If you are going through a divorce and are looking for an experienced child support attorney in Maryland, choose Baumohl Hamburg law firm. We specialize in Maryland family law matters and divorce, including complex child support disputes. We offer comprehensive services including legal counsel on child maintenance Maryland laws, high net worth child support cases, child support agreement drafting, modifications post-divorce, and assistance with child support violation and enforcement. Our skilled lawyers will fiercely advocate on your behalf as well as those of your children. We are known as fearless and passionate litigators, dedicated to amicable resolutions of legal matters outside the courtroom, who will also passionately fight for your interests in the courtroom.
Child support matters can be quite intricate and sensitive as they impact your future life. For this reason, it is of utmost importance to find the right lawyer to represent your interests. Baumohl Hamburg’s family law experts have over 75 years of combined experience and are known as skilled, sharp, and sympathetic experts. Our firm is a small, boutique-style office, so you can have our full attention at all times. Because of this, many clients from Maryland speak highly of us and give us rave reviews. Feel free to contact our office or call us today at (443) 940-2000 to set up a meeting.
Child Support In Maryland
Every parent has a legal responsibility to financially support their child. In Maryland, before becoming legally divorced, couples with minor children have to first reach a mutual agreement regarding child support, also known as child maintenance. It is an ongoing financial assistance, typically paid by the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent in the amount that is determined based on the Maryland Child Support Guidelines.
In order to make sure you comply and understand the laws, it is wise to get experienced Maryland child support lawyers who will acquire the ruling you prefer. When you are awarded fair financial payment each month, you will be able to better care for your children, without worry or stress. When you choose our fearless, but empathetic child support advocates you can rest assured your case will be expertly handled.
How Is Child Support Calculated In Maryland?
According to law, child support shall be determined between both parents and in proportion to their earnings. In order to determine the amount of monthly child maintenance payments, the state of Maryland uses Title 12 of the Maryland Family Law Code and the Child Support Administration (CSA) Guidelines. Unless one parent proves the guidelines are not unjust and inappropriate for their particular circumstances, the court will order child support based on these guidelines.
Furthermore, after all important aspects are analyzed and reviewed, it is possible for the actual amount to be different from what the guidelines suggest when the judge finds it to be in the best interest of the child.
Major Factors Considered By The Court
When calculating each parent’s financial obligation and the recommended amount of child support, the court takes into account the following factors:
- Both parents’ income – Both parent’s pre-tax income is taken into consideration, including wages, salary, bonuses, benefits, social security, commissions, trust income, and similar earnings.
- The number of minor children – The court also considers how many minor children in the family will have to be supported from a parent in order to decide the amount of maintenance.
- Health insurance costs of the children – In Maryland, both parents are obligated to pay for the cost of health insurance proportionate to their income.
- Other child support and alimony paid or received – Adjustments to income, such as other child support or spousal support obligations, are deducted to calculate adjusted monthly income.
- Extraordinary expenses – Additional expenses that are considered by the judge include work-related child care expenses, daycare, before/aftercare, babysitting, and any other additional medical expenses (dental, physical therapy, orthodontia, counseling, or uninsured medical expenses that exceed a predetermined amount).
- Custody arrangements – Another important factor is how much time a child spends with each parent. Maryland Rule 9-206 includes worksheets used by court to perform calculations, based on child custody arrangements. (25%, 30%, etc.).
- School and transportation – Any expenses in relation to private education, tutoring lessons, and transportation from one to another parent’s home may also be observed.
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Child Support Modifications
In Maryland, child support order can be modified if there is evidence of significant change in circumstances, like variations in child’s needs or income.
You can file a petition for modification in the following situations:
- Job loss or promotion
- Health issues
- Your ex-spouse remarries
- Relocation
- Changes in custody agreements
However, note that there are other factors that will be taken into consideration before a modification can be approved by the judge.
What Happens If Other Parent Does Not Pay Child Support In Maryland
If you have trouble collecting child support because the other parent is not paying the ordered amount, there are steps you can take to enforce the ruling. A publication by the Maryland Judiciary has information on what to do in case the other parent does not supply complete child support payments.
It is important to remember that you cannot withhold access to your child, but there are certain corrective measures the custodial parent can take:
- Seek assistance from the local child support enforcement administration office (CSEA), which will initiate legal action
- File a petition for contempt with circuit court
- File petition for criminal contempt or criminal non-support
Enforcement tools for collection of overdue child support in Maryland
The Maryland Child Support Administration helps all children receive the financial maintenance they are entitled to. This office is responsible for ensuring payments are made according to the agreement. In addition, CSEA helps with payment collection and assists in locating absent parents to establish child support agreements.
