Maryland uses the income shares model to calculate child support under Md. Code, Family Law § 12-204. The state publishes a schedule of basic child support obligations based on combined parental income up to $30,000 per month and the number of children, producing monthly obligations ranging from $50 for one child at the lowest income bracket to $7,020 for six or more children at the highest bracket. Filing a child support petition in a Maryland Circuit Court costs approximately $165, and a parent must demonstrate Maryland residency to invoke the court's jurisdiction. As of October 1, 2025, House Bill 275 introduced a multifamily adjustment that reduces a parent's adjusted actual income when supporting children from multiple households.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Calculation Model | Income shares model (Md. Code Fam. Law § 12-202) |
| Governing Statute | Md. Code, Family Law §§ 12-201 through 12-204 |
| Filing Fee | Approximately $165 (varies by county, up to $215) |
| Worksheets | Worksheet A (primary custody) and Worksheet B (shared custody) |
| Shared Custody Threshold | 92 or more overnights per year (25%+ parenting time) |
| Income Schedule Cap | $30,000 combined monthly adjusted actual income |
| Modification Threshold | 25% change in either parent's income |
| 2025 Update | Multifamily adjustment (HB 275, effective October 1, 2025) |
| Residency Requirement | Must reside in Maryland; 6 months if grounds arose outside the state |
| Fee Waiver | Available at or below 125% of federal poverty level |
What Is the Maryland Child Support Calculator and How Does It Work?
The Maryland child support calculator is a tool that applies the income shares model codified in Md. Code, Family Law § 12-204 to estimate monthly child support obligations based on both parents' incomes, the number of children, and specific deductions. Maryland courts require every child support proceeding to apply these guidelines, and the calculator automates the multi-step worksheet process that judges use in Circuit Court.
Maryland's income shares model is designed to approximate the amount parents would have spent on their children had the family remained intact. The Maryland General Assembly adopted this approach under Md. Code, Family Law § 12-202, which mandates that courts use the child support guidelines in every proceeding to establish or modify support, whether the order is temporary (pendente lite) or permanent.
The calculation proceeds in five steps. First, both parents' monthly actual incomes are determined. Second, those incomes are adjusted for preexisting child support obligations, alimony paid or received, and (as of October 2025) the multifamily adjustment. Third, the adjusted incomes are combined into a single figure. Fourth, the schedule in § 12-204(e) produces a basic child support obligation based on that combined income and the number of children. Fifth, the basic obligation is divided between the parents in proportion to their individual shares of combined income. Health insurance premiums, work-related childcare costs, and extraordinary medical expenses are then added and divided proportionally.
How Do I Calculate My Income for the Maryland Child Support Worksheet?
Maryland defines "actual income" under Md. Code, Family Law § 12-201(b) as all income from any source, including salaries, wages, commissions, bonuses, dividends, pensions, Social Security benefits, workers' compensation, unemployment insurance, alimony received, and rental income. A parent earning $75,000 annually has a monthly actual income of $6,250 before adjustments.
Maryland courts include virtually every source of recurring economic benefit. The following categories count as actual income under § 12-201(b):
- Salary, wages, and overtime pay
- Commissions, bonuses, and profit-sharing distributions
- Social Security benefits (retirement, disability, and survivor)
- Workers' compensation and disability insurance
- Unemployment insurance benefits
- Pension and retirement fund withdrawals
- Interest and dividend income
- Rental income and royalties
- Alimony received from any source
- Capital gains and trust distributions
If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the court may impute income based on that parent's education, work history, and earning capacity. Maryland courts routinely impute income when a parent leaves a job without justification or works below demonstrated capacity. The imputation applies the wage that parent could reasonably earn, not simply minimum wage.
What Is the Difference Between Worksheet A and Worksheet B?
Maryland uses Worksheet A (form CC-DR-034) when one parent has primary physical custody with the child spending fewer than 92 overnights per year with the noncustodial parent, and Worksheet B (form CC-DR-035) when both parents share physical custody with each parent having 92 or more overnights per year. The 92-overnight threshold represents 25% of the year and triggers a materially different calculation under Md. Code, Family Law § 12-204(d).
Worksheet A is the simpler calculation. The court determines combined adjusted actual income, looks up the basic obligation in the schedule, and divides it proportionally between parents. The noncustodial parent pays their share directly to the custodial parent.
Worksheet B applies a shared-custody adjustment that accounts for duplicated expenses when children spend substantial time in both households. The basic obligation is multiplied by 1.5 to reflect these duplicated costs. Each parent's share is then calculated based on their proportion of combined income, and the amounts are offset against each other. The parent with the higher obligation pays the difference.
