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Maryland Child Support Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Child Custody and Child Support for Maryland on
Q: I need to remove my last name from a kid that is not my son biological. It's been 4 years since he was born.

My ex-partner and I, we separated about 4 years due to her cheating on me. As a result of this, she got pregnant by the man who she cheated on me. She never told me about this infidelity until later I found some emails on her phone when she used to communicate with guy. The baby was born, and I... View More

Diana Valle
Diana Valle
answered on May 25, 2020

You should file a complaint for paternity to establish you are not the father and/or respond the the complaint and deny everything under the defense that you are not the father. The court will order a DNA test and that should take care of the support issue. You might be able to ask the court to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Child Support for Maryland on
Q: Am I required to provide clothing for non custodial parent?

I am the custodial parent and receive child support from their father. He feels that because he pays support that I should buy clothes for the kids to keep at his house. I don't think I should be required to provide their basic necessities for his house. Am I required to provide all clothing... View More

Elizabeth Pugliese
Elizabeth Pugliese
answered on May 18, 2020

To keep at his house, no. You should back a bag for the kids and that bag with all its contents should come back from each visit. If he wants clothes kept at his home, he should provide them. Child support is not enough to cover two sets of clothing for the kids plus provide for their other... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support for Maryland on
Q: My 2 kids receive child support. It will end for 1 child 2021. Will other minor child receive 1/2 of original payment?

I receive $960/month in child support for both kids. Son will graduate high school 2021. Other child does not graduate until 2023. Will the child who will still receive support automatically receive half of $960 or the full amount of $960 or will the new payment be recalculated based on both... View More

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on May 17, 2020

No, it does not work that way. When there is one lump sum monthly support amount for multiple children, the parent paying the support must file a motion to reduce it once one child becomes emancipated. Until a court rules otherwise, support remains unchanged, although a judge in their discretion... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Child Support for Maryland on
Q: Son turns 18 Feb 2021; will still be in H.S. What and when do I file to continue child support payments until graduation

I am the custodial parent.

Elizabeth Pugliese
Elizabeth Pugliese
answered on May 17, 2020

You do not need to file to continue the child support. Neither the state nor child support enforcement is keeping track of birthdates.

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Maryland on
Q: Can I get legally emancipated if both my parents are dead?

If both my parents die, I’d like to remain independent as I only have two years left till I leave for college. All the potential guardians my parents want are out of country and I don’t want that. Is there a way I could be responsible for myself and remain in the states via emancipation?

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on May 9, 2020

In theory, at age 15, a child who can prove that they can financially support themselves and manage on their own, can become emancipated. This is most common when there is substantial evidence of abuse or neglect at home, but appointment of a new guardian is the preference. However, an adult... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Child Support for Maryland on
Q: My boyfriend has 3 kids Child support is for MD, 2 kids have aged out and not in school, supposed to decrease?

He lives in TN and order is for MD, he has never had arrears until COVID-19 (and might only be one month if that) he got a letter stating they want 60% of his paycheck and all 3 kids are listed. (one is 21 and the other 20) but the payment he was paying for all 3 is still the same for one kid. He... View More

Elizabeth Pugliese
Elizabeth Pugliese
answered on May 7, 2020

The payment does not automatically change. No one at the court or child support enforcement is keeping track of children's ages. The only solution is what you were told. You must file to modify it.

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Support for Maryland on
Q: What documents need to be filed to terminate MD support order? I live out of state.

My daughter has been an MD resident all of her life (MD support order). I'm a NY resident. Can i file for termination through NY support processing center or do I have to file a petition with MD courts? If so, do i have to be there and what documents need to be filed?

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Apr 30, 2020

You do not state the basis for the termination of child support. Unless stated otherwise, support terminates on the child's 18th birthday or upon completion of high school if they are actively enrolled in high school past their 18th birthday (but not past their 19th birthday). You do not... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for Maryland on
Q: I paid all of child support & child is now in late 20s. How long do I need to keep the records proving I paid?
Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Mar 29, 2020

While generally the statute of limitations is three years to sue for non-payment of a debt, with child support you are dealing with a court judgment or order, and in theory, the payee parent could attempt to enforce the child support award for up to 12 years (although the 12 year limitations really... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support for Maryland on
Q: What steps do I take to terminate support after my son graduates in May?

Current on support for my 18 year old son (turned 18 Jan 2020). What steps do I take once he graduates from High School in May 2020? Does the High School provide graduation proof? Is there anything I have to submit?

Elizabeth Pugliese
Elizabeth Pugliese
answered on Feb 24, 2020

You must file to terminate. The school is not tracking who has child support orders ending. Child support enforcement is not tracking who is turning 18 and/or graduating.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support for Maryland on
Q: my child dropped out high school and obtained a ged. the child will be turning 18 in September. do I still pay support?

would the support payments stop automatically after the 18th birthday or do I notify child support in Maryland.

