Divorce or separation can bring financial challenges, especially when raising children. This issue can also affect single parents who have never married. A child’s upbringing requires economic support to cover everyday expenses, from food, shelter, and clothing to daycare or educational, extracurricular, and social activity costs. Both parents must share these, and their children have a right to be financially supported.
Fortunately, DC and Maryland law mandates that both parents contribute to their children’s expenses through child support. At Law Offices of Thomas Stahl, our experienced team is well-versed in child support laws and the guidelines for calculating support payments. We can effectively guide you through calculations, modifications, or enforcement of existing support orders.
Our firm is built on a foundation of core values that drive our work. We put client needs first and advocate for the best possible outcome.
Discuss your case with a Columbia, MD & DC child support attorney at Law Offices of Thomas Stahl. Call (443) 331-2770 or reach out online to request a consultation.
How Is Child Support Calculated?
Both Washington, DC and Maryland provide guidelines for calculating child support. Formulas are based on parental income and factors like custody arrangements and the child's special needs.
While statutory guidelines provide a foundation for calculating child support, deviations from the computed amount can occur under certain circumstances. Courts can authorize deviations when strict adherence to the guidelines would be unjust or inappropriate in a specific case.
Factors that may prompt such adjustments include but are not limited to:
Extraordinary medical expenses of the child
Educational needs
Parent’s substantial financial disparity
Shared or split custody arrangements
Courts consider these unique factors case-by-case, prioritizing the child's best interests. Both parties should present comprehensive financial documentation and rationale for any proposed deviations. The court’s job is to ensure the child’s welfare is adequately supported while maintaining fairness to both parents.
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Child Support for Unmarried Parents in DC & Maryland
Unmarried parents in DC and Maryland face distinctive challenges when addressing child support obligations. The law mandates that both parents financially support their child, irrespective of marital status.
Determining child support typically begins with establishing legal parentage, especially for fathers, via acknowledgment at birth or through court proceedings. Once parentage is confirmed, the court uses statutory guidelines to calculate support amounts.
Unmarried parents are encouraged to negotiate terms amicably or through mediation, as a mutual agreement can provide stability and reduce legal costs. However, without an agreement, the court is tasked with seeing that the child receives adequate financial support for their upbringing and development.
Modification & Enforcement of Child Support in DC & Columbia, MD
The Child Support Services Division (CSSD) in DC and the Child Support Administration (CSA) in Maryland help parents establish and enforce child support orders. They can take action against parents who fail to meet their obligations.
Parents may need to seek legal counsel to navigate the complexities of the child support order enforcement or modification process in either jurisdiction.
Reach out to Law Offices of Thomas Stahl online or at (443) 331-2770 for legal guidance from a Columbia, MD & DC child support attorney.
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