Child Support Matters: Advice from a Dedicated Child Support Attorney
When parents separate or divorce, one of the most important—and often contentious—issues they face is child support. Ensuring that children receive the financial support they need to thrive is not just a legal obligation; it’s a moral one. However, navigating the complexities of child support laws can be overwhelming, especially when emotions are running high. At the Law Office of Rowena N. Nelson, LLC, we understand the challenges parents face and are dedicated to helping them secure fair and appropriate child support arrangements. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Child Support?
Child support is a court-ordered payment that one parent makes to the other to contribute to the costs of raising their child. These payments are intended to cover basic needs such as:
- Food and clothing
- Housing and utilities
- Education-related expenses
- Medical care and health insurance
- Extracurricular activities and childcare costs
In Maryland, both parents are financially responsible for their child, but the non-custodial parent typically makes child support payments to the custodial parent. This ensures that the child maintains a stable standard of living, even when living arrangements change.
How Is Child Support Calculated in Maryland?
Maryland uses an income shares model to determine child support, which means the court considers the income of both parents. The goal is to ensure that the child receives the same proportion of parental income they would have if the parents were still together.
Key factors in calculating child support include:
- The income of both parents: This includes wages, bonuses, commissions, and even income from investments or rental properties.
- Custody arrangement: The number of overnights the child spends with each parent affects the calculation. Shared custody (where each parent has the child for at least 128 overnights per year) may reduce the amount of support owed.
- Health insurance costs: Premiums paid for the child’s health insurance are factored into the calculation.
- Childcare expenses: Work-related childcare costs are included to ensure both parents share these expenses fairly.
- Extraordinary medical or educational expenses: If a child has special needs or educational costs beyond the norm, these can influence the support amount.
While Maryland’s Child Support Guidelines provide a formula to calculate support, there’s room for adjustments based on unique circumstances. That’s where having a dedicated child support attorney from the Law Office of Rowena N. Nelson, LLC can make a big difference.
When Can Child Support Be Modified?
Life doesn’t stand still after a child support order is in place. Changes in circumstances may require modifications to ensure the arrangement remains fair and appropriate. You can request a modification if there’s been a material change in circumstances, such as:
- A significant increase or decrease in either parent’s income
- A change in custody arrangements
- The loss of a job or other major financial hardship
- Changes in the child’s needs, such as medical issues or educational costs
However, the court won’t modify child support just because one parent feels the amount is unfair. You’ll need to provide evidence of substantial changes to justify a review. At the Law Office of Rowena N. Nelson, LLC, we help clients navigate the modification process, ensuring their requests are well-supported and properly presented.
What Happens If a Parent Doesn’t Pay Child Support?
Unfortunately, non-payment of child support is a common issue. If a parent falls behind on payments, the custodial parent can seek enforcement through the court. Maryland has several tools to enforce child support orders, including:
- Wage garnishment: Automatically deducting support payments from the non-paying parent’s paycheck.
- Tax refund interception: Seizing federal or state tax refunds to cover unpaid support.
- License suspension: Revoking or suspending the non-paying parent’s driver’s license or professional licenses.
- Contempt of court: If a parent willfully refuses to pay, the court can hold them in contempt, which may result in fines or even jail time.
If you’re struggling to collect child support or facing enforcement actions, the Law Office of Rowena N. Nelson, LLC can help. We assist both custodial and non-custodial parents in resolving these issues effectively and fairly.
Common Child Support Myths—Debunked
When it comes to child support, there’s no shortage of myths and misconceptions. Let’s clear up a few:
- “I don’t get visitation, so I don’t have to pay.”
False. Child support and visitation are separate legal issues. Even if you’re denied visitation, you’re still legally obligated to pay support. - “If I quit my job, I won’t have to pay child support.”
Not true. The court can impute income, meaning they’ll calculate what you should be earning based on your work history, education, and skills. Voluntarily reducing your income won’t eliminate your obligation. - “Child support covers only the basics.”
Child support is meant to cover a wide range of expenses, including extracurricular activities, medical care, and educational costs—not just food and shelter. - “We agreed on an amount, so we don’t need a court order.”
Verbal agreements aren’t enforceable. Always formalize child support arrangements through a court order to protect both parties.
Why You Need a Dedicated Child Support Attorney
While Maryland’s child support guidelines provide a framework, every case is unique. Having an experienced attorney ensures that your rights—and your child’s best interests—are protected. At the Law Office of Rowena N. Nelson, LLC, we:
- Help calculate accurate child support based on your specific situation
- Advocate for fair modifications when circumstances change
- Represent you in court during enforcement actions
- Provide strategic legal advice to help you avoid costly mistakes
We understand the financial and emotional stress that child support disputes can cause. Our goal is to provide clear guidance, strong advocacy, and personalized support every step of the way.
Get the Support You Need—For You and Your Child
Whether you’re establishing child support for the first time, seeking a modification, or dealing with enforcement issues, you don’t have to navigate the process alone. The Law Office of Rowena N. Nelson, LLC is here to help you secure the financial support your child deserves while protecting your legal rights.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist with your child support case. Visit www.rnnlawmd.com for more information.