Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland

What Happens Next

Our DNA test came back and he is 99.99% the Father. We already have a hearing scheduled in September, he has not paid anything for the past 8 months and not really sure if he has a job right now. His attorney has been trying to make arrangements with the Chikd Support Agency (what arrangements I am not sure) becasue I was under the impression that the judge will make a decesion when we go back to court? I wanted to find out what the next steps are becasue he now owes 8,000 in back childsupport? Will they make him pay all if not a portion of this when we return to court? Just want to get an understanding of what to expect? His lawyer has also argued becasue I make substantially more money than my ex. which I do not know what that has to do with anything I have kept the same jb for seven years and of course received promotions becasue of that?


Asked on 8/27/07, 3:23 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

Re: What Happens Next

The amount of child support he will have to pay you is a function of your combined incomes before taxes. Those combined incomes, on a monthly basis, are then applied to a schedule which shows how much support each parent is responsible for. If you make the same amount, each pays 50%. If you make twice as much as him, he pays 1/3 of the scheduled amount. Added to the basic amount is any amount expended for child care and for uninsured medical expenses.

You say he owes $8000 in back support--is that based upon a previous court order? If so, the judge will probably order him to pay a part of this arrearage on top of the ongoing amount. If he's drawing a paycheck, make sure there is an earnings withholding order in place, so that the employer will deduct the support payment from his check and send it to you.

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Answered on 8/27/07, 3:36 pm


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