For example, if combined monthly income is $10,000 with two children, the basic obligation under the schedule is $1,881. Under Worksheet A, a noncustodial parent earning 60% of combined income would owe $1,129 per month. Under Worksheet B, the $1,881 is multiplied by 1.5 ($2,822), each parent's share is calculated based on income proportion and time spent, and the net transfer could be significantly less after the offset.
What Does the Maryland Child Support Schedule Look Like?
The schedule of basic child support obligations under Md. Code, Family Law § 12-204(e) covers combined adjusted actual income from $0 to $30,000 per month, with obligations increasing as income and number of children rise. For one child at $5,000 combined monthly income, the basic obligation is $924; for two children at the same income, the obligation is $1,356.
| Combined Monthly Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children | 4 Children | 5 Children | 6+ Children |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,200 | $50* | $55* | $57* | $58* | $59* | $60* |
| $2,000 | $403 | $591 | $658 | $667 | $675 | $684 |
| $5,000 | $924 | $1,356 | $1,639 | $1,831 | $2,014 | $2,189 |
| $10,000 | $1,345 | $1,881 | $2,257 | $2,521 | $2,773 | $3,014 |
| $15,000 | $2,163 | $3,021 | $3,460 | $3,865 | $4,251 | $4,621 |
| $20,000 | $2,494 | $3,542 | $4,055 | $4,529 | $4,982 | $5,415 |
| $30,000 | $3,163 | $4,596 | $5,256 | $5,871 | $6,458 | $7,020 |
*Asterisked amounts are adjusted by the self-support reserve, which protects low-income parents from obligations that would push them below subsistence level.
When combined adjusted actual income exceeds $30,000 per month, the court exercises discretion in setting the child support amount. Maryland courts typically extrapolate from the schedule's upper range but are not bound by the formula at incomes above $360,000 annually.
What Additional Expenses Are Added Beyond the Basic Obligation?
Maryland adds three categories of expenses on top of the basic child support obligation: work-related childcare costs, health insurance premiums for the children, and extraordinary medical expenses, all divided between parents in proportion to their adjusted actual incomes under Md. Code, Family Law § 12-204(g)-(i). Average annual childcare costs in Maryland exceed $14,000 per child for center-based care, making this addition substantial for many families.
Work-related childcare includes daycare, after-school programs, and summer camps necessary for a parent to maintain employment or pursue education. Maryland courts require that childcare expenses be reasonable and that the provider be a licensed facility or registered individual. The court subtracts any applicable federal or state tax credits before dividing the net childcare cost between parents.
Health insurance premiums for the children are separated from the parent's individual coverage cost. If a parent pays $600 per month for a family health insurance plan and $200 of that premium is attributable to the children's coverage, only the $200 is added to the basic obligation. Courts may order either parent to maintain health insurance based on availability, cost, and the children's existing medical providers.
Extraordinary medical expenses include uninsured or unreimbursed medical, dental, orthodontic, psychological, and therapeutic costs. Maryland courts typically define "extraordinary" as expenses exceeding $250 per child per year beyond what the basic obligation covers. These are added to the basic obligation and divided proportionally.
How Does the 2025 Multifamily Adjustment Change the Calculation?
House Bill 275, effective October 1, 2025, introduced a multifamily adjustment to Maryland's child support guidelines under Md. Code, Family Law § 12-201(c), reducing a parent's adjusted actual income by 75% of the basic obligation for additional children living in the parent's household for more than 92 overnights per year. This adjustment applies only to orders entered or modified on or after October 1, 2025.
Before HB 275, Maryland's child support guidelines treated each support case in isolation. A parent paying $800 per month for one child while supporting three additional children at home received no calculation credit for those household children. The new multifamily adjustment addresses this inequity by reducing the parent's adjusted actual income before the primary child support calculation begins.
The calculation works as follows: the court determines the basic child support obligation for the additional children using only the claiming parent's income (not the other parent's). That obligation is multiplied by 0.75, and the resulting amount is subtracted from the parent's actual income. For example, if a parent earns $5,000 per month and the schedule shows a $550 obligation for one additional child at that income level, the deduction would be $413 ($550 multiplied by 0.75), reducing the parent's adjusted actual income to $4,587 before the primary child support calculation.
Three requirements must be met to claim the multifamily adjustment:
- The additional child must reside with the parent for more than 92 overnights per year
- The parent must owe a legal duty of support for that child (biological or adopted)
- The parent must provide documentation such as birth certificates, school enrollment records, or custody agreements
What Are the Low-Income Protections in Maryland Child Support?
