How child support is calculated in Maryland
How the guideline works, what the official calculator needs, and the low-income and health insurance rules.
Checked against official sources: Oct 25, 2026.
Short answer
Maryland uses the income-shares model: both parents' incomes count, and each parent pays a share of the child's support. Both parents' monthly adjusted actual incomes are added together. The state schedule gives a basic amount for that income and number of children, and each parent pays a share in proportion to their income.
- Model
- Income shares
- Official calculator
- Official Maryland child support calculator
The official Maryland calculator
Both parents' monthly adjusted actual incomes are added together. The state schedule gives a basic amount for that income and number of children, and each parent pays a share in proportion to their income. Work-related child care, health insurance and extraordinary medical costs (over $250 a year) are added and split the same way. Shared custody starts at more than 25% of overnights (92 or more).
Law: Md. Code, Family Law §§12-201 to 12-204
We don't estimate Maryland's amount here: its formula uses both parents' incomes and other facts, and a home-made number could mislead you. The official tool gives the real starting number:
The Maryland guideline, step by step
Both parents' monthly adjusted actual incomes are added together. The state schedule gives a basic amount for that income and number of children, and each parent pays a share in proportion to their income. Work-related child care, health insurance and extraordinary medical costs (over $250 a year) are added and split the same way. Shared custody starts at more than 25% of overnights (92 or more).
Law: Md. Code, Family Law §§12-201 to 12-204
The low-income rule in Maryland
The schedule includes a self-support reserve so the paying parent keeps at least 110% of the 2019 federal poverty level for one person after support and taxes. At a combined income of $0 to $1,200 a month, the schedule amount is $50 for one child up to $60 for six or more.
Law: Md. Code, Fam. Law §§12-201(n), 12-204(e)
State guidelines may not treat time in jail or prison as choosing not to work, when support is set or changed.
Law: 45 CFR 302.56(c)(3)
Health insurance in Maryland
The actual cost of health insurance (medical, dental, prescription and vision) for the child is added to the basic support amount and split by income. Uninsured medical costs over $250 a year are split the same way.
Law: Md. Code, Fam. Law §§12-201(g)-(h), 12-204(h)
What the model means
Income shares means the child should get what the parents would spend if they lived together. Both incomes are combined, and each parent's share of the total sets their part.
Every state must have one set of child support guidelines, review them at least every 4 years, and use the guideline amount unless a written finding says it would be unjust.
Law: 45 CFR 302.56
In nearby states
- District of Columbia: Income shares
- New Jersey: Income shares
- Pennsylvania: Income shares
- Virginia: Income shares
Get your number in Maryland
Find the income numbers
Recent pay stubs and last year's tax return are the usual starting point.
Check the official calculator
The state's own tool gives the starting number: Official Maryland child support calculator.
Include other costs
Health insurance, child care and other costs can be added or shared as the state's rules say.
Get an order
Only a court or the agency can set the amount. Open a case with Maryland Department of Human Services, Child Support Administration (CSA) (1-800-332-6347) · Apply online
Talk to legal aid
Free help: Maryland Legal Aid.
Free help in Maryland
Questions about the Maryland guidelines
How does Maryland figure child support?
Both parents' monthly adjusted actual incomes are added together. The state schedule gives a basic amount for that income and number of children, and each parent pays a share in proportion to their income. Work-related child care, health insurance and extraordinary medical costs (over $250 a year) are added and split the same way. Shared custody starts at more than 25% of overnights (92 or more).
Where is the Maryland child support calculator?
What if the paying parent has a low income in Maryland?
The schedule includes a self-support reserve so the paying parent keeps at least 110% of the 2019 federal poverty level for one person after support and taxes. At a combined income of $0 to $1,200 a month, the schedule amount is $50 for one child up to $60 for six or more.
How are medical costs shared in Maryland?
The actual cost of health insurance (medical, dental, prescription and vision) for the child is added to the basic support amount and split by income. Uninsured medical costs over $250 a year are split the same way.
Related Maryland pages
Sources
- Md. Code, Family Law §§12-201 to 12-204
- Md. Code, Family Law §12-201 Definitions
- Md. Code, Family Law §12-202 Guidelines presumption
- Md. Code, Family Law §12-104 Modification
- Md. Code, Family Law §10-119 Driver's license suspension
- Md. Code, General Provisions §1-401 Age of majority; support to 19 in school
- CSA: How to Open a Child Support Case (fee disclosure)
- CSA: Enforcement Tools
- CSA: New Driver's License Suspension Law
- CSA: Multifamily Adjustment Law Changes
- Maryland Courts: Child Support
- Md. Code, Family Law §13-102 Destitute adult child
Last checked: Oct 25, 2026.