Bean, Kinney & Korman, P.C.

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Child Support, Contempt and Enforcement

Ensuring Fair & Enforceable Financial Support for Children

Child support ensures that children are financially supported by both parents following divorce or separation. Courts establish support obligations based on statutory guidelines (or deviations from such guidelines) and financial documentation, but disputes often arise regarding income calculation, payment compliance, or changing circumstances.

Bean, Kinney & Korman represents parents throughout Maryland, Virginia, and the Washington, D.C. region in child support establishment, modification, and enforcement matters. We help clients understand their rights and responsibilities, advocate for fair outcomes, and pursue remedies when court orders are violated.

Our approach emphasizes financial clarity, statutory compliance, and strategic resolution.

Child Support Services

Establishment of Child Support

  • Application of statutory guidelines or deviations from such guidelines
  • Income calculation and documentation review
  • Imputed income analysis
  • Health insurance and work-related childcare cost allocation
  • Court petitions and hearings

Accurate financial analysis is essential to fair support determinations.

Modification of Support Orders

  • Substantial change in income
  • Employment loss or career advancement
  • Changes in custody arrangements
  • Medical or educational expense adjustments

Support orders may be modified when circumstances materially change.

Contempt & Enforcement Proceedings

  • Filing motions for contempt
  • Defense against contempt allegations
  • Arrearage calculation
  • Wage garnishment coordination
  • License suspension and enforcement remedies

Courts have authority to compel compliance when support is not paid.

Income & Financial Disputes

  • Self-employed income analysis
  • Business ownership income review
  • Bonus and commission disputes
  • Hidden income and discovery matters

Complex financial situations require careful review and documentation.

Interstate & Multi-Jurisdiction Support

  • Enforcement across state lines
  • Registration of foreign support orders
  • Coordination under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA)

We help clients navigate cross-border enforcement issues.

Who We Represent

Our Child Support practice serves:

  • Custodial parents seeking support
  • Non-custodial parents disputing support calculations
  • Parents seeking modification
  • Parents facing or initiating enforcement or contempt proceedings
  • Military families
  • Business owners and self-employed individuals

We tailor strategy to financial complexity and long-term child welfare.

Financial Considerations in Child Support

Support calculations often involve:

  • Base salary and wages
  • Overtime and bonuses
  • Business income
  • Investment income
  • Healthcare costs
  • Childcare expenses
  • Extraordinary medical or educational needs

Clear documentation supports defensible court outcomes.

Child Support & Enforcement FAQs

How is child support calculated?

Child support is calculated using statutory guidelines that consider both parents’ income, number of children, custody arrangements, healthcare costs, and childcare expenses. Child support may also be calculated by deviating from such guidelines using specific statutory bases.

Can child support be modified?

Yes. Courts may modify support if there has been a substantial change in circumstances, such as income changes or modifications in custody.

What happens if child support is not paid?

Courts may enforce payment through wage garnishment, contempt proceedings, license suspension, or other statutory remedies.

What is contempt in child support cases?

Contempt occurs when a parent willfully fails to comply with a court-ordered support obligation. Courts may impose penalties or payment plans.

How are self-employed parents’ income evaluated?

Courts may review tax returns, profit-and-loss statements, business records, and lifestyle evidence to determine accurate income.