Child support orders aren’t set in stone. Life circumstances change, and Maryland law recognizes that adjustments may be necessary to ensure that child support remains fair and appropriate for both parents and children. If you’re wondering how to change child support in Maryland, you need to understand what qualifies as a valid reason for modification.

Maryland courts generally require a material change in circumstances before they will make a modification. This means that the change must be significant and ongoing, rather than temporary or minor. If you’re considering a request to modify child support, understanding the legal and financial factors involved can help you navigate the process more effectively.

Material changes usually fall in two categories: changes impacting parents and changes impacting children.

Significant Changes in Income

One of the most common reasons to modify child support is a substantial change in income. Some income-related reasons for modification include:

• Job Loss or Reduced Income: If the paying parent loses their job or experiences a significant reduction in earnings, they may need to adjust child support to reflect their current financial situation.
• Increase in Income: If the paying parent receives a raise, new employment with higher wages, or another significant financial gain, the recipient parent may request an increase in support.
• Change in Work Schedule or Hours: If a parent moves from full-time to part-time work (or vice versa) due to circumstances beyond their control, this can justify a request to modify child support.

Maryland courts will assess whether the change in income is involuntary and significant enough to warrant a modification. Attempting to lower income intentionally to avoid payments (called voluntary impoverishment) may not be viewed favorably by the court. Self-employed parents may need to provide detailed financial records to demonstrate an income reduction.

Changes in the Child’s Needs or Expenses

As children grow, their needs evolve. Courts allow child support modifications when there are substantial changes in expenses related to the child’s well-being. Some examples include:

• Medical Expenses: If a child develops a medical condition that requires ongoing treatment or significant out-of-pocket expenses, a support modification may be necessary to help cover these costs.
• Educational Expenses: A shift from public to private school, increased tuition, tutoring, or other education-related costs can justify a child support adjustment.
• Childcare Costs: If one parent’s work schedule changes and requires additional childcare services, the court may approve a modification to reflect those costs. Likewise, as children grow older their childcare costs usually decrease, which can also be a material change.
• Special Needs or Therapy Costs: If a child requires specialized therapy, medical devices, or supportive services for an ongoing health condition, the increased financial burden may justify modifying child support.

These changes must be documented and shown to be essential to the child’s well-being, rather than discretionary expenses that do not significantly impact the child’s quality of life. The court will assess whether these additional expenses are reasonable and necessary before granting a modification request.

Changes in Custody or Parenting Time

The amount of time each parent spends with the child directly impacts how child support is calculated in Maryland. When custody arrangements shift, support payments may need to be adjusted accordingly. Situations that could lead to a modification include:

• Increase in Parenting Time: If the paying parent gains additional overnight visits or shared custody, child support may be reduced to reflect the new arrangement.
• Decrease in Parenting Time: If the receiving parent has the child for more days than originally ordered, they may request an increase in support.
• Relocation of a Parent: If one parent moves far enough away to impact visitation schedules, the court may reconsider the current child support arrangement based on the change in overnights.
• Change in the Child’s Primary Residence: If the child moves in with the paying parent or transitions to a different living arrangement, a modification of support may be necessary.

Maryland courts prioritize the best interests of the child when reviewing modifications based on custody changes. Any changes to the parenting plan must be formalized through the court before they impact child support calculations. If a parent unilaterally changes the custody arrangement without court approval, they may still be responsible for the original support amount until a modification is granted.

How to Request a Child Support Modification in Maryland

If you believe your child support order no longer reflects your current circumstances, the first step is filing a motion with the court. At trial, you’ll need to provide evidence supporting your request, such as pay stubs, medical bills, or proof of a custody modification. A judge will review the details and determine whether an adjustment is necessary.

The process for how to change child support in Maryland involves several steps:

1. Gather Evidence: Documentation is key. Collect financial records, medical bills, custody agreements, or any proof that demonstrates a significant change in circumstances.
2. File a Petition: Submit a formal request to modify child support with the appropriate Maryland court.
3. Serve the Other Parent: The other parent must be formally notified and given an opportunity to respond.
4. Attend a Hearing: If necessary, a court hearing will be scheduled where both parents present their arguments for or against the modification.
5. Receive a Decision: The court will issue a ruling based on the evidence and the best interests of the child.

Parents should not rely on verbal agreements when modifying child support. A court-approved modification ensures the changes are legally binding and enforceable. Without a formal modification, a parent could still be held responsible for the original child support amount, even if both parties agreed to an informal change.

Get Help with Your Child Support Modification

Navigating the legal process can be complex, and a well-prepared case increases the likelihood of a successful outcome. If you need help modifying child support in Maryland, Lindsay Parvis can provide the guidance you need. Our team understands the challenges of child support modifications and will work to protect your financial interests while ensuring the best outcome for your child. Contact us today to discuss your situation and explore your legal options.