support Enforcement — Medical Support for Children, which became effective October 1, 2008. This law requires, under certain circumstances, that one or both parents pay health insurance costs for their children. These costs are added to the basic child support obligation and divided by the parents in proportion to their incomes. Parents paying for the healthcare insurance receive a credit toward their general child support obligation.
At The Law Offices of Ellen L. Lee, our Rockville child support lawyer Ellen L. Lee stays up-to-date on the constant changes to the laws and finds ways to make the changes work to the advantage of you and your children.
Consult with a caring family lawyer about your divorce or child support matter. Connect with us online or at (301) 417-5351 to book a consultation today.