Should You Wait to File for Child Support?

Deciding whether to file for child support can be an emotional and complex process. While every situation is unique, understanding the implications of delaying this important step can help you make the best decision for yourself and your child. Here’s what to consider:

Why File for Child Support?

Child support is a legal obligation designed to ensure children receive financial support from both parents. This support can help cover essential costs such as food, housing, education, and medical expenses, contributing to your child’s overall well-being. Filing for child support ensures that both parents share the financial responsibility of raising their child, providing them with the stability they need to thrive.

Potential Consequences of Waiting

Delaying your decision to file for child support can have several consequences:

Financial Strain: Raising a child is expensive. Postponing your claim can put unnecessary financial pressure on you, which could impact your ability to provide for your child.

Loss of Retroactive Payments: In many jurisdictions, child support can only be ordered starting from the date you file, not the date the expenses began. Delaying may mean missing out on months or even years of financial assistance.

Legal and Procedural Challenges: Over time, evidence of financial needs or the other parent’s ability to pay may become harder to gather, complicating your case.

Uncertainty for the Child: Children thrive on stability. Filing for child support sooner ensures they benefit from consistent financial resources without prolonged uncertainty.

Reasons Parents Delay Filing

Some parents hesitate to file for child support due to emotional reasons, fear of conflict, or hope that informal agreements will work. While these concerns are valid, they may not provide the long-term security your child needs. It’s important to separate personal feelings from the financial and legal needs of your child’s future.

Consult a Legal Professional in Maryland

If you’re unsure whether to file, consult a family law attorney or legal expert. They can guide you through the process, explain your rights, and help you make an informed decision. In Maryland, determining financial responsibilities will depend on the custody arrangement of the children. Maryland’s legal system employs specific formulas that consider each parent’s income to decide the amount each party owes following the separation. If you’re in Maryland and are either going through a divorce with children or seeking to adjust a current child support agreement, contact the Law Offices of Sandra Guzman-Salvado for legal assistance. Our firm has decades of combined legal experience in family law and child support cases. Taking action sooner rather than later ensures your child receives the support they deserve to build a secure and happy future.