Ensuring Your Children Have A Secure Financial Future

Every child has the right to receive child support, and every parent who does not have primary physical custody of the children has an obligation to contribute toward the support of their children. However, an unfair child support or spousal support settlement could harm you, your lifestyle and your children for years to come. An experienced attorney can help make sure that your rights are respected and that you receive the most beneficial child or spousal support arrangement possible.

At the Law Offices of Elling & Elling in Gaithersburg, our attorneys provide personalized, practical and effective legal representation. You will work one-on-one with your attorney, analyzing every aspect of your personal circumstances to make sure no detail is overlooked.

Experienced And Compassionate Child Support Representation

Child support is a court-mandated payment made by one parent to another to cover the costs of raising a child. In Maryland, both parents are considered responsible for supporting their children financially, regardless of whether they are married, separated or divorced. The state’s child support laws are designed to ensure that children receive adequate financial support from both parents.

In Maryland, child support is usually determined by the Maryland Child Support Guidelines. Your child support settlement will be calculated only after taking a number of factors into account, like the income of each parent, the custody and visitation arrangement, and any unique expenses that may relate to your situation.

These guidelines consider several factors, including:

1. The income of both parents: This includes wages, salaries, bonuses, social security benefits and any other forms of income.
2. The number of children: The amount of child support increases with the number of children being supported.
3. Costs of child care: Expenses for daycare, babysitting and other child care services needed due to employment or job search efforts are included.
4. Medical costs and health insurance: The cost of health insurance premiums for the children and any extraordinary medical costs (such as expenses for dental orthodontics, physical therapy or chronic health problems) are considered.
5. Education-related expenses: Any special educational needs or private school tuition can also impact the support calculation.
6. Custody arrangements: The amount of time the child spends with each parent can affect the child support calculations, especially in shared physical custody situations.

The state provides an online child support calculator to help estimate the amount of support that might be ordered in your case. However, this calculator provides only a general idea, and the actual amount could differ based on specific circumstances and the judge’s discretion.

Enforcement And Modification

Child support payments can be modified at any time following the initial order or divorce decree, but only if there has been a material or significant change in either party’s circumstances. A material or significant change can involve a change in income, expenses, or the custody and visitation order. The enforcement of an order is usually necessary when the paying spouse refuses to pay child support as ordered by the court.

Let Us Help You Protect Your Child’s Future And Financial Security

As a small law firm, the Law Offices of Elling & Elling can provide cost-effective, personalized service. To meet with an attorney who can work on your case, call us at 301-960-3416 or contact us online for a free initial consultation.