Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland

No, probably not. If you are 18, it's time to get out of the house and move on with your life.

Best of luck.******The above is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client privilege.*********

In Maryland the obligation to pay child support ends at an event which is determined to be emancipation. The age of emancipation in Maryland is 18 or 19 and graduated from high school, whichever is later in time. If you are not enrolled in high school or equivalent because you have graduated then the likelihood is that you would not be able to obtain child support from your father.

******The above is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client privilege.*********

Daniel Renart, Esquire

Sasscer, Clagett & Bucher

(301)627-5500

Child support can only be ordered prospectively--starting on the date a court petition is filed. So as a previous response indicated, you could only qualify if you are still in high school and then only until you turn 19. Typically the parent or legal guardian providing the support to the unemancipated child is the one entitled to receive it, to be used for the benefit of the child.

I agree with Attorney Sher. If there is a child support order, and your father is behind in payments, your aunt should take your father to court for contempt. In other words, she spent money for your room, board, and other expenses. The court ordered your father to pay her child support to defer the expenses. He failed to do so to the detriment of her pocketbook, not yours. Therefore, she is entitled to reimbursement from your father.

Nevertheless, you can come to some agreement with her that if she files for and is successful in getting back child support, she will give you some funds to get your started. However, she is under no obligation to give you money.

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