When child support payments are delayed or unpaid, it can place a heavy financial and emotional burden on a parent trying to provide for their child’s needs. Enforcing a child support order can be stressful and confusing, especially when the other parent is unwilling to cooperate or attempts to avoid payment.
The Maryland child support enforcement lawyers at Rolle & DeLorenzo are both able and willing to help parents secure the financial support their children are entitled to. With over 25 years of experience in family law, we understand both the urgency of your situation and the legal tools available to enforce existing court orders. Regardless of what delays the support, our family attorney is ready to safeguard your rights and stand up for your child’s future.
Parents turn to Rolle & DeLorenzo because they know their case will be handled with the care and determination it deserves. Our reputation is built on results, and the many glowing reviews from past clients reflect our dedication and ability to secure the outcome you need.
Our team boasts around 50 years of combined legal experience. Through the years, our attorneys have handled countless family law cases across Maryland, giving us the insight to anticipate child support complications and the skill to overcome them. Our team knows the strategies needed to enforce child support orders and protect your child’s financial security.
We recognize that clear communication makes a difficult process more manageable. That is why we provide direct access to your family law attorney and updates on your case, so you always know where things stand. To make the process even more efficient, we offer a secure client portal for online payments for added convenience.
When a parent does not meet their court-ordered child support obligations, the child is the one who suffers most. Maryland law provides several enforcement tools to help ensure that children receive the financial support they are entitled to. A Maryland child support enforcement attorney can pursue these enforcement measures legally, whether through the courts or state agencies.
Some of the enforcement options available under Maryland law include:
While these remedies are powerful, they must be pursued correctly to be effective. Our strategy is informed by the parents’ circumstances and resources. Our approach involves evaluating the situation, choosing the most effective strategies, and moving quickly to protect your child’s financial stability.
At Rolle & DeLorenzo, we know that unpaid child support creates serious stress for parents who are already managing the demands of raising a child. Delayed or denied support can limit a child’s access to necessary resources, such as educational opportunities and healthcare services.
The truth is that non-payment cases can become complicated quickly, especially when the other parent hides income, changes jobs frequently, or tries to avoid legal responsibility. Our role is to take on the legal burden so you can focus on other key matters. We understand the processes, deadlines, and documentation needed to make enforcement successful.
When you work with us, we will use every enforcement tool available under Maryland law. Here is what we can do to help with child support enforcement:
If you are already behind in child support, it’s also advisable to avoid making side deals or verbal agreements with the other parent. Only court-approved modifications are enforceable, and accepting less than what is ordered can weaken your legal position. Instead, bring any concerns or changed circumstances to us so we can help you resolve the issue through the proper legal channels. Our approach is proactive and one that aims to ensure that support orders reflect financial resources that benefit your child.
A legally enforced child support order ensures your child’s financial needs are met, and it’s not something to leave to chance.
A Maryland child support enforcement lawyer from Rolle & DeLorenzo will use every tool available under Maryland law to ensure your child receives their rightful support.
Call us at (301) 698-4875 us for a free consultation to learn your options and begin enforcement.
Unpaid child support, also known as arrears, is unlikely to be forgiven unless the custodial parent agrees to waive it and the court approves. Maryland law views child support as the child’s right, not the parent’s, which means arrears usually remain due until paid in full. Interest may also be added to past-due amounts, which are pursued through enforcement mechanisms until the debt is satisfied.
Child support orders in Maryland can typically be enforced until all arrears are paid, even after the child turns 18 or graduates from high school. The obligation to pay doesn’t end simply because the child becomes an adult if there are unpaid balances. The state and the courts have long-term enforcement tools to ensure compliance.
Child support orders are enforceable across state lines under federal law. Maryland courts can work with courts in other states to enforce payments, and federal agencies may step in to help with enforcement if necessary.
An attorney can guide you through the interstate process to make sure you pursue the payments effectively.
Enforcing child support against a self-employed parent or someone paid under the table requires a different strategy.
While direct wage garnishment may not be an option, we can subpoena bank records, business accounts, and tax returns to prove their true income. A court can then order them to pay or authorize other enforcement methods, such as seizing assets from bank accounts or placing liens on property.
Finding the non-paying parent is a common first step in an enforcement action. We use legal tools and databases to locate parents and their assets.
The Maryland Child Support Administration and federal parent locator services also provide resources to find a parent’s address and place of employment, even if they have moved to another state.
You might seek a modification if your income changes or the child’s needs increase. You would file an enforcement action if the other parent simply stops paying the amount required by the current order.
First, keep a detailed record of all missed or partial payments, including dates and amounts. Preserve any communications with the other parent about the payments.
Do not agree to accept less than the court-ordered amount.
The next step is to contact a child support enforcement attorney who can review your court order and advise you on filing an enforcement action with the court.
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