Maryland Divorce with Children
Everything you need to know about divorce with children in Maryland — custody types, child support guidelines, parenting plans, and protecting your children through the process. Updated for 2026.
Types of Custody in Maryland
Legal Custody
The right to make major decisions about your child's education, healthcare, religion, and welfare.
Physical Custody
Determines where the child lives on a day-to-day basis and the parenting time schedule.
"Best Interests of the Child" Factors
Maryland courts consider multiple factors when determining custody arrangements:
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Divorce.ai helps you build a comprehensive parenting plan that meets Maryland court requirements.
Child Support in Maryland
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.
Official Maryland child support calculator →Factors Considered
Mandatory Parenting Course
Maryland requires both parents to complete a parenting education course when filing for divorce with minor children.
When minor children are involved, both parents may be required by the court to attend a parenting education program, typically 4-6 hours. The course can usually be completed online or in-person. Cost is approximately $25. The requirement varies by county and judge discretion.
Typical cost: $25
Protect your children through the process
Divorce.ai helps you create a child-focused parenting plan and prepares all custody-related Maryland forms.
What Goes in a Parenting Plan?
A comprehensive parenting plan should cover:
Regular Parenting Schedule
Week-by-week schedule of where the child lives and when transitions occur.
Holiday & Vacation Schedule
How holidays, school breaks, and vacation time are divided between parents.
Decision-Making Authority
Who makes decisions about education, healthcare, extracurriculars, and religious upbringing.
Communication Rules
How the child communicates with the non-custodial parent (phone, video calls, etc.).
Transportation & Exchange
Who handles pickups/dropoffs and where exchanges occur.
Dispute Resolution
How disagreements about the parenting plan will be resolved (mediation first, then court).
Relocation Rules
Notice requirements and procedure if either parent wants to move.
Tips for Protecting Your Children During Divorce
Never speak negatively about the other parent in front of your children. It puts them in the middle and can harm your custody case.
Maintain routines. Keep school, activities, and daily routines as consistent as possible during the transition.
Communicate openly with your children in age-appropriate ways. Let them know the divorce is not their fault.
Consider counseling. A child therapist can help children process their emotions during this time.