How to Calculate Child Support in Maryland (UPDATED: July 2024)

Since October 1, 2018, Maryland’s mutual consent divorce law allows couples with minor children to divorce without a separation period if they resolve custody, child support, and property matters in a written agreement. Even outside of a mutual consent divorce, understanding Maryland’s updated child support formula is essential

Hiring a family law attorney who is experienced with the Maryland Courts and Maryland Child Support Guidelines can help you establish, pay, or receive the correct amount of child support appropriate for you and your child(ren).

2024 Updates at a Glance

Maryland’s child support laws have undergone significant changes in recent years. Here are the most important updates parents should know:

Shared custody threshold lowered from 128 to 92 overnights per year (effective Oct. 1, 2020).
Self-support reserve added to ensure paying parents retain at least 110% of the federal poverty level (effective Oct. 1, 2020).
Courts now apply the current Child Support Guidelines to all modification requests, even for older orders (effective Oct. 1, 2022).
Maryland’s Child Support Guidelines Worksheet and calculators were updated to reflect these changes.
High-income cases (over $30,000/month combined) are no longer bound by the formula and may be adjusted based on the child’s actual needs.

What Is the Maryland Child Support Calculator?

Maryland developed and implemented the Child Support Guidelines (commonly known as the Maryland Child Support Calculator), which the Courts use to calculate and establish the amount of child support payable in the event of separation and divorce.

Under the Maryland Child Support Guidelines, the amount of child support varies if the parents share physical custody. Maryland considers physical custody to be shared when each parent has the child for at least 92 overnights per year. If one parent has the child for more than 92 overnights, they are considered to have primary physical custody.

Factors that Impact Maryland Child Support Payments

In calculating child support in Maryland, the court will examine these income sources and expenses:

The parents’ actual income from all sources, including wages, benefits (such as disability or Social Security), alimony from other former spouses, and bonuses.
Costs of health insurance and any health expenses for the child or children that aren’t covered by insurance (counseling, dental work, etc.)
Child care expenses relating to work, including before and after-school programs
Self-support reserve. Maryland ensures that the parent paying child support retains at least 110% of the federal poverty level to meet their own basic needs.

These factors help the court determine the total child support obligation, which is then divided based on each parent’s income and time spent with the child. A Maryland Circuit Court judge or magistrate will use these guidelines unless one of the parents can show that doing so would be unjust or inappropriate in that case, regardless of which parent pays or receives support.

A family law attorney can help you understand your child support obligations and modify an existing child support obligation if your employment circumstances, income, or custodial circumstances have changed.

The formula no longer binds high-income cases (where combined income exceeds $30,000/month), the court may depart from the Guidelines and base support on the child’s actual needs.

FAQ’s: How to Calculate Child Support in Maryland

How does Maryland calculate child support in 2025?

Maryland uses an income shares model based on both parents’ incomes, the number of overnights each parent has, and expenses like health insurance and childcare. If parents share at least 92 overnights per year, a shared custody formula applies.

Can I modify my child support order if my income or custody changes?

Yes. A material change in circumstances, such as job loss, pay increase, or new custody arrangement, can justify modification. Courts use the most current Child Support Guidelines for any updates.

Do expenses like clothes or gifts reduce my support payments?

No. Out-of-pocket expenses during your parenting time, like school supplies or birthday gifts, do not reduce your child support obligation.

Can I claim my child on taxes if I pay support?

Only the custodial parent can claim the child unless they sign IRS Form 8332, which authorizes the non-custodial parent to claim the child. This allows the other parent to do so. Tax rules can get complicated in shared custody cases.

What if a parent avoids work to lower their payment?

If the parent owing support is found to be voluntarily impoverished, the court can assign them an estimated income, called imputed income, to ensure child support is still paid fairly.

Contact an Experienced Child Support Lawyer

As Maryland’s child support laws evolve, you deserve a family law attorney who’s up to date on the latest guidelines. Contact Coover Law Firm to ensure your rights are protected.

Call us today at (410) 553-5042 or fill out a contact form to schedule an initial consultation with Howard County Family Law Attorney Fred L. Coover, Esquire in our Columbia, MD offices. For directions to our office, please click here.

Disclaimer: The information in this blog post is provided for general educational & informational purposes only. It is not intended to convey legal advice or serve as a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter.