Child Support

Maryland parents often face challenges when another state refuses to enforce a visitation order due to vague or incomplete language. Clear terms, defined schedules, and proper jurisdiction under the UCCJEA play a crucial role in ensuring parenting time is respected across state lines. Maryland courts can clarify or modify older orders to support consistent routines and reduce conflict for families navigating multi-state custody issues.

Maryland child support ensures both parents contribute to a child’s needs. Support is filed in the child’s county, calculated using state guidelines, and may involve establishing paternity, modifying orders, or enforcing payments through legal action.

It is not required for the parties to be married for the court to grant child support payments. Furthermore, support can be sought not only by the birth parent, if he or she has legal custody, but also by the guardian of the child.

Maryland determines child support payments using statewide guidelines that factor in parents’ incomes, existing obligations, and shared custody arrangements. Non-custodial parents may also contribute to additional expenses like medical care or daycare. Adjustments below the guideline amount are rare and require strong justification.

At The Burton Firm, Attorney Aubrey Burton Jr. helps clients navigate the complexities of child support, ensuring fair and accurate outcomes. With extensive experience in Maryland family law, the firm is dedicated to protecting your family’s best interests.

Contact The Burton Firm at (301) 420-5540 for a free consultation and let us help you achieve the best outcome for your child support case.

Non-payment of child support in Maryland has serious legal and financial consequences, including license suspension, wage garnishment, and property liens. While parents can sometimes work together to address payment issues, legal intervention is often necessary to modify or enforce support orders.

At The Burton Firm, our knowledgeable attorneys provide personalized assistance to help clients navigate child support enforcement. From modifying orders to resolving penalties, we are here to protect your rights and ensure fair outcomes.

Contact us today to explore your options and take control of your situation.

Child support in Maryland is designed to ensure that every child in the state receives adequate financial support, whether the parents are legally separated, divorced, or if they never married in the first place. Support generally takes the form of payments from the noncustodial parent to the custodial parent. The custodial parent is defined as the parent who provides the majority of the care to the child, and this means that the parent who has been awarded a greater share of custody in divorce proceedings, will generally be the one receiving the support payments. Child support payments typically continue until the child turns 18, but may continue until the child finishes high school if they have not graduated by the time they turn 18. In some instances, the court may determine that the child requires support longer, usually in cases involving disability. Support payments can only end prior to age 18 if the child emancipates themselves, joins the military prior to turning 18, marries and leaves the custodial household, or if the parents agreed to a different time period in their marital settlement agreement. Child support should be taken very seriously and it is important to consult with a Maryland family law attorney about your legal rights.

It can feel like the battle is over once the court rules in your favor regarding child support. Unfortunately, the enforcement of child support can be challenging. What is a parent to do if an ex-spouse fails or refuses to pay the child support they have been ordered to give? If you find yourself in this situation, contact a Maryland child support attorney immediately.

Child support is a court-ordered payment requiring the noncustodial parent to pay child support to the custodial parent. Typically for ordinary expenses of food, shelter, clothing, education and medication needs for the children only. In 1990, Maryland passed a law requiring the courts to use child support guidelines in all child support cases. The guidelines provide a formula to calculate your child support obligation.

The bond between grandparents and grandchildren is special, but in Maryland, grandparents face significant legal challenges when seeking custody or visitation rights. Maryland law does not give preference to grandparents over other third parties, and there is no legal entitlement for grandparents to have custody or visitation. However, grandparents can petition for reasonable access, but they must prove that the parents are unfit or that extraordinary circumstances exist, such as abuse or neglect. Grandparents can seek court intervention through guardianship, custody, or visitation. The court considers various factors, including the well-being of the child and the circumstances of the parents. If you are a grandparent seeking custody or visitation, it’s crucial to contact an experienced Maryland family law attorney to help you navigate this complex process.