CHILD SUPPORT

A parent has an obligation to support his or her minor child, with certain exceptions, until the child reaches age 18 (19 if the child remains enrolled in secondary school). Absent an agreement between the parties, a court can order child support. A court can also order a parent to include a minor child on his or her health insurance policy if that parent is covered by such a policy and the child can be included at a reasonable cost. Since 1990, child support and modifications to child support in Maryland, are based upon child support guidelines. The guidelines are based upon the gross incomes of each parent. Use of the guidelines is mandatory in every support case, except upon a court finding that application of the guidelines would be unjust or inappropriate.

In general, a court may modify an existing child support award upon a showing of a material change in circumstances since the time of the initial support award. Additionally, regarding pre-1990 child support awards, if use of the child support guidelines results in a 25% increase or decrease in the amount of child support currently paid, the guidelines themselves may serve as a basis for an allegation of a material change in circumstances for re-addressing and modifying the initial child support award.

Contact our lawyers at Corbin, Schaffer & Aviles 410.544.0314.