Elizabeth Pugliese
Elizabeth Pugliese
answered on Feb 4, 2020

You must file to stop the child support, when the child turns 18 in September. No one is keeping track of the child's birthday at child support enforcement.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Maryland on
Q: Filed for child support in md, father moved to PA to get out of paying. Signed agreement between both of usWhat can I do

Md will only send him papers in the mail (he keeps returning them) because of ‘jurisdiction’. We have an agreement (signed) to which he hasn’t stuck to at all regarding payments and weekends for him. What can I do to get this enforced and resolved?

Elizabeth Pugliese
Elizabeth Pugliese
answered on Jan 7, 2020

You can file with the court to enforce the agreement yourself. You do not need child support enforcement to do it. Have him personally served. Then proceed with the court matter.

You should consult with an attorney about all of your options.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Maryland on
Q: If the parent paying child support loses their job, are they allowed to just not pay child support?

My ex husband, is a month and a half behind in child support. He just now states to me that he lost his job at the beginning of the previous month and because of that, he does not need to pay me until 6 months later? Nor does he have to pay for those 6 months once he does get a job. Is this correct?

Elizabeth Pugliese
Elizabeth Pugliese
answered on Jan 6, 2020

That is not correct. The child support is an order that remains in effect until changed in another order. the full amount of child support remains due. He must pay it. If he does not, he can lose his driver's license, and other things. There is no grace period for losing a job.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support for Maryland on
Q: Can I still get a modification hearing for a current child support order even if the other party refuse to come to court

I had to serve him restricted certified mail but he lies saying he's not home and won't sign

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Dec 24, 2019

So long as the court accepts that he has been properly served, the court can meter an order modifying support; however, child support is determined based on the incomes of the parties, as well as health insurance and daycare costs, and the burden of proving those dollar amounts is on the party... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support for Maryland on
Q: Why do I have to pay child support to mother that is in jail. Maryland
Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Dec 7, 2019

If there is a court order in effect, you must file a motion to modify child support and custody. Until the court changes its order, the original order remains in effect, and you can be found in contempt for disobeying it, as well as have the amounts owed under it enforced by way of judgment. If... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for Maryland on
Q: I pay child support in Maryland do I keep paying if he is still in high school? My decree states until age 18?

My decree says nothing about high school, I can’t find that verbiage anywhere it only states until 18 years of age. Thank you

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Nov 29, 2019

The law is, child support continues until the later of turning 18 or completion of high school, but not later than age 19. The child must be enrolled in high school for completion of high school to come into play. So, a child turning 18 during 12th grade continues to be subject to payment of child... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support for Maryland on
Q: My arrears went up 21,000 in 1 month. Is that legal possible?

1 month ago I received a letter from child support offices notifying me that I was $1400 dollars in arrears. I knew my son turned 19 October 21st of this year so I paid the entire balance hoping that I would be done with this situation. Yesterday 3 days before my son turns 19 I received a letter... View More

Elizabeth Pugliese
Elizabeth Pugliese
answered on Oct 19, 2019

You can ask for an accounting from Child Support Enforcement. Be aware that no one at Child Support is keeping track of birthdates. YOU must file to end the child support. it will not happen automatically. You will be expected to pay until it is terminated by court order.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support for Maryland on
Q: I leave in MC MD & am custodian parent receiving child support. child turns 18; going to college can Dad pay tuition?

the child will be 18yrs and will drop off child support; how can I have Dad to assist with part of the tuition what are my options?

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Aug 15, 2019

Unless he has voluntarily signed a written agreement that requires him to pay, a parent has no legal obligation to pay their adult child’s college expenses.

2 Answers | Asked in Child Support for Maryland on
Q: Am I still obligated to pay child support if my child graduates from high school at the age of 17? I live in MD.
Elizabeth Pugliese
Elizabeth Pugliese
answered on Jul 29, 2019

Child support is until age 18 OR high school graduation -- whichever is later.

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Support for Maryland on
Q: Does the State of MD take into consideration if noncustodial parent has custody of 3 children when doing support

He has custody of 3 children but also has 3 other children and that parent has filed for child support. Will they take in consideration that he has those 3 other children?

Dawn Renee Gould
Dawn Renee Gould
answered on Jul 24, 2019

He can ask for a deviation based on who is living in household and the expenses, but those children he has custody of will not be considered in guidelines at all.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support for Maryland on
Q: Money owed to me for child support was used by the enforcement agency to pay an economic assistence debt. Is that legal?

I am not aware that I have any economic assistance debt. I am owed $2591.69 and noticed there was a drop of about $1700 so its down to $891.69 but I have not received any payments. Last payment was in June.

Dawn Renee Gould
Dawn Renee Gould
answered on Jul 18, 2019

You're only recourse is to talk to your agent at the enforcement agency, DSS, social services. Everyone is assigned an agent. If you don't get anywhere with that agent then ask to speak to the supervisor. If you don't get anywhere with the supervisor then ask to speak with the... View More

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