Bowie, MD Child Support Lawyers

Dedicated Maryland Attorneys Assisting Parents in Bowie With Child Support Issues

Whether married or not, a child's parents are both obligated to provide for them according to their abilities. While financial needs are usually more manageable when parents are together, a parent's obligation to their children does not end when they separate or divorce. Some parents may attempt to withhold support as a way to punish their former spouse or partner, and others may need help getting as much child support as they need to provide for their children adequately.

Whatever your child support issue, the Law Office of Kari H. Fawcett is prepared to advocate aggressively for your and your children's rights. We know how Maryland courts calculate child support and the various factors that are taken into consideration. We are also aware that, at times, existing child support orders may need to be modified to reflect changes in circumstances. We will not confuse you with fancy legal terms. Instead, we will provide straightforward information and advice. For assistance creating customized child support solutions, speak with one of our attorneys today.

Calculating Maryland Child Support

Determining whether a parent will pay child support and the amount of those payments goes hand-in-hand with child custody arrangements. Divorce and separation agreements typically include details about child support. These payments are intended to minimize the financial effects of a parental split so the children's ongoing needs will be met. Child support calculations consider multiple factors, which include:

• Each parent's gross income
• Premiums for children's health insurance coverage
• Private school tuition
• Alimony payments
• Substantial expenses for children's extracurricular activities
• Out-of-pocket medical expenses
• The amount of time the children spend with each parent

Your lawyer from the Law Office of Kari H. Fawcett will discuss and explain various child support considerations. Some cases involve complex situations, but we know how to handle things like:

• Calculating child support when one or both parents are self-employed
• Addressing business expense accounts
• Determining how overtime pay for either parent may affect child support
• Unwed mothers seeking support from biological fathers
• Either parent experiencing a significant change in income, whether an increase or decrease
• The other parent accepting a lower-paying job to try to lower their child support payments
• The other parent hiding unreported income

Your initial child support order reflects the situation at that time, but circumstances can change as life progresses. You can request a modification hearing with our assistance. We can also assist if your ex violates the court's orders and does not pay child support as required.

Child Support Modifications and Enforcement

Situations beyond your control can make meeting your child support obligations challenging. Whether you lose your job, are severely injured in a car accident, or your rent suddenly doubles, you must have valid grounds to request a modification. Law Office of Kari H. Fawcett will assess your situation and prepare supporting evidence before requesting a formal hearing. You can face severe penalties for contempt if you violate a court order, so do not wait to contact us.

If you are the recipient of child support, the other parent may make payments infrequently, pay less than the designated amount, or stop paying altogether. You may discover that they received a large raise or took a second job without reporting the additional income. If you need help enforcing a child support order, which includes reporting changes in finances, contact us.

Child Support Payment Options

Whether you pay or receive child support, you need to keep a record of payments. Payments that go through the Maryland Department of Child Support Enforcement or digital transfers are documented automatically. If you and your ex handle these payments personally, keep a ledger. This can help ensure that you will have the proper documentation if you need to make adjustments in the future or enforce the court's orders.

Contact Our Bowie, MD Maryland Child Support Attorneys

Whether you need to make new child support arrangements or modify or enforce an existing child support order, you can rely on the Law Office of Kari H. Fawcett for skilled legal counsel and aggressive, unwavering advocacy. A free case review awaits, so call us at 301-262-5500 or contact us online today.