If the non-custodial parent stops making regular payments, enforcement tools that can be applied include:
- Federal or state income tax refund offset
- Suspension of driver’s license
- Passport denial
- Professional license suspension
- Financial institution data match (FIDM)
- Wage withholding & new hire reporting database
- Reporting to Credit Bureau
- Administrative liens (real & personal property)
- Civil contempt (including incarceration)
- Medical support, unemployment insurance , WCC interception
Why It’s Important to Get a Lawyer
Hiring qualified legal counsel provides vital assistance in ensuring your child is well taken care of and gets the financial assistance it deserves to lead a quality and happy life. They can help you acquire your initial order and ensure it is enforced. With professional help from our Baumohl Hamburg child support attorneys in Maryland, your kids will get the money they require for their wellbeing. Don’t hesitate to contact our attorneys today to find out how we can help you.
How We Make a Difference In Your Child Support Battle in Maryland
Baumohl Hamburg law firm has one major goal – to provide outstanding legal counsel and empathetic support for the clients. With exceptional technical, analytical, research, and interpersonal skills, we will ensure you get the counseling customized to your family’s specific circumstances. With our client-oriented approach and continuous drive for success, you can rest assured that we have your child’s and your family’s best interests at heart.
- Proven record of achieving successful outcomes
- 75+ years of combined family law experience
- Fierce, accomplished, and caring litigators
- High-conflict & high net-worth child support experts
- Quality representation inside & outside the courtroom
- 100% client-centered boutique-style law firm
Meet Our Maryland Custody Lawyers
Harry A Baumohl, Founding Partner
Harry takes pride in having counseled hundreds of families and individuals over the years. He has assisted clients in all matters of family law, from high-net worth divorce cases, and high conflict child support matters to marital agreements, alimony disputes, and more. No matter how complicated your family law issue seems, Harry has the experience and comprehensive knowledge to achieve the outcomes you desire.
Michael B. Hamburg, Esq., Founding Partner
Michael is highly experienced in family law, civil law and injury, negligence, and malpractice cases. With more than twenty years of experience, he uses his rich expertise in conflict resolution, quality defense, and effective problem solving to successfully negotiate and obtain positive rulings for his clients, with the confidence and legal wisdom to take cases to court if needed. Micheal is an active member of the Baltimore County Bar Association and a volunteer for CHANA (Domestic abuse treatment center in Baltimore).
Jodie Sykes Hamburg, Associate Attorney
Jodie is an experienced personal injury and family law attorney with 15 years of experience. She is also a certified mediator, highly-skilled at reaching mutual consent through negotiation and mediation techniques. Jodie is hard-working, dedicated, and genuinely cares for her clients.
Client Testimonials
Going through a tough time, mixed in with the legalities of my divorce, was made way easier with Harry. I always knew I was in really good hands with him and making sure I got my fair share was never a worry. He was able to walk that fine line of being very respectful to the other side while being uncompromisingly on my side. He was a stark contrast to the other lawyer who was highly touted but showed very little respect. At the end of the process, I got a much better outcome than I thought I would had gotten, especially as the man. Harry knows the law, and understands the intricacies when the law is less clear. If I am ever needing to make a recommendation, Harry will be enthusiastically endorsed by me. In fact, if I ever needed legal representation in any other context, I would want to know who Harry recommends and go with them.
Areas We Serve In Maryland
Baumohl Hamburg family law attorneys provide expert assistance to anyone in Maryland who needs legal advice on child support issues, child support enforcement matters, and child support modifications. Below, you can find a list of locations we serve in the state of Maryland. For other places, please feel free to contact us directly.
Annapolis – Baltimore – Clarksville – Cockeysville – Columbia – Ellicott City – Glyndon – Hanover – Hunt Valley – Jarrettsville – Lutherville-Timonium – Monkton – Owings Mills – Pikesville – Phoenix – Reisterstown – Towson
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does the court in Maryland verify income for child support cases?
There are several ways to verify parent’s income, depending on the type of revenue. As per Maryland Family Law Code §12-203, the past and actual income should be verified using actual documentation, such as pay stubs or employer statements, receipts and expenses for self-employed parents, and 3 or 5 recent federal tax returns.
2. How is child support determined when one parent is not working?
When a parent is unemployed, under §12–204 section of Maryland’s family law, they are considered voluntarily impoverished. Unless the parent is unable to work due to a mental or physical disability, or if they are caring for a child of both parties who is under 2, the court will calculate child maintenance using potential earnings.
3. What are mother’s rights to support while pregnant and after birth?
The law says that a judge may order the other party to pay for the portion or all maternity expenses, including medical and hospital fees for pregnancy and recovery, as well as child’s medical expenses , such as neonatal care cost.
Learn More About Child Custody in Maryland
- Co-Parenting Tips for Separated Parents in Maryland: Putting Your Child First
- Understanding Divorce Grounds in Maryland: A Comprehensive Guide
- Alimony in Maryland Explained: What You Need to Know
- Should My Child Have Their Own Lawyer in a Custody Case in Maryland
- Determining Income for Self-Employed Individuals in Maryland Family Law Cases
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. It is always recommended to consult with a qualified attorney for personalized guidance and representation in legal matters.