Maryland's self-support reserve protects parents earning at or near poverty level from child support obligations that would reduce their income below a basic subsistence threshold, as reflected by the asterisked amounts in the § 12-204(e) schedule. Related 2025 legislation shields parents earning at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (approximately $3,938 per month for a single individual in 2026) from certain enforcement actions including license suspension.
The self-support reserve operates automatically within the schedule. At a combined monthly income of $1,200, the basic obligation for one child is only $50 per month rather than the amount the standard formula would produce. As income increases, the self-support adjustment phases out. By approximately $1,650 in combined monthly income, obligations for one child reach standard formula amounts.
Maryland also changed its driver's license suspension enforcement timeline under the October 2025 reforms. The previous law allowed the Child Support Administration (CSA) to initiate license suspension after 60 days of nonpayment. The new law extends this grace period to 120 days, giving parents additional time to cure arrears before facing employment-threatening license suspension. Maryland child support enforcement recognizes that suspending a parent's license can eliminate their ability to earn the income needed to pay support.
How Do I Modify an Existing Child Support Order in Maryland?
Either parent may petition to modify an existing Maryland child support order by filing form CC-DRIN-006 in the Circuit Court that issued the original order, demonstrating a material change in circumstances such as a 25% or greater change in either parent's income under Md. Code, Family Law § 12-104. The filing fee for a modification petition is approximately $50 to $80, depending on the county.
Maryland courts consider the following as material changes in circumstances:
- A 25% or greater increase or decrease in either parent's income
- A change in the number of overnights (crossing the 92-overnight shared custody threshold)
- A child aging out of daycare, significantly reducing childcare expenses
- A change in health insurance availability or cost
- A child developing special medical or educational needs
- The multifamily adjustment becoming applicable (for orders predating October 1, 2025)
The modification does not happen automatically. A parent must affirmatively file the petition and demonstrate the change. Maryland courts will not retroactively modify support before the date the petition was filed, so prompt filing after a material change is critical. The new guidelines under HB 275 (multifamily adjustment, extended license suspension timeline) apply only to orders entered or modified on or after October 1, 2025. A parent with a pre-existing order who qualifies for the multifamily adjustment should file for modification promptly.
How Do I File for Child Support in Maryland?
To file for child support in Maryland, a parent files a complaint or petition in the Circuit Court of the county where either parent resides, pays the filing fee of approximately $165, and serves the other parent with the complaint and a summons under Maryland Rule 2-121. The court will schedule a hearing, and both parents must complete either Worksheet A or Worksheet B and submit financial documentation.
The step-by-step process:
- Determine the correct court: File in the Circuit Court of the county where you or the other parent resides. Maryland has 24 Circuit Courts, one for each county and Baltimore City.
- Obtain forms: Download form CC-DR-004 (Complaint/Counter-Complaint for Child Support) from the Maryland Courts website.
- Complete the child support worksheet: Use Worksheet A (CC-DR-034) if you have primary custody, or Worksheet B (CC-DR-035) if custody is shared with 92 or more overnights per year for each parent.
- Gather financial documentation: Pay stubs (3-6 months), tax returns (2 years), W-2 forms, records of all income sources, health insurance premium statements, and childcare expense receipts.
- File and pay: Submit the complaint and worksheet to the Circuit Court clerk. The filing fee is approximately $165 in most counties (as of March 2026; verify with your local clerk). Fee waivers are available for parents with household income at or below 125% of the federal poverty level.
- Serve the other parent: Arrange service of process through a sheriff or private process server. Maryland requires personal service for initial complaints.
- Attend the hearing: Both parents present financial evidence. The court applies the child support guidelines and enters an order.
Alternatively, a parent can contact the Maryland Child Support Administration (CSA) through the Department of Human Services. CSA provides free services to locate noncustodial parents, establish paternity, and obtain child support orders through administrative proceedings.
What Happens When Combined Income Exceeds $30,000 Per Month?
When combined adjusted actual income exceeds $30,000 per month ($360,000 annually), the Maryland child support guidelines schedule under Md. Code, Family Law § 12-204 no longer provides a specific obligation amount, and the court exercises discretion based on the children's needs and the parents' financial circumstances. Maryland courts typically extrapolate above the schedule but are not required to follow any specific formula.
At the $30,000 income cap, the basic obligation for one child is $3,163 per month ($37,956 annually). For two children, the obligation is $4,596 per month ($55,152 annually). Courts handling high-income cases often consider the children's established standard of living, educational expenses including private school tuition, extracurricular activity costs, and travel expenses for custody exchanges.
