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Annapolis Child Support Attorney
Comprehensive Child Support Representation in Anne Arundel County
At the Law Office of Nicholas T. Exarhakis, we understand how much you care for your child, and that you would do everything you can to provide the financial support they deserve. When disagreements about child support emerge during a divorce, these issues should be resolved quickly and effectively so your child does not suffer.
Our firm is aware of how stressful and emotionally exhausting it can be to settle child support arrangements. When you retain the representation of our legal professionals, you can be confident that you will receive the personal attention and effective legal solutions that you and your family need in a timely manner. We have been helping families overcome diverse family law matters for over 25 years and are fully equipped and qualified to assist you next.
Contact us today at (410) 593-0040 to consult a child support lawyer in Annapolis! We serve clients across the state of Maryland.
How Does Maryland Calculate Child Support?
The Child Support Guidelines estimate the percentage of income that parents would spend on their kids if the parents were living together.
The steps to calculate the amount of child support include:
- Determining each parent’s actual income
- Determining each parent’s adjusted income
- Add up both parents’ adjusted actual incomes, with the combined amount factored into the Guidelines chart to figure out the “basic child support obligation”
- Include some additional expenses, such as health insurance costs and daycare costs, which generates the “total child support obligation”
- The noncustodial parent is responsible for paying a percentage of total child support obligation
What Does Child Support Cover in Maryland?
Generally, child support is awarded to the custodial parent so that the child can have the financial support from both the mother and father.
Child support is a regular payment that is made to the parent in custody of the child by the non-custodial parent to help offset provision costs for the child, such as:
- Food
- Clothing
- Shelter
- Medical expenses
- Education
The state of Maryland determines the amount of these payments by using very specific guidelines in regards to the child's financial needs, medical needs, accustomed standard of living, and income of both parents. Our firm will work our hardest to help ensure that all sources of income are accounted for and that the support awarded is accurate and fair. Do not risk the financial security of your child by navigating through the legal complexities alone.
Establishing Child Support in Maryland
The child support process in Maryland is designed to ensure that children receive the financial support they need from both parents. The process can be complex, but with the help of an experienced Annapolis child support attorney, you can navigate it more effectively and ensure that your legal rights are upheld.
- Filing for Child Support: The custodial parent files a petition with the Maryland Child Support Administration (CSA), leading to a hearing to determine child support obligations.
- Child Support Calculation: Based on Maryland’s Child Support Guidelines, calculations consider both parents’ incomes, the number of children, healthcare, daycare costs, and custody arrangements.
- Child Support Hearing: Both parents present financial information at the hearing, and a judge or CSA representative determines the child support amount.
- Issuance of Child Support Order: A court or CSA order specifies the amount, frequency, and method of payment, including provisions for healthcare and daycare costs.
Our lawyer can be invaluable during this process. They will help ensure that all relevant financial information is accurately presented, including income, expenses, and any special circumstances that should be considered. Having a knowledgeable attorney on your side increases the likelihood of obtaining a child support order that reflects your family's needs and financial reality.
Modifying Child Support Orders in Maryland
It's important to understand that child support orders in Maryland are not set in stone. If there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as a change in income or expenses, you may be eligible for a child support modification. Our Annapolis child support attorney can help you navigate the process of modifying your child support order to ensure that it accurately reflects your current financial situation.
Some common reasons for seeking a child support modification include:
- Loss of employment
- Increase in income
- Change in custody arrangements
- Medical expenses for the child
Our experienced child support lawyer can assess your situation and provide personalized guidance on how to pursue a modification of your child support order in Maryland. Don't hesitate to reach out to us for assistance in ensuring that your child's financial needs are being met.
Enforcing Child Support Orders
Once a child support order is in place, it’s essential to ensure that the payments are made consistently and on time. Unfortunately, some noncustodial parents may fail to make the required payments, leaving the custodial parent to struggle financially. In these situations, a skilled Annapolis child support attorney can help take the necessary steps to enforce the child support order.
Maryland offers several mechanisms for enforcing child support orders, including wage garnishment, intercepting tax refunds, and even placing liens on property. In more extreme cases, the court can take legal action that could include suspending a parent’s driver’s license, passport, or even incarceration.
If you are facing difficulties collecting child support payments, an Annapolis child support lawyer can help you explore all available options for enforcement. With the right legal support, you can work to ensure that the payments you are owed are made consistently, allowing you to provide for your child’s needs.
Shared Custody and Child Support
In Maryland, shared custody arrangements are one potential factor in determining child support obligations. When parents share custody, meaning the child spends a significant amount of time with both parents, the child support calculation can differ.
A shared custody arrangement may influence the amount of support one parent owes, as the guidelines are adjusted to reflect the time each parent spends caring for the child.
However, even in shared custody situations, one parent may still be required to pay child support. An Annapolis child support lawyer can help evaluate whether shared custody impacts the support calculation and can assist in negotiating a fair agreement that accounts for both parents’ contributions.
Contact Our Annapolis Child Support Lawyer Today
At the Law Office of Nicholas T. Exarhakis, we are dedicated to providing compassionate representation and practical solutions to all our clients. Our mission is to achieve your goals in the most painless and timely manner possible.
We understand all facets of parental rights and family laws in Maryland, and will put that knowledge to work for your case. Our skilled and knowledgeable child support attorneys are ready to make sure your child support payments are reasonable and accurate.
We proudly offer our services to Anne Arundel County, Queen Anne's County, Calvert County, and Howard County.
Ready for a resolution? Speak with our Annapolis child support attorney today at (410) 593-0040 or reach out online!
Further Insights and Child Support Information
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“I am speechless that this attorney fights for the people. It was not about the money or just another case. He came prepared to fight for you and get the settlement you deserve. He was able to get my nephew custody of his daughter.” - Kerron Y.
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“Hands down the best attorney in Maryland. If you need an attorney that will come prepared ready to fight for your case. He is by far the best. If you are in Maryland and need an attorney please call Nick. You will not be disappointed.
” - Omar R. -
“When our young family was going through a difficult time, he demonstrated uncommon understanding and support, in addition to his expertise in divorce law. Mr. Exarhakis later guided us through a complex family real estate transaction.” - R. H.