At McGann, Del Pino & Hughes, LLC, we are here to take the frustration, anxiety, and confusion out of navigating child support disputes. Backed by years of experience, we know the law, we know the courts, and we can help you understand your legal options. From understanding support guidelines to enforcing existing agreements, we can be a guiding voice in your corner every step of the way. We know that when the best interest of your family is on the line, feelings of anger, distrust, and confusion can complicate the possibility of dispute resolution. However, you do not have to go through this process alone – we are here to help. It is our goal to find legal solutions that are in your family’s best interest so that your children are best cared for and so that you may begin the next chapter of your life as soon as possible.
Proven Legal Guidance for
Child Support
Through arbitration, mediation, or litigation, we can fight to see that your parental rights are upheld.
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Compassionate
Our team truly cares about each person who walks through our doors and can help you understand child support guidelines as they apply to your case.
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Knowledgeable
With substantial experience helping clients through the toughest child support cases, there is no situation that is too complex for us to handle.
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Client-Focused
We know that only by taking time to learn about your financial and family situations can we find the most appropriate legal strategies.
Child Support Attorney in
Get the Legal Advocacy You Deserve: Call (301) 905-9943
How Is Child Support Calculated?
While the state provides guidelines for determining child support, each case is handled on an individual basis. There are numerous factors which can influence the final amount of support to be paid each month.
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Net Income
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Employment Expenses
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Health Insurance
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Financial Hardships
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Tax Obligations
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Other Support Obligations
Frequently Asked Questions
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Questions
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I Have Joint Custody. Do I Still Have to Pay Support?
Answer
While courts can show a preference towards awarding joint custody where possible, it may not negate the possibility of paying child support. As the financial support is intended for the benefit of the child, neither parent can waive their right to pay or receive these funds.
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What If My Former Partner Is Not Paying Support?
Answer
While child support agreements are legally binding court orders, parents will not always play by the rules. Depending on your circumstances, there may be several routes allowing the owed parent to enforce the terms of an agreement. Our legal team can help you to hold parents financially responsible.
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Can I Modify an Existing Agreement?
Answer
While it can be difficult to change an agreement, it may be possible to secure a modification. Typically, a judge will grant a modification only if it can be shown that a substantial change in circumstances has occurred since the original order was issued. If you would like to learn more about your specific situation, get in touch with our legal team today.
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Should I Hire an Attorney?
Answer
An agreement regarding child custody can affect your family for years to come. With so much on the line, you can’t afford to leave anything to chance. Experienced legal advocates like those at our firm, can help you protect your interests every step of the way. Call us today and discover how we can help.
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Terrence M. McGann
Partner
Terry McGann concentrates his practice in Criminal Law, Family Law and Personal Injury Law. In his practice, Mr. McGann defends clients charged with various criminal and traffic offenses throughout the state of Maryland. Mr. McGann has successfully defended clients in cases ranging from attempted murder to minor traffic offenses.
As a former prosecutor in the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, he was responsible for the prosecution of hundreds of criminal and DUI cases. He has extensive trial experience, having appeared in court in almost every county in Maryland, including Montgomery, Prince George’s, Howard, Frederick and Anne Arundel counties.
Mr. McGann began his career as a law clerk for the Honorable Nelson W. Rupp, Jr. in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County. He is admitted to practice in state of Maryland and is licensed to practice in the United States Federal Court for the District of Maryland.
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Victor M. Del Pino
Parnter
Victor Del Pino concentrates his practice in Criminal Law, Personal Injury and Immigration Law. He is a highly skilled litigator and works one-on-one with clients to ensure cases receive the time, attention and focus needed to succeed. As a former prosecutor, he has extensive trial experience. He joined the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s office in 2004. During his tenure, Mr. Del Pino was appointed by the State’s Attorney as the Chief and head prosecutor of the Gang Prosecution Unit. He became the first Latino to be appointed to such a position in the history of the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s office.
Mr. Del Pino was part of the Gang Prosecution Unit for more than three years, during which he prosecuted numerous complex cases. He participated in trials in the District Court as a member of the District Court and Domestic Violence Units as well as at the Juvenile Court level. Mr. Del Pino has also had extensive jury trial experience in the Circuit Court, which included several highly-publicized trials. He successfully prosecuted and received convictions for cases that included first degree murder, attempted murder, assault, robbery, burglary and other felonies.
