Experienced Temple Hills Divorce Attorney Using the Maryland Child Support Guidelines
Going through a divorce is a huge change for you and your family, and it will affect every aspect of your lives. When children are involved, your focus should be on minimizing the impact this transition has on their lives as much as possible by ensuring they get the financial support necessary to keep their lives stable and consistent. Likewise, if you need financial help going forward, it is in your best interest to retain counsel who can help you effectively pursue spousal support.
At Washington Law, LLC, we believe in working closely with our clients when helping them through every aspect of their divorce action. Just like achieving an equitable property division settlement, we know that child support and spousal support are meant to help people, and we believe our job is to help you achieve a fair and equitable financial arrangement that will help you going forward. We work hands-on with our clients and promote open communication at all points in the legal process.
To set up a free 15 minute consultation, contact our Upper Marlboro office online or call us today at 301-952-8005. We are proud to serve the areas of Temple Hills, Bowie, Clinton, Washington, D.C., and the rest of southern Maryland.
A Diligent Prince George's County Child Support Attorney
Under the current Maryland child support guidelines take into account many different factors when arriving at a monthly payment that a paying parent will be responsible for, including:
- The gross income of each parent
- Any and all monthly expenses that each parent incurs in maintaining the same lifestyle they had before the marriage ended
- Any special expenses that each child might have such as medical treatment, special needs expenses, etc.
- Any variety of other factors to make sure the child is properly cared for, including expenses related to extracurricular activities the child engages in, keeping him or her in the same school, counseling that may be required to help a child deal with the divorce, etc.
- The child custody arrangement that has been agreed to
Often, the calculation using the Maryland child support guidelines is relatively straightforward because many of a child's expenses are known and consistent; but we know how to make a compelling argument to the court when a deviation should be approved.
Rochelle D. Washington is an Upper Marlboro child support lawyer who can help you calculate the appropriate payment, draft the agreement and present it to the court so a final order can be approved of and entered into the record. Payments may begin before a final divorce decree is issued, and having all the terms on record can preserve future claims if an order needs to be revisited because the amounts being paid are delayed, delinquent, not the same amount agreed to, or circumstances change.
A Thorough Maryland Spousal Support Lawyer
Spousal support is often a more complicated and contentious issue because while child support is a right under Maryland law, currently the courts have more freedom to approve or deny a request for spousal support or alimony. Depending on the history of your marriage and current financial need, there are different types of spousal support which may be available for you to negotiate for and have the court approve.
For instance, an order for temporary support may cover payments only while the divorce is being finalized or until the spouse being supported gains a better financial footing either by going back to school, getting a job or a combination of both. Spousal support can also be ordered for longer periods, depending on a number of other factors that the court can consider, including:
- The length of the marriage
- The number of minor children involved and what custody arrangement has been agreed to
- The age and health of both parties
- Any additional evidence of need presented by a party petitioning for alimony or spousal support
It is important to provide a clear picture to the court to make sure any spousal support order you are seeking emphasizes the need for financial assistance and that the request being made is fair. We are adept at gathering all of the facts and presenting a strong argument to the court when it comes to making the case that spousal support should be awarded.
Modifications to Child Support and Spousal Support
We also routinely assist clients in cases involving modifications to existing decrees. When circumstances substantially change either for the paying party, the receiving party or a child's needs change dramatically, an existing court-approved child support or spousal support order may no longer be appropriate and must be modified. We can help you negotiate new amounts that reflect the current situation that conform to current law, are fair and will be accepted by the court.
Additionally, if a party responsible for making a child support or spousal support payment falls behind, we can help you pursue a contempt action to compel performance.
Contact a Knowledgeable Maryland Divorce Lawyer Today
To discuss your child support and spousal support concerns, contact Washington Law, LLC, by e-mail or call 301-952-8005 to schedule a free 15 minute consultation today. We are dedicated to offering personal and attentive representation to all divorce clients. We are located in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, across the street from the Prince George's County Circuit Court House and with easy access to the Branch Avenue Metro. We accept Visa and MasterCard.