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Towson Child Support Lawyers.

 Experienced Towson Child Support Lawyer Serving Baltimore County

At the Law Offices of Amar S. Weisman, we provide dedicated representation for child support matters in Towson and throughout Baltimore County. As an experienced Baltimore County child support attorney, Amar S. Weisman helps clients navigate complex guidelines, modifications, and enforcement issues. Whether you're establishing support, seeking adjustments, or defending against contempt, our firm uses advanced tools and in-depth knowledge to advocate for fair outcomes.

Contact us today at (410) 321-4994 for a free consultation with a Towson child support lawyer.

Changes to Maryland Child Support Guidelines

Maryland's child support guidelines have evolved to ensure equitable support for children. Key updates include:

  • October 1, 2020 Changes: Introduced a new child support formula and redefined joint physical custody.
  • July 1, 2022 Updates**: Allowed courts to forgo imposing child support orders in cases where a parent is incapacitated, enrolled in drug or alcohol rehabilitation, or otherwise unable to generate income. Support may also be suspended if the child resides with the paying parent who contributes to expenses.
  • 2025 Developments**: Under HB0275, "adjusted actual income" now requires deductions for support of other children. Additionally, in the 2025 Houser v. Houser ruling, Maryland's Supreme Court affirmed that child support obligations cannot be waived or negotiated away by parents; agreements must align with guidelines and prioritize the child's best interests, with courts retaining final authority.

These changes underscore the importance of consulting a knowledgeable Towson child support lawyer to apply the latest laws to your case.

Determining and Modifying Child Support in Baltimore County

Child support involves payments from the non-custodial parent to the custodial one, typically calculated using Maryland's guidelines. However, deviations above or below guidelines are possible with compelling evidence presented to the court.

Our firm uses specialized family law software to generate clear worksheets, tables, and arrearage demonstrations for judges. Factors influencing calculations include:

  • Parental Income: Gross income from salaries, wages, bonuses, dividends, pensions, interest, trusts, annuities, Social Security, workers' compensation, unemployment, disability benefits, alimony, and other sources (e.g., rental income, royalties). Disputes often arise over overtime or business deductions—evidence like W-2s, pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and employment contracts is crucial.
  • Physical Custody: Shared custody applies if both parents have over 128 overnights annually (more than 35%), reducing support obligations for the higher-time parent.
  • Health Insurance and Medical Expenses: Costs for covering the child, plus extraordinary uninsured expenses (e.g., orthodontia, therapy, chronic conditions).

  • Childcare and Education: Work-related daycare, summer camps (factored based on visitation and costs), and private school tuition (often dependent on pre-separation enrollment).
  • Above-Guidelines Cases: For combined incomes over $180,000, courts balance the child's best interests with parents' ability to pay.

If circumstances change (e.g., income shifts, increased child needs, or custody modifications), we can petition for recalibration. As your Baltimore County child support attorney, we prepare customized filings, financial statements, and discovery to support your position.

Ending or Modifying Child Support Obligations

Child support generally ends when a child turns 18 and graduates high school, or at 19 if still in school. If managed privately (not through the Maryland Child Support Administration), the paying parent must petition the court promptly for modification. Retroactive changes are not allowed—adjustments apply only from the filing date.

Failure to act can lead to overpayments without recourse. Consult a Towson child support lawyer early to avoid complications.

Contempt and Enforcement Proceedings

Non-payment of court-ordered child support can result in contempt charges. In Baltimore County's Circuit Court, these matters often start before a magistrate (e.g., experienced jurist Magistrate James R. Farmer) on the ground floor, near the Child Support Enforcement Administration and Sheriff's Office.

Our firm defends clients in enforcement actions, leveraging negotiation skills, procedural knowledge, and guideline expertise for favorable resolutions.

Navigating the Child Support Enforcement Administration (CSEA)

The Law Offices of Amar S. Weisman represents clients in CSEA proceedings. In Baltimore County, CSEA is located at 211 Schilling Circle, Suite 102, Hunt Valley, MD 21031.

Hearings typically occur on the ground floor of the County Courts Building, starting with screening by a State's Attorney. Having representation aids in negotiations, jurisdictional challenges, and achieving equitable outcomes.

Special Considerations for Business Owners and High-Income Cases

For small business owners in Baltimore County, income determination can be contentious due to deductions. We assist in uncovering hidden income (e.g., inflated expenses) or defending legitimate business costs.

In above-guidelines scenarios (combined income > $180,000), courts exercise discretion to ensure support meets the child's needs without undue parental burden. Note: Mortgage payments during divorce do not offset child support.

Evidence in Child Support Cases

  • Accurate income reporting is essential. Acceptable evidence includes:
  • Pay stubs and earning statements.
  • Federal/state tax returns.
  • Business financials (e.g., profit/loss statements, ledgers for LLCs).
  • Bank and credit card records.
  • Digital records (e.g., QuickBooks files).

 

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Contact Our Towson Child Support Lawyer Today

Located at 1018 Dulaney Valley Road, Second Floor, Towson, MD 21204—near Towson Town Center, Goucher College, and Towson University—we serve clients across Baltimore County and beyond, including Aberdeen, Bel Air, Cockeysville, Owings Mills, and out-of-state cases.

Call (410) 321-4994 to schedule a free consultation. We do not offer pro bono services; retainers are required. Results are not guaranteed