Maryland courts have wide latitude above the schedule cap. Some judges extrapolate the schedule's growth rate to estimate obligations at higher income levels. Others apply a needs-based analysis, examining actual expenditures on the children. In contested high-income cases, forensic accountants may testify about the parents' true income and the children's reasonable needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Maryland Child Support Calculator
Can I use the Maryland child support calculator before filing for divorce?
Yes, any parent can use a child support calculator or complete the official worksheets before filing for divorce or separation in Maryland. The calculator uses the same § 12-204 schedule that courts apply, producing an estimate of the likely obligation. Gathering income documentation and running the calculation before filing helps parents plan budgets and assess whether negotiation or mediation may produce an agreed order.
Does Maryland impute income to an unemployed parent?
Maryland courts impute income to a parent who is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed under Md. Code, Family Law § 12-201(b). The court considers the parent's education, work history, occupational qualifications, and prevailing job market conditions. A parent who earned $80,000 annually and quit without justification would likely have income imputed at or near that level for child support calculation purposes.
How often is the Maryland child support schedule updated?
The Maryland General Assembly reviews the child support guidelines schedule every four years as required by federal law (42 U.S.C. § 667). The most recent substantive update occurred in 2025 with House Bill 275, which added the multifamily adjustment effective October 1, 2025. The underlying schedule amounts in § 12-204(e) are periodically adjusted to reflect changes in the cost of raising children.
What if the other parent hides income from the Maryland child support calculator?
Maryland courts have broad discovery powers to uncover hidden income, including subpoenaing bank records, tax returns, and employer records under Maryland Rule 2-422. If a court finds that a parent concealed income or assets, the court may impute additional income, award attorney's fees to the discovering parent, and hold the concealing parent in contempt. Penalties for contempt include fines and incarceration for up to 12 months.
Does overtime count as income for Maryland child support?
Overtime pay is included as actual income under Md. Code, Family Law § 12-201(b) for Maryland child support calculations. Maryland courts generally include regular and consistent overtime in the income calculation. If overtime is irregular or recently increased, the court may average overtime earnings over a 12-to-24-month period to prevent manipulation of the calculation.
How does shared custody affect the Maryland child support calculation?
Shared physical custody (92 or more overnights per year for each parent) triggers Worksheet B under Md. Code, Family Law § 12-204(d), which multiplies the basic obligation by 1.5 and offsets each parent's proportional share. Shared custody typically reduces the net transfer payment compared to primary custody arrangements because the court recognizes duplicated household expenses.
Can Maryland child support be modified if I lose my job?
An involuntary job loss constitutes a material change in circumstances under Maryland law, entitling either parent to petition for modification. The modification takes effect only from the date the petition is filed, not retroactively to the date of job loss. Filing promptly is essential. Maryland courts will examine whether the job loss was truly involuntary and whether the parent is making reasonable efforts to find comparable employment.
Does the Maryland child support calculator account for college expenses?
Maryland is one of the few states that can order child support to continue through college. Under Md. Code, Family Law § 12-201(a), "child" includes an individual under 19, but the court may order support for a child up to age 21 if the child is enrolled in secondary school. College-specific contribution orders are handled separately and depend on the parents' financial resources, the child's academic ability, and the cost of the institution.
What is the self-support reserve in the Maryland child support schedule?
The self-support reserve is a built-in protection in the § 12-204(e) schedule that reduces child support obligations for parents at the lowest income levels to prevent their income from dropping below subsistence. At $1,200 combined monthly income, the obligation for one child is only $50 (marked with an asterisk in the schedule), compared to the substantially higher amount the standard formula would produce. The reserve phases out as income increases above approximately $1,650 per month.
How long does it take to get a child support order in Maryland?
A Maryland Circuit Court typically issues a child support order within 30 to 90 days of filing, depending on whether the case is contested. Uncontested cases where both parents agree on income figures and custody arrangements can be resolved in a single hearing scheduled approximately 30 to 45 days after filing. Contested cases requiring discovery, income verification, and custody determinations may take 60 to 90 days or longer.
Reviewed by Antonio G. Jimenez, Esq. | Florida Bar No. 21022 | Covering Maryland divorce law
As of March 2026. Verify all filing fees with your local Circuit Court clerk. This guide provides general legal information and is not a substitute for advice from a Maryland-licensed attorney. Child support calculations depend on individual circumstances that a calculator cannot fully capture.