Glen Burnie, MD Child Support Lawyers

Compassionate Child Support Attorneys for Parents in Glen Burnie, Maryland

When parents get divorced, child support may be one of the more important issues on the line. Depending on the child custody arrangement, one parent may be legally required to pay child support until the child reaches adulthood. If you have any concerns about how child support will be allocated, a Glen Burnie family law attorney can advise you of your rights.

At Zide Law Group, LLC, we have the legal knowledge, skills, and experience to help you navigate cases involving child support, regardless of whether you are the main custodial parent. Our attorneys can stand up for you in court, working toward a resolution that meets your needs while serving your child's best interests.

Who Has to Pay Child Support in Maryland?

The allotment of child support is largely determined by how physical custody is split up after a divorce or separation. The parent who takes care of the child for a majority of the year is referred to as the primary custodial parent. Because the primary custodial parent is assumed to be covering most of the child's everyday expenses, the non-custodial parent is usually held responsible for making support payments.

It may not always be easy to determine who must pay child support. If you share 50/50 joint physical custody with your co-parent, whoever earns more between the two of you may be ordered to make child support payments. At Zide Law Group, LLC, we can discuss the specifics of your case to give you a better idea of what to expect.

How Are Child Support Payments Calculated?

Child support is intended to provide a child with comparable financial resources that they might have in a household with both parents. To meet this standard, the family law courts use an "income shares" model to calculate monthly payments. This model is designed to reflect the proportion of income each parent contributes to the total household income.

The income shares formula takes different factors into account, such as the income of each parent, how many children are shared between them, any existing alimony payments, the cost of health insurance, and any other expenses for the child's medical needs. Additionally, the number of overnights you have with your child(ren) can impact how much you pay in child support.

Child support payments can be put towards necessary expenses for the child's health and well-being, such as educational expenses, daycare costs, medical bills, groceries, housing, and extracurricular activities. Our attorneys can represent you in court for any disputes related to child support, or help you negotiate for an appropriate amount outside of court.

How Long Does Child Support Last in Maryland?

Child support is a long-term commitment. If you are ordered to pay child support, you can expect your obligations to last at least until your child reaches the age of majority or graduates from high school. However, you and your co-parent could also agree to continue child support payments into college. Moreover, if your child has a significant physical or mental disability that substantially limits their ability to be self-supporting, the court could order child support to continue into adulthood.

Note also that an order of child support can be modified with good cause. If the child's needs change, or you have experienced a change in circumstances that affects your ability to pay, you could petition for a modification in monthly support obligations.

Meet With a Glen Burnie, MD Child Support Attorney Today

Child support is a significant responsibility entrusted to parents in Maryland. If you have any concerns regarding support obligations, including enforcement, Zide Law Group, LLC is here to help. We can advocate for your rights in court, making sure to represent your child's best interests. Call us at 410-760-9433 or contact us online for an initial consultation.