Divorce proceedings and custodial agreements are among the most challenging experiences any parent can face. These agreements often include a child support order that provides financial assistance to the custodial parent for supporting minor children. Unfortunately, those orders are not always upheld.
If you establish child support through court and your spouse fails to pay, an Owings Mills child support enforcement lawyer could take legal action to get the money you are owed. Our skilled child support attorneys could help you understand your legal options and petition the court to administer legal penalties for non-support.
In Maryland, a non-custodial parent is required to pay child support to the custodial parent to help with various household expenses that improve the child’s well-being. The amount to be paid is determined by the court and based on income, the unique needs of the child(ren), and other factors.
When a parent decides not to abide by a child support order, the custodial parent has several options for pursuing payments. The Maryland Child Support Enforcement Administration (CSEA) can take the following actions to help parents enforce child support requirements:
The actions that can be taken to enforce support payments depend on the specific situation and the length of time the account has been in arrears. During an initial consultation, an Owings Mills lawyer could discuss the best course of action for enforcing child support.
Many custodial parents are tempted to take matters into their own hands when a non-custodial parent stops making payments. However, a parent can only take a few actions to enforce payment legally. For example, a parent cannot deny visitation when child support has not been paid.
While the systems created by the Maryland Family Court are designed to help parents enforce support, navigating them can be complex. A dedicated family law attorney could help parents file legal documents, attend court appointments, and take specific legal actions to pursue payment.
A motion to compel is a request to the court to require payments in addition to the amount established in the child support order. If it is proven that the non-paying parent is financially capable of making the payments, the court may order them to pay up to 25% more.
A person who willfully violates a child support order can be found in contempt of court. A child support enforcement lawyer in Owings Mills could help the custodial parent file a Petition for Contempt. A hearing will determine whether the non-paying parent should be found in contempt, and specific penalties (which can include temporary incarceration) will be applied.
When a non-paying parent attempts to hide income or assets, a legal professional could help obtain proof of the parent’s actual financial situation and present evidence to the court. The process often requires legal proceedings such as issuing subpoenas and seeking evidence about the non-paying parent’s lifestyle.
If you are a custodial parent depending on court-ordered support payments to provide for your children, every day your payment is late is a financial burden. While the courts provide official avenues to pursue payments, the process can be complicated and inefficient.
An Owings Mills child support enforcement lawyer could explore your legal options and take action immediately to pursue past-due payments. If you are not getting the financial aid you are owed, schedule a consultation with the seasoned attorneys at Nguyen Roche Sutton to learn how to pursue child support.
