Child Support in Maryland Divorce Cases: 3 Common Myths You May Have Heard About
If you are a parent going through a divorce in Maryland, chances are you have heard a lot of opinions, and often conflicting ones, about child support. Unfortunately, not all information about child support that is out there is true, and a lot of it is very misleading and incorrect. Indeed, misunderstandings about child support laws can lead to costly mistakes and long-term consequences, when a Maryland parent is in the midst of a child support battle. To help Maryland parents better understand the basics of child support, in this article, we clear up three of the most common myths about child support in Maryland divorce cases and explain what the law really says.
Myth 1: I Don’t Have to Pay Child Support if I Don’t Get to See My Kid
This is one of the most common misconceptions about child support in Maryland. Many parents believe that if they are not granted visitation or do not have a strong relationship with their child, they are not responsible for child support. This is not true. Rather, in Maryland, child support and custody are two separate legal issues. This means that even if you do not have visitation rights or choose not to exercise them, you are still legally required to provide financial support for your child.
Myth 2: I Don’t Have to Pay Child Support if My Ex and I Agreed That I Am Off the Hook
Even if you have made peace with your ex and have agreed to forgo child support, it is important to know that in Maryland, agreements between parents cannot override the law. Even if your ex agrees that you do not have to pay or says they do not need the money, the court may still order child support based on Maryland’s official child support guidelines. This is because child support is not considered a right that either parent can waive. Instead, it is viewed as the child’s right to financial support. The court has the final say and will evaluate the needs of the child and the financial situations of both parents. A private agreement that goes against what the court deems appropriate may not be legally enforceable.
Myth 3: The Child Support Money Just Goes to My Ex
Finally, some parents are hesitant to pay child support because they believe the money is simply going to their ex and not directly benefiting their child. However, the reality is that child support is intended to help cover essential costs related to raising a child. This includes things like housing, food, clothing, medical care, education, and other day-to-day needs. The receiving parent is typically the one who handles most of these expenses, especially in situations where they have primary physical custody. Even if you do not see how the money is spent, the truth is that it plays a critical role in providing stability and support for your child’s well-being.
If you are in the Maryland area and you need legal help with your child support case, contact the experienced Maryland child support lawyers at Ornsby Dozier LLP. Contact Ornsby Dozier LLP today and speak with an experienced lawyer now. We work with clients in Maryland and Washington, DC.