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Maryland Child Support Calculator (2026)

In Maryland, child support is based on both parents' combined income and the number of children. The total is split between you based on how much each parent earns, and parenting time can change the amount. Use the free calculator below for an instant estimate.

How it's calculated
Both parents' income combined
Income used
Before-tax (gross)
Last updated
2024
Verified
2026-05-30

Source: MD Family Law § 12-204

Calculate Your Maryland Child Support

Free estimate — official Maryland guidelines

Include wages, salary, bonuses, and other income

How Much Is Child Support in Maryland?

If you make $60,000 a year in Maryland, child support for 1 child is estimated at $523 per month ($6,276 per year). This assumes the other parent earns approximately $36,000/year. Actual amounts depend on both parents' incomes, custody time, and add-on expenses (child care, health insurance).

$1,000/week ($52,000/year): approximately $479/month for 1 child.

Maryland Child Support Estimates by Income (2026)

Annual Income 1 Child 2 Children 3 Children
$40,000/yr $407/mo $565/mo $667/mo
$50,000/yr $468/mo $650/mo $768/mo
$60,000/yr $523/mo $726/mo $860/mo
$70,000/yr $571/mo $796/mo $942/mo
$80,000/yr $613/mo $857/mo $1,016/mo
$100,000/yr $690/mo $965/mo $1,146/mo
$120,000/yr $756/mo $1,059/mo $1,259/mo

Estimates assume the other parent earns 60% of your income. Actual amounts vary. Compare all states →

How Child Support Is Calculated in Maryland

Factors That Affect Child Support in Maryland

Both parents' adjusted actual gross incomes
Number of children
Health insurance costs for the children
Work-related child care costs
Extraordinary medical expenses
Custody arrangement (sole, shared at 25%+ overnights, or split)
Preexisting alimony or child support obligations
School and transportation expenses
Technical details and legal basis

Maryland uses the Income Shares model (MD Family Law § 12-204) to calculate child support. This model combines both parents' incomes to determine the total obligation, then divides it proportionally based on each parent's share.

Important Notes for Maryland

  • • Maryland uses the Income Shares model, combining both parents' adjusted actual incomes to determine the total child support obligation.
  • • Adjusted actual income is gross income minus preexisting child support obligations and alimony paid.
  • • Maryland provides separate guidelines for sole physical custody (primary custody), shared physical custody (each parent has 25% or more overnights, changed from 35% effective Oct 2020 via HB 269), and split custody.
  • • The court may deviate from guidelines for extraordinary medical expenses, independent income of the child, or other factors making the guidelines unjust.

Example Calculation

Scenario: Parent A earns $5,000/month, Parent B earns $3,000/month, 2 children.

Step 1: Combined income: $8,000

Step 2: Parent A's share: $5,000 / $8,000 = 62.5%

Step 3: Look up basic obligation for $8,000 combined and 2 children.

Step 4: Multiply by Parent A's share (62.5%).

Adjustments for health insurance, child care, and parenting time may apply.

Key Facts: Child Support in Maryland

  • Maryland uses the Income Shares model, meaning child support is based on both parents' combined adjusted actual income.
  • The basic child support obligation for 1 child ranges from approximately $105/month at $1,050 combined income to $1,630/month at $30,000 combined monthly income.
  • Each parent pays their proportional share of the total obligation based on their percentage of the combined income.
  • Shared physical custody applies when each parent has at least 25% of overnights (changed from 35% effective Oct 2020), using a separate formula that accounts for direct costs during parenting time.
  • Adjusted actual income is gross income minus preexisting child support obligations and alimony payments.

Maryland Child Support FAQ

How is child support calculated in Maryland?
Maryland uses the Income Shares model. Both parents' adjusted actual incomes (gross income minus preexisting child support and alimony) are combined, and a basic obligation is found in the guidelines schedule. Each parent pays their proportional share based on their percentage of the combined income. Costs for health insurance, child care, and extraordinary medical expenses are added and shared proportionally.
What is shared physical custody for child support in Maryland?
Maryland defines shared physical custody for child support purposes as each parent having the child for at least 25% of annual overnights (approximately 92 nights per year, changed from 35% effective October 2020 via HB 269). When this threshold is met, Maryland uses a separate shared custody formula that reduces the basic obligation to account for the direct costs each parent incurs during their parenting time.
What income counts for Maryland child support?
Maryland uses adjusted actual income, which is gross income from all sources (wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, self-employment, pensions, Social Security, rental income) minus preexisting child support obligations and alimony paid. The court may impute potential income to a parent who is voluntarily impoverished.
What is the maximum combined income for the Maryland guidelines?
The Maryland child support guidelines schedule covers combined adjusted incomes up to $30,000 per month. For combined incomes above this amount, the court uses the amount at $30,000 as a minimum and determines an additional amount based on the child's needs and the parents' financial circumstances.
How long does child support last in Maryland?
In Maryland, child support typically continues until the child turns 18. However, support may continue until age 19 if the child is still enrolled in secondary school. The court may also order support for a child with a disability beyond age 18 if the child cannot be self-supporting.

About This Calculator

Uses the official MD Family Law § 12-204 (2024 guidelines). Last verified: 2026-05-30.

Disclaimer: Estimates only, not legal advice. Actual amounts are set by Maryland courts. Full disclaimer.

Methodology: Income Shares model per MD Family Law § 12-204.

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