1. Will child support automatically come out of my paycheck?
The law requires that all new orders have support payments made by wage attachment unless there is a good cause not to implement a wage lien (e.g. the noncustodial parent is self-employed.)
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2. I have a new employer. How can I get my employer to withhold child support from my wages?
You are required to report any change in employment to our agency within ten (10) days by contacting our Customer Service Unit at 800-332-6347. Our agency will issue an Administrative Earnings Withholding Order to your employer. You must make the payments yourself until your employer begins to make the deduction. Please send your payments to:

Your nine digit case number must appear on all payments.
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3. Can you assist me in custody and visitation matters?
No. This office is only permitted to deal with issues concerning paternity and child support. To obtain representation in custody and visitation matters you must retain private counsel at your own expense. You may wish to contact the Dorchester County Circuit Court and speak with Amy Craig at 410-228-1395 to obtain information pertaining to the Pro Se' Clinic.
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4. I am a non-custodial parent, but my child now lives with me. Can my child support order be changed?
Yes. When there is a change in custody of the child, you can contact our office to modify or suspend the Order.
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5. How long am I obligated to pay child support?
Child support generally continues until the minor child emancipates or until otherwise noted in the child support order. Under Maryland Law, child support continues until the minor child reaches the age of 18 or 19 if the child is enrolled in secondary school. If there is past due support (arrears) owed on the child support case, this agency will continue to enforce payment until the arrears are paid in full.
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6. My income has been reduced since my court order was established. How do I apply for a decrease in child support?
Send written request to the Dorchester County Office of Child Support Enforcement, P.O. Box 259, Cambridge, MD 21613 or call our Customer Service Unit at 800-332-6347.
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7. I consented/was ordered to make an additional monthly payment towards the arrears and have not missed a payment. I am now receiving notices that my tax refunds will be intercepted or that I will be reported to the credit bureau reporting agencies, etc. Why am I being subjected to these enforcement actions when I am in compliance with my court order?
Although a child support order may include a provision requiring you to pay a certain amount toward your back due child support, this agency is required to collect the arrearage as required by State and Federal law. All child support arrearages are due immediately and therefore, certain tools will be employed immediately to effect collection. Certain automated processes are in place to collect the arrearage and automatically occur. These automated processes include but are not limited to: