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Maryland Child Support Calculator

Estimate child support payments using Maryland's income shares model based on both parents' gross income, number of children, and parenting time

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How It Works

01

Enter Both Parents' Income

Input each parent's monthly gross income before taxes. Maryland uses each parent's actual income as the basis for child support calculations under Md. Family Law § 12-204.

02

Specify Number of Children

Enter the number of children covered by the support order. Maryland's schedule provides different obligation amounts based on the number of children.

03

Add Parenting Time and Costs

Enter the number of overnights per year for the non-custodial parent (92+ triggers the shared physical custody formula). Add childcare and health insurance costs for the children.

04

Get Your Estimate

Receive an estimated monthly child support payment based on Maryland guidelines, including a full breakdown of the calculation and any shared physical custody adjustments.

Why Use This Calculator?

Get a quick estimate based on Maryland law before consulting an attorney.

Md. Family Law § 12-204 Schedule

Uses the same income shares schedule Maryland courts apply under the statutory guidelines for accurate estimates.

Shared Custody Adjustment

Applies Maryland's shared physical custody formula for 92+ overnights, including the 1.5x multiplier and the 25-30% band adjustment.

Full Cost Inclusion

Factors in childcare and health insurance costs just like Maryland guidelines require for a complete estimate.

Calculate Your Child Support Estimate

Enter your details below to estimate child support payments under Maryland law.

Income Information

$

Total income before taxes and deductions

$

Total income before taxes and deductions

Children & Parenting Time

92+ overnights (more than 25%) triggers the shared physical custody formula (max 365)

Additional Monthly Costs

$
$

Maryland Parenting Time Thresholds

How overnights affect child support calculations in Maryland

0-91 overnights

Sole Physical Custody

Under 25% time

Worksheet A applies. The non-custodial parent pays their full proportional share of the basic obligation plus add-on expenses.

92-109 overnights

Shared Physical Custody

25-30% time

Worksheet B applies: the basic obligation is multiplied by 1.5, allocated by income and overnights, with an added 2-10% band adjustment that phases out the closer you get to 30%.

110-365 overnights

Shared Physical Custody

30%+ time

Worksheet B still applies with the 1.5x multiplier, but the 25-30% band add-on no longer applies. The payment is the net of each parent's allocated share.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Maryland child support

How is child support calculated in Maryland?

Maryland uses the income shares model under Md. Family Law § 12-204 and the Maryland Child Support Guidelines. Both parents' monthly adjusted actual incomes are combined to determine a basic child support obligation from the guidelines schedule. That obligation is divided proportionally based on each parent's share of the combined income. Maryland also applies a shared physical custody adjustment when each parent has the child for at least 92 overnights per year.

What counts as gross income in Maryland child support?

Income in Maryland includes income from all sources including wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, dividends, severance pay, pensions, interest, trust income, annuities, Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, disability insurance benefits, workers' compensation, and alimony received. Maryland courts may impute potential income to a parent who is voluntarily impoverished, meaning voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.

How does parenting time affect Maryland child support?

Maryland uses two formulas. The sole physical custody formula applies when one parent has the child for fewer than 92 overnights per year. The shared physical custody formula applies when each parent has the child for at least 92 overnights (~25%). Under the shared formula, the basic obligation is increased by a multiplier and then allocated based on each parent's share of overnights, which can substantially reduce the support amount.

Can Maryland child support be modified?

Yes, either parent can petition to modify child support when there has been a material change in circumstances. Common reasons include a significant change in either parent's income, a change in the custody or overnight schedule, changes in work-related childcare or health insurance costs, or a child aging out of the order. The change must be material and was not contemplated when the existing order was entered.

How long does child support last in Maryland?

In Maryland, child support generally continues until the child turns 18. If the child is still enrolled in secondary school at 18, support continues until the child graduates or turns 19, whichever comes first. Support may continue beyond that for a child with a disability who cannot be self-supporting. Maryland courts generally do not order parents to pay for college as part of a child support order.

Are childcare and health insurance included in the calculation?

Yes. Under Maryland's guidelines, work-related childcare expenses and the cost of the child's health insurance are added to the basic child support obligation before it is divided between the parents. Extraordinary medical expenses and certain school or transportation costs may also be added. Each parent's share of these additional costs is proportional to their share of the combined adjusted income.

Is this calculator accurate for my situation?

This calculator provides an estimate based on the Maryland child support guidelines. Actual court-ordered support may differ because judges may deviate from the guidelines when applying them would be unjust or inappropriate based on factors including the particular needs of the child, the parents' resources, and other relevant circumstances. Consult a Maryland family law attorney for an accurate assessment.

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