Maryland Child Support Calculator (2026)

Estimate your child support payments in Maryland using our free calculator based on the official MD Family Law § 12-204. Enter your income details below to get an instant estimate.

Maryland Child Support Calculator

Based on Maryland's 2024 MD Family Law § 12-204

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This is an estimate only. See our full disclaimer.

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 35% of overnights, 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.

Source: MD Family Law § 12-204 • Last verified: 2026-05-30

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) based on the MD Family Law § 12-204. This assumes the other parent earns approximately $36,000/year. Actual amounts depend on both parents' incomes, custody arrangements, and additional expenses.

If you make $1,000 a week ($52,000/year) in Maryland, child support for 1 child is approximately $479/month.

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 based on both parents' incomes, custody time, and adjustments. Compare all states →

How Child Support Is Calculated in Maryland

Maryland uses the Income Shares model to calculate child support obligations. This model combines both parents' incomes to determine the total child support obligation, then divides it proportionally based on each parent's share of the combined income.

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 35%+ overnights, or split)
Preexisting alimony or child support obligations
School and transportation expenses

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 35% or more overnights), 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 Child Support Calculation in Maryland

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

Step 1: Combined monthly income: $5,000 + $3,000 = $8,000

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

Step 3: Look up basic obligation from the guidelines schedule for $8,000 combined income and 2 children.

Step 4: Multiply the basic obligation by Parent A's share (62.5%) to determine their payment.

Note: Additional adjustments for health insurance, child care, and parenting time may apply.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Child Support

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 35% of annual overnights (approximately 128 nights per year). 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

This calculator uses the official MD Family Law § 12-204 (2024 guidelines) to estimate child support in Maryland. Calculations were last verified against the official source on 2026-05-30.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only and does not constitute legal advice. Actual child support amounts are determined by Maryland courts and may differ based on factors not included here. For legal advice, consult a Maryland family law attorney.

Our methodology: Based on the Income Shares model as defined in the MD Family Law § 12-204. Updated for 2026.

Child Support Calculators for Other States

Alabama Income Shares model Alaska Percentage of Income model Arizona Income Shares model Arkansas Income Shares model California Algebraic Formula (§ 4055) model Colorado Income Shares model

View all 50 state calculators →