Glen Burnie Child Support Lawyer

Every parent has an obligation to provide for the well-being of their child. When parents separate or are divorced, the Court will enter an order of child support. Child support is the right of the child at issue to be equitably financially supported by each parent. The amount is based upon each parent’s gross monthly income and an assessment of a few, specifically enumerated costs on behalf of the child.

Disputes are common in these cases, but the good news is that a Glen Burnie child support lawyer could help you to settle them. The right family attorney could assist in securing a resolution that puts the child’s financial stability first while also ensuring that all important facts are considered by the Court.

Determining Support

Like most states, Maryland relies on a formula to determine the appropriate amount of financial support for a child. This formula takes into account the gross monthly earnings of each parent before considering other factors such as financial obligations, the number of children the parties share, and their current lifestyle.

The formula will come up with a recommended monthly number, but the court has the power to increase that amount in the final order if necessary to ensure the child’s quality of life is not diminished. A Glen Burnie attorney could answer questions about child support calculations.

How Child Support May Be Used?

Support payments are made from one parent to another. An attorney in Glen Burnie could provide insight into what child support can be used for. While these funds are intended for the child, the receiving parent may also benefit from the support. For example, covering the cost of housing and food could end up supporting the child as well as the parent to whom child support is owed.

There are several things this money may be used for, and not all of it is limited to basic necessities. Child support funds can be spent on the following:

• Food
• Clothing
• Housing
• Recreational costs
• School books or uniforms
• Medical care

In general, these payments will continue until the child reaches their 19th birthday, but the court could extend this deadline if the child is furthering their education.

Support Orders Can Be Modified

The court’s ruling is final in these cases, but only in the sense that the payment obligation will remain in effect until the set termination date. A judge can return to the issue and modify the order to alter the payment terms in the event there is a material change of circumstances or in certain other, limited circumstances.

These orders will not be changed spontaneously. Under the law, modification is only appropriate when life circumstances require it. For example, a parent’s ability to pay support at the current rate could change if they lose their job or become disabled. Likewise, the needs of the child could increase if they become ill.

In limited circumstances, the judges have the power to decrease this obligation based on a loss of income, the child recovering from an injury or illness, or the reduced need for childcare. That said, the court will not reward a parent who it believes is willfully unemployed in an effort to avoid their obligation. A Glen Burnie attorney could answer any further questions about changes in child support payments.

Call an Attorney in Glen Burnie About Child Support Today

Both parents have an obligation to provide for the children financially, but you also have rights of your own. The Capital Family & Divorce Law Group of Price Benowitz LLP could educate you about your rights and answer other questions you may have regarding this process. Contact a Glen Burnie child support lawyer today for the help you deserve.