Child Support Services
Rockville Child Support Attorneys
What You Are Going Through
- Worried about how they will pay rent, childcare, or medical bills
- Unsure whether the numbers they’ve been shown are correct under Maryland’s guidelines
- Frustrated that the other parent isn’t paying what was ordered or is not reporting income accurately
- Facing a job loss, promotion, disability, or new custody schedule and wondering if support can be changed
At Terenzini & Lucero, LLC, we translate the law and guidelines into clear, practical options so you can make informed decisions regarding child support.
Child Support Services We Provide
- Maryland Child Support Guidelines
- Guideline calculations for sole or shared physical custody
- Use of the official Maryland Child Support Worksheets (A and B)
- Ensuring income, credits, and child-related expenses are correctly reflected
- Extrapolation from Guidelines (High-Income Cases)
- Cases where combined parental income is above the top of the guideline schedule
- Arguments about reasonable support levels when the guidelines do not directly apply
- Deviation from Child Support Guidelines
- Requests to deviate from the guideline amount when applying the formula would be unjust or inappropriate, based on the child’s needs and the parents’ actual circumstances
- Interstate Support
- Child support where parents live in different states
- Coordination with the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) and appropriate jurisdictions
- Child Support Arrears & Enforcement
- Enforcement of unpaid support, including contempt actions
- Addressing arrears, credits, and payment plans
- Earnings Withholding Orders / Wage Garnishment
- Implementation and review of income withholding to ensure accurate, lawful deductions
- Addressing errors, over-withholding, or failure to withhold
- Paternity and Support
- Establishing or challenging paternity where needed
- Coordinating paternity cases with initial child support and custody orders
Whether you are seeking support for the first time, defending against an unfair demand, or trying to correct an existing order, we focus on protecting both your rights and your children’s needs.
How Terenzini & Lucero LLC Helps You
- A chance to tell your story. We start by listening to what’s happening in your life including your income situation, your parenting schedule, your concerns about fairness, and your goals.
- Clear explanations, not legal jargon. We walk you through how Maryland’s guidelines work, and what factors might justify an extrapolation, a deviation or a modification in your case.
- Accurate, careful calculations. We gather pay stubs, tax returns, childcare and medical expense records, and other documentation to build a solid, supportable calculation.
- Strategic negotiation and, when necessary, strong advocacy in court. Many child support issues can be resolved through negotiation or mediation, especially when parents want to avoid unnecessary conflict. When that is not possible, we are experienced litigators prepared to present your case clearly and effectively to the court.
- Ongoing support when circumstances change. Promotions, job losses, disability, new children, and changes in custody or overnights can all impact what is fair and lawful. We help you evaluate when a modification is warranted and how to pursue it.
Child Support, Custody, and Divorce: Making the Pieces Fit
- Custody and parenting time – The schedule and number of overnights often affect child support calculations
- Divorce and separation agreements – Many support obligations start in a separation or marital settlement agreement and are later incorporated into a divorce decree.
- Other financial issues – Alimony, health insurance, daycare, private school, and extraordinary medical expenses may all interact with child support in important ways.
Because our firm handles divorce, custody, child access, relocation, and agreements as part of our comprehensive family law practice, we can ensure your child support strategy fits your overall family and financial picture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Support in Maryland
How is child support calculated in Maryland?
Courts generally use a formula based on both parents’ gross incomes, the number of children, and certain child-related expenses like work-related childcare and health insurance. The guideline result is presumed correct unless someone proves that amount would be unjust or inappropriate in that particular case or the combined incomes of the parents exceed certain thresholds.
Can we agree to a different amount than the guidelines?
Parents can reach their own agreements, but courts may require findings to support any deviation, especially if the agreed amount is significantly higher or lower. The court’s focus remains on the child’s best interests and compliance with Maryland law.
When can child support be changed?
A court may modify child support if there has been a “material change in circumstance” such as a substantial change in income, a new custody schedule, or major changes in a child’s needs.
What if the other parent is not paying?
Depending on the circumstances, options may include income withholding orders, contempt proceedings, intercepting tax refunds, and other enforcement tools. Maryland law outlines various ways support orders can be enforced, but the right approach depends on your specific facts and the existing order.
The answers above are general information, not legal advice. Your situation is unique and deserves individualized guidance.