Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland

Re: Father trying to avoid child support

He can file anything he wants, but realistically he has zero chance of getting custody of your child. It is not unusual for fathers like the one in your case to try this tactic, which you have accurately described as merely a crass attempt to avoid paying you child support. Do not be bullied by him and withdraw your papers. If he is employed, he will be ordered to pay support based on his income and an earnings withholding order can be served on his employer which will require them to deduct the child support from his paycheck and send it to you.

Re: Father trying to avoid child support

He can file for whatever he wants, but that doesn't mean the court will grant him whatever he wants. The court takes into consideration how much each parent earns and how much time the child spends with each parent, as well as child care expenses, insurance costs, etc. Child support is based on a formula taking those factors into consideration. You don't mention whether he has taken a paternity test. Nonetheless, the court may consider parent involvement when awarding sole or joint legal and physical custody, but he will not escape child support. If you would like to discuss more in-depth, feel free to call.