Child support is a pivotal aspect of any divorce involving children. It ensures that you can meet your children’s financial needs, despite the separation. Yet, what happens if your ex refuses to agree on a child support amount in your Maryland divorce?
It can be a challenging situation, but rest assured, there are strategies available to you.
Why child support is necessary
Child support payments have a direct impact on the quality of life your children can lead post-divorce. The funds help cover costs such as housing, food, education and healthcare. Both parents have a legal responsibility to provide for their children financially. This responsibility exists regardless of whether one parent has primary custody or parents share custody equally.
If your ex refuses to agree to a fair child support amount, it does not mean that your children have to suffer. Maryland has guidelines in place to ensure child support arrangements are fair and in the best interest of the child.
Maryland Child Support Guidelines
Maryland’s Child Support Guidelines provide a framework for calculating child support amounts. The guidelines take several factors into consideration, such as each parent’s income, the number of children and the custody arrangement. These guidelines will help ensure that the amount established is fair and adequate for the children’s needs.
In most cases, the court will follow these guidelines when making a child support determination. However, the court can deviate from the guidelines if it finds that applying them would be unjust or inappropriate.
What to do when your ex refuses to agree
When your ex-spouse refuses to agree on a child support amount, the court can step in. Gather as much evidence as possible to show your children’s needs and your financial situation. Be prepared to show documentation of your income, your children’s expenses and any other relevant financial information.
Navigating a situation where your ex refuses to agree on child support can be emotionally taxing and complex. Stand your ground and advocate for what your children need.