I had a child support matter last week.  These are often very pro forma because Maryland has "guidelines" and when everyone is a W-2 employee, you just plug in the numbers.  But, the guidelines allow for a partie's income to be reduced by the "amount of previously ordered child support actually paid".  Almost no one pays attention to the "actually paid" part.  The H testified he WAS NOT paying that previously ordered support but the Magistrate allowed the deduction anyway.  To make a long story, short... The Magistrate called and apologized, acknowledged his mistake and corrected it.  There is a first for everything... When you are looking for an attorney, make sure it is one who reads the rules and the cases and knows the questions to ask...