In 2012, Mr. Del Pino was elected by members of the Montgomery County Bar Association to serve a two-year term in the Executive Committee. Also in 2012, Mr. Del Pino was appointed by Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley to serve a 4-year term on the Board of Trustees of the Maryland Public Defenders Office. He is admitted to practice in the state of Maryland.
Mr. Del Pino is fluent in Spanish and is an active member of a number of community groups and organizations. A lifelong resident of Montgomery County, he serves on the Board of Directors of Our Lady of Good Counsel High School.
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Christina M. Hughes
Partner
Christina Hughes practices all areas of domestic relations law including divorce, custody, child support, guardianship and representation of minors.
She is dedicated to serving clients by providing highly effective counsel. She does so by developing a unique case strategy for each client based on that client’s individual goals. These strategies may take significantly different forms, including but not limited to alternative dispute resolution, a negotiated settlement or litigation. Ms. Hughes is an experienced litigator with extensive trial experience.
Prior to entering private practice, she was an Assistant State’s Attorney for Montgomery County, Maryland and tried numerous cases ranging from misdemeanors to homicide. In her family law practice, she assists her clients in navigating complex matters that involve children, assets and security for the future. She is a trained mediator and child’s counsel. She has been appointed by the court to serve as the Best Interest Attorney for minor children in multiple cases and has also served as the court-appointed child privilege attorney and as court-appointed counsel for the alleged disabled person in guardianship matters.
Ms. Hughes is the 2015-2017 co-chair of the Family Law Section of the Montgomery County Bar Association and previously served as the as co-chair of the Family Law Section’s Continuing Legal Education Committee. In 2014 she was selected as a Bar Leader of the Montgomery County Bar Foundation. Ms. Hughes is also a member of the Maryland State Bar Association where she currently serves on the Leadership Academy committee. She was a 2013-2014 Fellow of the MSBA Leadership Academy. In addition, she was selected as a Fellow of the Maryland Bar Foundation in 2014. She participates in the Women’s Bar Association of Maryland, Inns of Court, the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts and the National Trial Lawyers Association. She was recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers in 2016 and 2017, recognized as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers Association in 2014, 2015 and 2016 and was selected by the Washingtonian Magazine as one of Washington’s Best Lawyers for 2013.
Ms. Hughes is admitted to practice law in Maryland, Washington, DC and the United States District Court for the District of Maryland.
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Amanda M. Gratz
Associate
Amanda Michalski Gratz assists clients in all areas of domestic relations law. Her goal is to compassionately and responsively navigate clients through the legal process, with a plan specifically tailored to their individual needs.
Amanda has nearly a decade of prior experience litigating, investigating, negotiating resolutions and proceeding to trial in felony cases of domestic violence, child abuse and elder abuse as an Assistant State’s Attorney for Montgomery County, Maryland in the Special Victims Investigation Division. Amanda demonstrates the same passion and dedication to the citizens of Maryland in family law matters, obtaining the appropriate outcome for her clients on a case-by-case basis, through alternative dispute resolution, negotiation settlement, or litigation.
Amanda is committed to providing her clients with the same dedication and litigation skills with an eye not just to resolving the immediate matter but to preparing her clients for a future of success.
Ms. Michalski Gratz is admitted to practice law in Maryland.
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Danielle Sartwell
Associate
Danielle Sartwell represents clients in family law matters. Danielle works with clients in domestic relations law, with a focus in protective orders, divorce, custody and child support. Her background lends a level of deep compassion and perspective that she feels is critical in working with families in crisis. She also brings a level of skill that she employs in her approach to domestic relations law. As an accomplished litigator, she is experienced in complex trial work involving homicide, domestic violence and crimes against children.
Prior to entering private practice, Danielle served as an Assistant State’s Attorney for the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Why Put McGann, Del Pino & Hughes, LLC on Your Side?
Former Prosecutors with Extensive Trial Experience
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Impressive Referrals from Judges, Attorneys & Clients
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We Provide Open, Honest & Prompt Communication
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Trained "Best Interest Attorneys" for Child Clients
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Our Attorneys are Highly Trained & Skilled Mediators
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Highly Personalized, Responsive Client Attention
