Maryland Child Support Calculator

Maryland uses the income shares model. Maryland uses the Income Shares Model under Md. Code, Family Law § 12-204. Both parents' adjusted actual incomes are combined, and the guidelines table determines a basic child support obligation based on the number of children and combined income. Each parent's share is proportional to their percentage of combined income. The calculation includes adjustments for health insurance premiums, child care costs, and extraordinary medical expenses. As of October 1, 2025, a multifamily adjustment allows reduction based on other children a parent supports.

Gross income from all sources is typically used, including wages, salary, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, rental income, investment income, Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, and disability benefits. Courts may also impute income if a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.

Child support in Maryland generally continues until the child turns 18, or through high school graduation if the child is still in school. Some orders extend to age 19 or 21 depending on the state and circumstances (college support, special needs).

Yes, child support orders in Maryland can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances. Common reasons include significant income changes (job loss, promotion), changes in custody arrangement, changes in the child's needs, or changes in healthcare costs.

Maryland has enforcement mechanisms including wage garnishment, tax refund interception, license suspension (driver's and professional), bank account levies, contempt of court charges, and reporting to credit bureaus. Failure to pay can result in fines and jail time.