Columbia Child Support Lawyer
Solving Child Support Disputes Throughout Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery, and The Surrounding Counties
At Family Legal Advocacy Group, our Columbia child support lawyers are dedicated to providing comprehensive legal services in family law cases and helping clients obtain a favorable outcome in Maryland. Our experienced team will help you understand your options, navigate the legal system, and protect your rights as a parent throughout the entire process. We are committed to advocating for the best interests of both parents and children alike and working diligently to ensure that all parties involved receive fair treatment under current Maryland laws. Contact us today to learn how we can help you with your Maryland child support case!
Call Family Legal Advocacy Group today at (410) 884-0400 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with one of our child support attorneys in Columbia!
How is Child Support Determined in Maryland?
Maryland has enacted Child Support Guidelines to determine the amount of support that must be paid by each parent within certain income levels. The Guidelines also account for the determination of child support at higher income levels that are above the Guidelines.
The court bases a child support award primarily on:
- the parent’s income
- the number of children subject to the support order
- the amount of time a child will spend with each parent
The Guidelines also take the following into consideration:
- work-related childcare expenses
- health insurance expenses
- extraordinary medical expenses
- other expenses incurred in caring for the child
The court cannot deviate from the Guidelines but must explain the basis for this deviation on the record. The court may also award use and possession of the family home and use of the personal property to the custodial parent for up to three years from the final decree to promote stability for the children. Child support continues until a child reaches the age of eighteen, unless they are still in high school, in which case it can be extended to age nineteen.
Understanding Child Support Modification
As life circumstances change, it may be necessary to modify an existing child support agreement. Whether you are seeking an increase or decrease in child support payments, our experienced Columbia child support lawyers can help guide you through the modification process.
Factors that may warrant a child support modification include:
- Change in income for either parent
- Change in custody arrangements
- Healthcare or educational expenses for the child
- Job loss or significant financial hardship
Our team will work diligently to ensure that your child's best interests are protected while advocating for a fair and reasonable child support arrangement. today to schedule a consultation with our dedicated Columbia child support attorneys.
Get Expert Child Support Assistance in Columbia, MD
Our attorneys do more than plug numbers into a program. They fully discuss with their client all expenses and anticipated expenses to determine a true number representing payment for all of the child’s needs; this is especially important for the custodial parent as expenses normally exceed support payments.
Additionally, for families with a combined income above the Guidelines or a complex income situation, such as a self-employed parent, a qualified child support attorney is essential in determining the accurate income and expense information for the appropriate amount of child support.
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Schedule Your Child Support Consultation in Columbia Today with Family Legal Advocacy Group!
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Read What Our Clients Have to Say-
"Ms. Jessica Keister is a fantastic attorney! She cares so much about her clients! She helped me with my divorce and was both professional and empathetic. Her advice was on point and led to a good outcome for me and my family."Susan
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"Ms. Thomas was a pleasure to work with during my case. She was an excellent advocate for my son and won my case for him. He now has all the help he needs in school because of her determination."Toula
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"Emily was fantastic to work with! She walked me through every step along the way and made sure I was comfortable with what was happening. She is patient, kind, and understanding but also fights for what her client deserves."Becky
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"I was very nervous coming into this situation as my divorce & custody of my children were paramount! Jessica was quick, prompt, thorough & punctual! She reassured me that she would do everything in her power to have a decision made in my favor."Mark
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"I hired Emily for a very difficult incredibly complicated divorce and child custody case, and she could not have been more supportive and attentive throughout it. She will leave no stone unturned and fight for you and your children's best interest."Michael
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"Michael was very responsive to our communication, organized, prepared, knowledgeable and provided excellent advocacy in the courtroom."Jean and Tom
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"Sarah has the unique ability to get right to the point and tell it ” like it is” while also being sensitive and considerate, which means that she isn’t wasting time and racking up needless billable hours."Janine
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